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| UK Charity Reg No: 1203695 247
Story
Our Story
Dealing with current challenges requires problem-solvers who contribute different perspectives and are able to convert empathy into action. Bertha Matabela was a woman of compassion, honor, and generosity, whose actions spoke as loud as her words. She opened her home to those in need, always willing to offer shelter while facilitating the acquisition of a life-sustaining skill. Out of a desire to reach those in need of support and continue aiding the less fortunate, Bertha's Legacy was established.
Our goal is to maintain Bertha’s work in Zimbabwe and beyond, by not only helping people remove themselves from unbearable circumstances, but also providing support, advocacy, tools, and resources to empower them deal with the painful issues impacting their lives.
We’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support.
Mission
Our Mission
At Bertha's Legacy, our mission is to support women affected by gender-based violence, providing the tools and hope they need to rebuild their life on their own terms. We don’t just provide help; we offer a lifeline to women when they feel like they’ve run out of options.
We know that sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to turn next. That’s why we raise awareness, because silence should never be a woman’s only option. We connect women to support services, helping them find safety, legal guidance, or simply someone to talk to.
For those who aren’t ready or able to leave their situations, we offer skills and emotional tools that help them improve their current reality while they work toward a future of safety and independence.
Our mission goes beyond rescue, we’re here for the long haul.
Vision
Our Vision
We believe in a world where no woman has to live in fear, where every woman, no matter her circumstances, feels safe, valued, and empowered to live her life with dignity and hope. We’re working toward a future where gender-based violence is not just addressed, but eradicated.
We know the pain and isolation that comes with living in fear, and we are committed to creating a society where women don’t have to hide, stay silent, or endure violence in any form.
Our vision is not just about ending violence; it’s about giving every woman the chance to thrive, to reclaim her story, and to live in a world where she is truly free.
One woman at a time, one community at a time.
Values
Our Values
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WE EMPOWER: We believe that every woman holds an inner strength—even when she feels it’s been taken from her. Our job is to help her rediscover it. Whether through skills training or simply providing a safe space, we lift women up to remember their worth and reclaim their power.
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WE RESPECT: We know that each woman’s experience is deeply personal, and no two journeys are the same. We listen without judgment. We honor her story. When she speaks, we hear her, and we believe her. Every woman deserves to be heard, seen, and respected—especially when the world may have told her otherwise.
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WE ARE COMPASSIONATE: Compassion is at the core of everything we do. We understand that healing doesn’t happen overnight, and we are here every step of the way. Whether it’s offering a hand to hold in the darkest moments or providing practical support, we lead with kindness, patience, and a heart full of understanding.
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WE NURTURE RELATIONSHIPS: Healing and progress happen in community. We nurture relationships with every woman we serve, and we know that trust takes time. We are here to build connections that last—connections that support, uplift, and provide a network of care when it's needed most. And our relationships with funders, partners, and allies are just as crucial in allowing us to continue this important work.
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WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE: We understand that trust is earned, especially when it’s been broken. We hold ourselves to the highest standard of transparency and responsibility, ensuring that every action we take is in service of the women who need us. We will not stop until we have delivered on every promise we make.
Testimonials
Our Impact
Meet Our Team
Our Team Members
Sithembile Chigwada
Co-Founder
Zanele Bey
Co-Founder
Mazvita Kubwalo
Member
Florence Mangundya
Member
Impact
Impact since 2021
Our foundation was born from the understanding that these issues don’t exist in a vacuum. They are deeply intertwined with societal norms and expectations that can feel insurmountable. We are here to confront these challenges head-on.
1102 hours
of skills training delivered to survivors.
$ 22,085
invested in the empowerment of survivors.
14
volunteers from around the world have joined us.