The partnership expands Star for Life's programmes that equip young people with the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive and contribute positively to society, says the duo.

This renewed investment follows an R800 000 donation in 2025, focused on promoting gender equality, raising awareness around gender-based violence (GBV), and empowering young girls to reach their full potential. H&M will continue to support Star for Life's Daughters of Africa Girls Clubs at four high schools in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal — Ikusasalethu Secondary School and Letsibogo Girls High School in Soweto; Zenzeleni Mashamase High School in Mtunzini; and Shumayela Secondary School in Umlazi — while extending the impact to the Western Cape with the addition of a Girls Club at Wesbank Secondary School in Malmesbury.

In a significant step towards engaging all young people in building more equal and safer communities, the partnership will also introduce a Boys Club at Wesbank Secondary School. The Boys Club will create a safe space for open dialogue, strengthen boys' self-esteem, self-leadership and well-being, while promoting gender equality and violence prevention, adds the duo.

The Girls and Boys Club workshops are facilitated by registered social workers who guide learners through a curriculum designed to challenge harmful norms, enhance decision-making and entrepreneurial skills, and build healthy attitudes and behaviours. 

In addition, H&M's support continues to fund the work of Star for Life GBV Champion Londiwe Nyawo, who leads awareness campaigns, prevention programmes, survivor support, and advocacy for policy change, says the duo.

"At H&M, we believe that investing in people is a powerful driver of sustainable change. This strengthened partnership with Star for Life reflects our commitment to advancing gender equality and youth empowerment by supporting programmes that build confidence, leadership and resilience among young people. By engaging both girls and boys, we are helping to grow a new generation that champions respect, challenges harmful norms and contributes to safer, more inclusive communities," says Keroshan Naidoo, H&M South Africa's Country HR and Acting Country Manager.

"Every young person deserves the opportunity to dream; realise their potential and thrive in a world free from violence and inequality. H&M South Africa's continued support enables us to empower girls and boys with the confidence, entrepreneurial skills, and values needed to shape a better future for not only themselves, but their communities as well. This partnership demonstrates the powerful impact that can be achieved when business and civil society work together to invest in the next generation," says Precious Dlamini, Star for Life South Africa's Executive Director.

The partnership remains part of H&M South Africa's 'A Bag for Change' initiative, which donates 50% of the proceeds from shopping bag charges to non-profit organisations driving positive change in local communities, concludes the duo.

For more information, visit www.hm.com. You can also follow H&M South Africa on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor