Since the Judith Neilson Foundation began its work, we have championed people, places, and ideas driving meaningful change. Guided by Judith Neilson’s belief in local solutions for global challenges, our work spans Australia and Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing unique regional needs and opportunities.
Through our partnerships, we are investing in a future that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable.
© We Care Solar. tIn Malawi, where frequent power outages leave healthcare facilities in darkness, childbirth can be a dangerous experience. At B’Waila Public Hospital, one of Lilongwe’s busiest maternity wards, midwives once had to rely on candles or mobile phones during deliveries, creating unsafe and challenging conditions. “The grid power is unpredictable,” said Bridget Kumiwenda, a senior nurse. “We have been up to two months without any power due to outages.”
We Care Solar, together with B’Waila and other rural hospitals, has brought light into underserved areas with its innovative Solar Suitcases—compact, solar-powered units that provide reliable lighting for night-time deliveries and power essential medical devices.
Bridget recalls a night when the hospital lost power entirely, risking the lives of mothers and newborns. “We lost several babies two months ago when the lights went out,” Bridget says. “Now, with solar lights, we no longer fear losing power.”
We lost several babies two months ago when the lights went out. Now, with solar lights, we no longer fear losing power.
Together with Malawi’s Ministry of Health, We Care Solar is now supporting safer deliveries for 80,000 women in over 100 rural health centres. By equipping midwives and training local women as solar technicians, the initiative is improving healthcare so every mother and newborn has the best start possible, even in the most remote setting.
A nurse operates a We Care Solar Suitcase in Malawi. © We Care Solar.
Malawi Minister of Health, Hon Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda meets with the Learner Treatment Kit team on World Malaria Day, Malawi 2024. © Save the Children Malawi. Malaria threatens the health and disrupts the education of more than two million school-aged children in Malawi each year. In Malawi’s Zomba and Machinga districts, Save the Children’s Learner Treatment Kit initiative is proving transformative. This year, 400 teachers across 100 schools have been trained to dispense life-saving treatment, diagnosing and treating 14,165 malaria cases.
By providing 125,276 school children with free and timely access to malaria testing and treatment, the program has significantly reduced absenteeism and brought more consistent access to health services within schools. What sets this initiative apart is its alignment with Malawi’s national health and education systems.
Endorsed by Malawi’s Minister of Health, Hon Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, as “one of the best intervention initiatives” for managing malaria, the program is gaining national and international attention. The Learner Treatment Kit program is a powerful example of how integrated solutions can address pressing health challenges while building the foundation for broader educational success.
A community meeting on Learner Treatment Kits with the Traditional Authority in Nyambi, Malawi © Save the Children Malawi. 
Mbuya Chawenga, a Community Health Worker at Tengwe Clinic, Zimbabwe. © Clinton Health Access Initiative. Mbuya Chawenga, a Community Health Worker, uses the borehole in her garden as a gathering place to raise awareness about the cervical cancer program in her community. When women come to collect water, she takes the opportunity to educate them about the importance of screening, and provides a private room to collect their own sample.
Tendai, a young woman from a nearby village, had heard Mbuya Chawenga’s messages before, but her religious beliefs would not allow her to consider testing. Tendai had always avoided medical treatment, fearing the judgement of her family and community. But when she heard about the private screening program from Mbuya, she decided to take a chance. When Mbuya Chawenga took the collected sample to the clinic, she notified the nurse to ensure Tendai received her results without drawing unwanted attention.
To Tendai’s shock, her results showed early signs of cervical cancer. She was provided with one-on-one health information about her test result and agreed to receive treatment. CHAI’s community-driven approach is changing health outcomes for women, and gradually transforming community perspectives on women’s health, empowering women like Tendai to prioritise their wellbeing and setting a new standard for healthcare in underserved regions.
By improving access to cervical cancer screening and treatment, the program has reached over 12,500 women with critical care. Scaling up operations, our partnership now aims to screen 143,000 women and expand HPV vaccination coverage to 85% of girls aged 9-10 by 2027.
Village Health Worker, Zimbabwe. © Clinton Health Access Initiative. 
Ygap entrepreneur, Muofhe Ratshikombo, Founder of Oumie’s Grande, South Africa ©ygap. ygap unlocks opportunities for women entrepreneurs, providing mentoring, resources, and networks to grow their businesses. Through an accelerator program and 0% interest loans, ygap’s entrepreneurs in Kenya and South Africa are now averaging 7% revenue growth, creating new jobs in their communities.
