Angela Yeung’s mountain-sized promise realised

One year ago, South African mountaineer and entrepreneur Angela Yeung stood at 8,849 metres above sea level, looking out from the North Side of Mount Everest. But while most climbers celebrate the peak as the final destination, Yeung already had her eyes on the descent, and a massive promise she had made to the women of South Africa.

For every single metre she scaled on the world’s highest peak, Yeung pledged to collect one bra to support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and women living in vulnerable conditions.

Today, that mountain-sized promise is a reality. All 8,849 bras collected through the Impilo Collection Foundation’s #EmpowerHer campaign are officially being distributed across all nine provinces, reaching 39 shelters and frontline support organisations nationwide.

A striking display at Constitution Hill

If you happened to visit Constitution Hill recently, you might have caught the campaign’s breathtaking culmination.

During the 16 Days of Activism, the historic site, specifically outside the Women’s Jail, was transformed by a massive public installation of all 8,849 donated bras. It was a poignant, visual statement that reframed a symbol of everyday survival into one of collective action, hope, and restored dignity.

The initiative was inspired by a simple request Yeung once received: "Please bring me a bra next time." The request highlighted how basic necessities tied to dignity are so often out of reach.

“The summit was never the goal. The descent is,” Yeung says. “Delivering on what we promised, that is the real summit.”

The ripple effect

The response from the frontline shelters receiving the donations has been overwhelmingly emotional. Representatives from the beneficiary organisations noted that these items are both desperately needed and deeply instrumental in promoting the well-being of women rebuilding their lives.

With the Everest chapter successfully wrapped up, the Impilo Collection Foundation isn’t slowing down. They are already pivoting their efforts toward education and early childhood development under their new banner, #EmpowerThem.

It turns out you don't just have to look up to the mountains for inspiration; sometimes, the greatest impact happens right here on the ground.

To keep up with the foundation's upcoming Johannesburg projects or to get involved, visit the Impilo Collection Foundation.

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