Since 2021, Dior Beauty has supported the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), founded by the actress, in its mission to improve the safety, health, and future opportunities of young people in South Africa. This International Women’s Day, the long-standing partnership once again shines a spotlight on initiatives empowering women and young leaders across the country.
Through CTAOP, the partnership focuses on vulnerable communities—particularly young women—by investing in grassroots organisations and working closely with local leaders. The aim is to cultivate leadership and long-term opportunities at the community level. “I always knew that if I was ever in a position where I could give back, it would be to my home country, South Africa,” says Charlize. “The women we work with bring communities together in a way that feels incredibly powerful.”
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She continues: "I think the House of Dior had a real interest in what I was doing through CTAOP. We introduced them to some of the partners, making them aware of the incredible work that was being done and just needed more resources. I think it was a no-brainer for them: This was something that they wanted to be a part of.”
“I’m a great believer in sisterhood,” says Véronique Courtois, President and CEO of Parfums Christian Dior. “Strong female friendships have supported me every step of the way.”
At the heart of the initiative is the Youth Leaders Scholarship Program. Since 2021, it has provided scholarships to 20 young people from under-resourced backgrounds, with several directly funded by Dior. These scholars are emerging changemakers pursuing careers in fields such as education, health sciences, and gender advocacy. “We work with female leaders. The work that they are doing, how they are able to bring communities together the way you would a family, that’s something I feel is very unique to women,” adds Charlize.
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Among the community initiatives supported through CTAOP is Philisa Abafazi Bethu (PAB), founded by Lucinda Evans. The organisation provides care, advocacy and protection for women, children, LGBTQAI+ youth and the elderly in a township long affected by crime, drugs and gender-based violence. “When people run away from violence, I run towards it to help,” says Lucinda. “I’m grateful that CTAOP and Dior Beauty recognised the work we’re trying to do.”
The centre offers emergency solutions, including a baby box that has saved several newborns, as well as programmes addressing trauma, social isolation and food insecurity. After-school initiatives provide safe play spaces, nutritious meals and creative activities to help children process trauma and express their experiences. An emergency shelter also provides temporary refuge for LGBTQAI+ youth facing unsafe environments, while workshops, day programmes and gardening initiatives support older community members and create income-generating opportunities.
The programme’s impact can be seen in the journeys of scholars such as Miché, a graduate in TV and Film Studies who hopes to create opportunities for aspiring filmmakers in her community, and Siphosihle, an honours student in Gender Studies advocating for queer youth. For these young leaders, the scholarship programme provides more than financial support—it offers the time, confidence and safety to imagine long-term futures while remaining committed to giving back to their communities.
Charlize believes moments like International Women’s Day remain important reminders of the collective strength of women around the world. “International Women’s Day reminds us of women’s struggles and successes—and all the things we celebrate about them, hopefully not just on that day but every day.”
She adds that the message she hopes women carry forward is one of resilience and self-determination. "I want to say to women the same thing I say to my own two daughters: Life is never easy, we all will find ourselves at one time or another in a place where we don’t necessarily want to be, and that struggle is very real.
“Nothing has to define you that you don’t want to define you. You have the agency to decide who you want to be in this world, what you want to achieve and what you want to do.”