Muofhe Ratshikombo founded Oumie’s Grandè to make traditional atchaar—a condiment deeply rooted in heritage—available year-round. What started as a passion project has evolved into a thriving agribusiness supporting organic farmers in Limpopo. By sourcing produce locally, the venture reduces food waste, boosts farmers’ incomes, and strengthens biodiversity.
Oumie’s Grandè creates jobs in rural areas through its processing and packaging facilities, contributing to economic stability and reducing urban migration. The business also leverages e-commerce platforms like Takealot, demonstrating the potential for small ventures to scale while maintaining a strong community focus.
In Kenya, Caren Jopita’s Jopish Integrated Farm combines poultry farming with black soldier fly larvae production to address the twin challenges of waste management and affordable animal feed. By turning food waste into high-protein feed and organic manure, the farm improves yields for local farmers and contributes to environmental sustainability. Since its inception, the venture has created jobs, trained youth and women in sustainable farming practices, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through innovative waste management.
Nomfanelo Khanyile launched Esisipho K to transform her passion for farming into a sustainable enterprise. Starting with 15 hectares of leased land, she has grown her operation to include livestock farming, an abattoir, and a processing plant supplying Shoprite stores in KwaZulu-Natal. By employing local residents and expanding her supply chain, Nomfanelo is boosting rural economic development. Her success through ygap’s program has enhanced her storytelling and business strategies, positioning Esisipho K for expansion into new provinces and export markets.
ygap entrepreneur Caren Jobita, Founder f Jopish Integrated Farm. Kenya. ©ygap. 
Students take coding classes in school, Zimbabwe ©Uncommon. Uncommon is equipping young Zimbabweans with the technical skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace, connecting them with employers ready to innovate. Partner Employers share below how hiring Uncommon graduates strengthened their teams:
At Cleanup Zimbabwe, Gamuchirai’s work has accelerated the organisation’s digital transformation. “Cleanup Zimbabwe has worked with Gamuchirai for the past two months, and we are thrilled with the transformative impact she has had on our company. Her exceptional IT skills and dedication to research have propelled us into the digital age with ease. We are thoroughly impressed with her expertise and work ethic!” – Owen Chiwandire, CEO of Cleanup Zimbabwe.
Regina’s talents in design and user experience have left a lasting impact at TD Partners. According to Marian Doset, HR Manager: “Regina’s internship showcased her strong design skills and attention to user experience, leading a successful mobile app redesign that boosted engagement and usability. Her smooth transition to a full-time designer proved her value to our team. We’re grateful to Uncommon for connecting us with such talent and look forward to future collaborations.”
Regina’s internship showcased her strong design skills and attention to user experience, leading a successful mobile app redesign that boosted engagement and usability. Her smooth transition to a full-time designer proved her value to our team. We’re grateful to Uncommon for connecting us with such talent and look forward to future collaborations.
Simba has been instrumental in driving progress at ADE Technology. His technical adaptability and strong communication skills stood out to Jonathan de Jong, Founder of ADE Technology: “Simba was a fantastic addition to my team, demonstrating excellent communication, ownership, and adaptability in developing new technical skills as needed. His contributions were crucial to our progress.”
Simba was a fantastic addition to my team, demonstrating excellent communication, ownership, and adaptability in developing new technical skills as needed. His contributions were crucial to our progress.
With plans to scale rapidly, Uncommon works with Zimbabwe’s Ministries of Education and ICT, providing free computer coding classes for primary & secondary students, as well as technology skills development training for youth and young adults outside of the formal education system.
Masi High, South Africa. © MasiSports nIn Masiphumelele township, where HIV prevalence, gang violence, unemployment, and limited educational access present steep challenges, MasiSports is transforming lives. By combining sport, cultural activities, and life skills education, the organisation delivers a holistic approach to learning that fosters resilience, emotional wellbeing, and stronger community ties.
When Pamela Ngewana began as a MasiSports coach at Ukhanyo Primary School, sports facilities were virtually non-existent. “When I first started, there were no sports fields, no equipment, and very few coaches. The kids had nowhere to go after school,” she says.
Seven years on, the landscape has shifted. MasiSports has developed well-equipped sports fields and introduced after-school programs that do more than keep children active. “The sports fields aren’t just for playing—they’re places where kids can build life skills and connect with positive role models,” Pamela explains.
The sports fields aren’t just for playing—they’re places where kids can build life skills and connect with positive role models.
These programs have become critical in Masiphumelele, a community where students face daily challenges stemming from high unemployment and limited family support. Pamela sees the results firsthand: improved discipline, greater focus in school, and a stronger sense of purpose among participants.
