H&M MOVE TEAMS UP WITH ACTIVATE HER TO EMPOWER GIRLS THROUGH SPORT

Activewear brand H&M Move supports the South African non-profit organisation ActivateHer to provide sporting opportunities to girls in under-served communities in Cape Town, while fostering physical and emotional well-being and life skills through movement.

Located in the township of Khayelitsha, ActivateHer works to dismantle traditional gender stereotypes associated with sports by offering girls aged 3 to 14 from vulnerable socio economic backgrounds the chance to engage in physical activity and guided play in a safe, supportive space. Using the power of sports, Activate Her translates what is played on the field or court into education about leadership development, physical health and life skills.

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The partnership with ActivateHer forms part of H&M Move’s community programme, Move Together, which enables access for young people to experience all the benefits of moving together – physically, mentally and socially. The programme helps young individuals overcome barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and thriving through collective movement.

Adele Bruggeman, founding director of ActivateHer, comments: “The partnership with H&M Move is an incredible opportunity to introduce more girls to sport-for-development programming tailored to their needs. Alongside this, we see the expansion of our community-based coaching staff as a crucial step towards cultivating more female advocates for equity and health, who can make a lasting impact on the lives of girls and their communities.”

This mission strongly resonates with H&M Move's Brand Mover, Nadia Nadim. Being an inspiring role model, Nadia has transitioned from refugee status to international football player, becoming one of the most influential women in international sports. To show her support for the partnership, Nadia travelled to Cape Town to join ActivateHer on a school outing, engaging with the girls and coaches through motivational movement and leadership sessions.

"It has been incredibly important for me to meet the amazing young girls in Cape Town. We shared our stories, played games, danced and learned a lot from each other. It was my mission to boost their confidence and let them know that no matter where they came from or what obstacles they faced, they have the power within them to succeed. Their strength equally boosted my confidence and belief in myself!" shares Nadia Nadim, H&M Brand Mover and professional football player.

Earlier this year, H&M Move, through its Move Together programme, announced a two-year global partnership with non-profit Women Win to promote girls’ and women’s empowerment through sport, with a special emphasis on football. With this partnership, H&M Move supports Women Win’s ONSIDE Fund focusing on hyperlocal organisations to address inequalities through movement. ActivateHer is one of the seven organisations supported by this partnership, alongside others based in Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Jordan, Mexico, and the UK.

“Visiting the team of ActivateHer in Cape Town has been truly inspiring. Adele Bruggeman’s dedication plays an instrumental role in empowering these young girls. Together with our Brand Mover Nadia Nadim and the young female coaches, we spent a day in the park, participating in various activities, which underscored the importance of removing barriers to participate in sport and the joy of moving together,” said Diana Amini, Head of H&M Move Together Community Program.