One year after summiting Mount Everest via the North Side, South African mountaineer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Angela Yeung has fulfilled a promise that began at 8,849 metres above sea level.
For every metre climbed on Everest, one bra was pledged to restore dignity to women and girls affected by Gender-Based Violence and vulnerable living conditions across South Africa.
Today, all 8,849 bras collected through the Impilo Collection Foundation’s #EmpowerHer campaign are being distributed across all nine provinces through shelters, women’s organisations and frontline support structures.
The campaign became a powerful national movement during the 16 Days of Activism 2025, culminating in a public installation of 8,849 bras at Constitution Hill beside the historic Women’s Jail — transforming a symbol of hardship into one of dignity, hope and collective action.
“The summit was never the goal. The descent is,” says Yeung. “Delivering on what we promised — that is the real summit.”
The initiative was inspired by a simple request Yeung once received: “Please bring me a bra next time.” That moment highlighted a reality many women face — that even basic items linked to dignity are often out of reach.
With support from volunteers, partners and community organisations, the foundation will distribute the bras to 39 shelters nationwide.
Feedback from beneficiary organisations has reinforced the significance of the campaign.
“This donation is highly valued and promotes dignity and wellbeing.”
“This is something we always need desperately.”
As the campaign reaches completion, the Impilo Collection Foundation is expanding its focus toward education and early childhood development through its #EmpowerThem initiative.
One year later, the message remains clear: the true measure of a summit is not what is achieved at the top, but what is carried back down to uplift others.