Now, new partnerships with organisations like the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation and Lalela Art have further broadened MasiSports’ impact. By integrating wellness and arts education into its Sports for Development model, the initiative is preparing young people for the job market while fostering social cohesion and community resilience.
Pamela Ngewana, a MasiSports coach. © MasiSports. 
© Action Aid Uganda. In Uganda, decades of conflict have left deep scars, with women bearing the brunt of abduction, violence, and systemic neglect. ActionAid’s ‘African Women Voices for Peace’ is the continent’s first regional platform led by survivors of conflict-related gender-based violence, empowering them to shape peacebuilding efforts in Uganda and Kenya.
By strengthening health services, providing trauma-informed counselling, and advocating for inclusion in policymaking, these women are fostering resilience, justice, and lasting peace in conflict-affected communities.
ActionAid’s training program for community counsellors is addressing this legacy by equipping 90 women across Gulu, Amuru, and Kitgum districts to lead trauma-informed care and group therapy sessions. These women, survivors themselves, are now creating safe spaces for others to heal, fostering solidarity and resilience in post-conflict communities.
By breaking taboos around mental health, the initiative is driving discussions on gender equality and societal norms, empowering women to advocate for their rights and demand systemic change. Women once seen as victims are becoming leaders of change, challenging stigma, and building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Aisha, one of the counsellors, reflects, “I used to feel hopeless, carrying the weight of my past alone. Now, I see that together we can heal.”
I used to feel hopeless, carrying the weight of my past alone.
Now, I see that together we can heal.
Farmers listen to COMACO’s Farm Talk Radio, Zambia. © COMACO In Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, farming has been traditionally at odds with wildlife conservation, contributing to deforestation and habitat loss. COMACO is helping to shift the focus from short-term gains to sustainable stewardship.
Farmer Rosemary Nyendwa once relied on slash-and-burn methods. “I didn’t think the new methods would work,” Rosemary says. “But now my farm supports my family and helps preserve our land.” COMACO also provides a market for her produce through its “It’s Wild!” brand, offering a stable income and a direct incentive to maintain conservation-friendly practices. Farmers report improved incomes and a renewed sense of connection to their environment. The ripple effect is clear – communities are benefiting economically while protecting the ecosystems they depend on, fostering resilience in both communities and the landscape.
COMACO is training over 335,000 smallholder farmers to adopt regenerative agricultural practices. So far, farmers report they have increased incomes and secured fair trade contracts, while agroforestry initiatives are restoring biodiversity in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley.
Farmer Rosemary Nyendwa, Zambia. © COMACO 
@ Akashinga In 2017, Nyaradzo Hoto took a bold step into the unknown, joining Akashinga’s women-led ranger program. At the time, women working as rangers was virtually unheard of in her community, but Nyaradzo saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. She excelled in a competitive selection process, standing out among 100 applicants to become one of 16 inaugural female rangers in Zimbabwe.
Through Akashinga’s rigorous training, Nyaradzo developed the skills to lead wildlife patrols, resolve human-wildlife conflicts, and mentor future rangers. Her work challenges long-standing gender norms while creating benefits for her community, from clean water projects to increased respect for women in leadership.
Now a respected leader, Nyaradzo sees her role as more than conservation: “It’s about building connections between people and nature and inspiring others to see the possibilities ahead of them.”
It’s about building connections between people and nature and inspiring others to see the possibilities ahead of them.
Her work shows the importance of inclusive leadership in addressing global challenges like biodiversity loss and climate resilience.
Akashinga invests in women’s leadership to protect 13 million acres of land-and-seascapes across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia. Their work across sub-Saharan Africa is preserving biodiversity, supporting communities with sustainable livelihoods, and transforming perceptions of women in conservation globally.
Nyaradzo Hoto. © Akashinga. 
At the Liverpool Women’s Health Centre: CRC team members supporting women to rebuild their lives, including (left to right) a First Nations-identified case worker, the Miranda Project program manager, and a senior case worker. © CRC. Lucy had faced discrimination, isolation, and strained family relationships following her involvement with the criminal justice system. Referred to the Community Restorative Centre (CRC)’s Miranda Project, she worked with her caseworker to create a plan. Housing was a top priority. Initially too anxious to speak to real estate agents, Lucy relied on her caseworker to handle interactions. Over time, she gained confidence and now takes the lead at inspections, demonstrating her growing independence.
Now, Lucy has achieved a major milestone: she was approved for a two-bedroom unit, a stable home that marks a significant step towards a secure and independent future. Alongside this, counselling helped Lucy manage her mental health, identify triggers, and set boundaries to protect her wellbeing.
