On the Cape Flats, where resilience meets hardship, Caroline Peters has built a foundation of hope. As the founder and director of the Callas Foundation, she has dedicated her life to restoring dignity to survivors of gender-based violence and their families.

The foundation’s work is as practical as it is compassionate. From court support and counselling for survivors to feeding hundreds of households weekly through community kitchens, Callas blends healing with justice. Its youth programmes, like the Building Bonding Beyond initiative, guide young boys toward positive masculinity and away from cycles of violence, while human rights clubs in schools empower young people to lead with empathy and fairness.

Caroline’s leadership extends beyond her organisation. She serves in influential roles across South Africa’s GBV and human rights landscape, shaping laws, training first responders, and amplifying survivors’ voices. Yet what defines her is not only policy or advocacy, but her relentless belief in people’s ability to heal and thrive.

This year, Caroline Peters has been named a finalist in the 2025 Santam Women of the Future Awards. Her nomination honours decades of service, but greater recognition comes when communities rally behind her.

You can help by casting your vote HERE, voting closes 31s of August 2025.