Reconnecting with her family was another major milestone. Lucy had no contact with her mother or children during her time in custody. With the help of her caseworker, she rebuilt her relationship with her mother, culminating in shared family moments like a shopping trip with her youngest son. She also celebrated her teenage daughter’s birthday for the first time in four years, an emotional reunion that reinforced her motivation to rebuild her life.
The support extended beyond the practical. A referral to the Oakdene Foundation gave Lucy access to tailored services, including a personal shopping experience, helping her regain a sense of confidence and self-worth. These moments of care, combined with CRC’s holistic approach, have enabled Lucy to focus on building a stable and independent future.
The Community Restorative Centre (CRC) supports women impacted by domestic violence, homelessness, and incarceration to rebuild their lives. Through its Miranda Project, CRC provides trauma-informed case management, helping women overcome barriers to stable housing, mental health care, and family reconnection.
A Success Works candidate. © Success Works.
At 29, Emilia faced a challenging path to rebuild her life. A decade ago, she found herself in a domestic violence situation that led to criminal allegations she continues to contest. The charges disrupted her career, leaving her unable to return to her previous field. Determined to find new opportunities, she sought help from Success Works.
From the outset, her resilience was evident. She actively engaged in workshops and sought tailored guidance from Success Works staff, including support in navigating the difficult process of disclosing her criminal record to potential employers. With this preparation, she successfully interviewed with one of Success Works’ employer partners and secured a job.
The initial steps were promising, but a setback at work led to her dismissal. Undeterred, she worked closely with Success Works to address the challenges and build the skills needed to move forward. Today, she is employed full-time, thriving in her role, and has transitioned to working independently—a milestone she celebrates as a personal triumph.
Success Works supports women overcoming the stigma of criminal records by connecting them to meaningful employment. This grassroots Sydney organisation has supported over 300 women, with 128 securing jobs and significantly reduced recidivism rates, breaking cycles of disadvantage and unemployment.
Emilia‘s name has been changed to protect her privacy.
© ReLove. When Sarah arrived at ReLove with her two young children, she carried only a few bags and the weight of starting over after escaping domestic violence. The ReLove team guided her and her kids through the “shopping” experience as, together, they furnished the family’s new home. Her children beamed as they picked out beds and colourful rugs for their new bedrooms. She later sent this message to the team: “ReLove, you transformed our house into a home. The incredible kindness and support you provided allowed us to choose what we needed and gave us many luxuries we could only dream of.”
ReLove, you transformed our house into a home. The incredible kindness and support you provided allowed us to choose what we needed and gave us many luxuries we could only dream of.
ReLove transforms empty houses into lasting homes for women and families escaping violence or homelessness. By providing essential furniture and appliances, the organisation ensures dignity and stability as families rebuild their lives.
Cathy, a woman over 55 experiencing homelessness for the first time—one of ReLove’s fastest-growing client demographics—expressed heartfelt gratitude after visiting the ReLove warehouse. “I felt like a jackpot winner as I walked out, knowing that everything I needed was prepared for delivery.”
I felt like a jackpot winner as I walked out, knowing that everything I needed was prepared for delivery.
The team went above and beyond, bringing each item into her new home and helping her unpack, creating a seamless transition. Cathy described the service as “generous, prompt, assistive beyond measure, and professional.” Through ReLove’s work, she’s now ready for the next chapter in her life.
This year, ReLove expanded to support 25 families weekly across Sydney, turning houses into safe, nurturing spaces.
Names have been changed to protect privacy.
Maggie. © Tom Fewchuk for Refugee Advice and Casework Service.
Maggie’s career as a sports journalist in Sierra Leone ended abruptly when her advocacy against female genital mutilation made her a target. After surviving a violent, targeted attack, she fled her home, eventually seeking refuge in Australia. But safety proved elusive. Her initial application for asylum was denied, leaving her homeless and vulnerable on the streets of Sydney.
With the support of the Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS), Maggie appealed her case to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Her solicitor worked tirelessly to gather the evidence needed, and this time her claim for protection was accepted. For the first time, Maggie felt her story was believed. “I cried because Australia has believed my story. For once, I will be accepted in this country,” she said.
I cried because Australia has believed my story. For once, I will be accepted in this country.
Maggie has since rebuilt her life and is using her experience to help others. Now employed by the Jesuit Refugee Service, she advocates for women and girls seeking protection, offering the same support that once saved her. Her journey highlights the essential role of legal advocacy in providing not just safety, but the opportunity for women to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
RACS provides life-changing legal assistance for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia. Its ‘Women at Risk’ program helps a particularly vulnerable group of clients: women experiencing or at risk of gender-based or sexual violence.
The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) Women’s Service team. © Justice and Equity Centre The Justice and Equity Centre is one of Australia’s leading independent law and policy organisations, committed to building a fairer, more equitable society. Through its Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) Women’s Service, it supports women facing intersecting challenges across housing, civil law and criminal law.
Christina Kasavetis, a caseworker at the HPLS Women’s Service, works closely with women facing domestic violence and unsafe living conditions, helping to secure safe housing and address threats to tenancy.
The Women’s Service has been critical in reducing stress, improving wellbeing, and building client confidence. Christina’s trauma-informed care complements the work of the legal team. She provides non-legal assistance, referrals, and emotional care. Additional interventions such as mental health referrals and safety planning further enable women to navigate complex housing and legal systems, ensuring lasting social impact.
Justice and Equity Centre Community Caseworker Christina Kasavetis, Sydney. © Keith Saunders 
© Wes Mountain/The Conversation. Rita’s husband used threats, coercion and deception to force her and her child to return overseas. She feared for her life and was threatened with murder if she did not comply, and was physically forced to board the plane with her child and a oneway ticket. Her husband then contacted Australian immigration authorities and provided false information to try and prevent Rita and her daughter from ever returning to Australia.
Rita managed to return to Australia and contacted Anti-Slavery Australia, who provided legal assistance to Rita and referred the matter to the AFP for investigation. The perpetrator was eventually convicted for exit trafficking and sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment. ASA assisted Rita to obtain a grant of statutory victims’ compensation.
For 20 years Anti-Slavery Australia has provided free legal services to support survivors of trafficking and working toward ending modern slavery in Australia. Their specialist Legal Practice supports more than 400 clients with legal issues, including repatriation of trafficked Australian citizens and permanent residents, victims’ compensation claims, immigration, visa and citizenship law and family law matters.
© Karrkad Kanjdji Trust In the Northern Territory, the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network has become a cornerstone of First Nations-led conservation and cultural preservation. Supported by the Karrkad Kanjdji Trust, the Network supports the professional development of First Nations women working as rangers, as well as women leading community resilience initiatives. The Network supports women to build the skills needed to succeed in the workforce, contributing to the sustainability of communities and Country.
This year’s Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum brought together 250 women and girls to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and celebrate their achievements. The Forum marked a transformative moment as attendees made the decision to become the Strong Women for Healthy Country Aboriginal Corporation, securing the Network’s independence and ensuring that its future is driven entirely by First Nations women.
Water blessing given by Larrakia Traditional Owners, Northern Territory. © Karrkad Kanjdji Trust.
Training activities completed by police, Alice Springs. © Tangentyere Council. Tangentyere Council’s ‘Prevent Assist Respond Training’ program equips police officers to better recognise coercive control, adopt trauma-informed practices, and support victim-survivors with dignity and care. Already, the program has had a significant impact, with officers describing the training as “essential for all police” and “extremely informative.”
Victim-survivor stories and real-world scenarios bring depth and relevance to the sessions. Police officers have highlighted how the training equipped them with practical tools for their work, particularly around minimising misidentification in domestic violence cases and recognising patterns of coercive control. One officer reflected, “The way I speak to victim survivors and listen to their story will improve.” One officer commented, “I already feel more confident going onto the road. This training was extremely informative.”
I already feel more confident going onto the road. This training was extremely informative.
Another officer said, “I highly recommend that every police officer in NT Police attends this training.”
I highly recommend that every police officer in NT Police attends this training.
By blending evidence-based insights with practical tools, Tangentyere Council is driving a cultural shift in policing, fostering greater trust and reducing harm within First Nations communities. Their work is setting a new standard for professional development and community safety across the Northern Territory.
Addressing the underinvestment in community-controlled solutions, First Nations Futures is transforming the philanthropic landscape by placing resources directly in the hands of Indigenous-led organisations. In July 2024, it distributed $340,000 in unrestricted funding to grassroots First Nations groups, enabling them to define and address their priorities on their own terms.
For many recipients, this marked the first time they had access to unrestricted funding—offering the freedom to focus on locally driven solutions that support their people and sustain their work. This funding has empowered organisations to innovate, grow, and build stronger, more resilient communities, demonstrating the power of self-determined approaches to economic and cultural development.
Providing funding and support, First Nations Futures empowers grassroots communities to drive change, invest in young people, and create sustainable, culturally grounded futures.
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