Background
We want to change the future for young Africans. Our vision is that 100% of Girls & Young Women in sub-Saharan Africa will have access to engaging sexual health education by 2025.
- The youth population (15-24) of the region will more than double reaching nearly 380 million by 2050
- We know that Africa suffers with 69 million cases of STIs each year
- We know that HIV prevalence >15% (WHO) is dominated by sub-Saharan Africa
- We know that 75% of abortions in the region are deemed unsafe
How can the region’s youth be expected to deliver their full potential and achieve economic prosperity against such a backdrop of unprecedented sexual health challenges?
There is a pressing need for a new generation of innovation and ideation to deliver a combination of HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health services for people of higher risk to HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancies. It’s why we have partnered with the University of the Witwatersrand Business School (Wits) for our Aspire, Higher project – judging for which takes place on 16 July 2020.
About
We’ve already commenced our Aspire, Higher programme in South Africa with Wits and are identifying partners in Nigeria for a 2021 roll out there. The Wits MBA students’ entries will be judged on 16 July and this document provides more details on the virtual event.
The Challenge for students at Wits Business School: to develop innovative, game-changing ideas to improve women and girls’ sexual health education and enhance female economic empowerment.
All entries will be shortlisted by RB/Wits between now and the end of June. The top 5 entries will present their ideas virtually on 16 July and tell the judges how their concepts meet our challenge. The winners will win a share of the available investment provided.
The top 3 projects selected will then go into Johannesburg field trials – commencing August 2020 onwards. These trials are the opportunity to further develop and scale the winning ideas, and ultimately change lives.
Online Showcase
The 16 July is not just the point at which the pilot projects are chosen, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase our collective ‘Purpose’ credentials and commitment to tackling this critical sexual health challenge.
The judging panel will hear presentations from each of the 5 shortlisted candidates and have an opportunity to ask any further questions to better understand their solutions to change the future for young Africans. This will take place through an online call and will be moderated virtually.
The panel will then select the 3 most innovative entries, which will be announced at the end of the virtual showcase.
Judging Panel
Tlaleng Mofokeng
Nalane
Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng is a Medical Doctor and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights consultant. She is currently Lead Consultant at Nalane. Her expertise includes advocacy training, clinical care, public health policy and content production for public health communication.
She is published by The Guardian, Sunday Times, Daily Maverick, Mail and Guardian and presents on Al Jazeera’s “The Cure” medical series and is currently host and associate producer of “Sex Talk with Dr T” a sexual health tv show aired on DSTV. She was a recipient of the 120 under 40 award that recognizes a new generation leaders in Family Planning by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2016.
Clifford Samuel
Gilead
Clifford Samuel is Gilead’s Senior Vice President of Access Operations and Emerging Markets, with responsibility for more than 130 countries around the world. He joined Gilead Sciences in 1996 as a member of the company’s commercial organization, newly established at the time, to support the introduction of Gilead’s first commercial product.
Clifford now oversees the ongoing development and implementation of innovative manufacturing, distribution and business models to make the company’s HIV, viral hepatitis and fungal medicines available at affordable prices in resource-limited and evolving economies.
Aeneas Chuma
UNAIDS
Aeneas Chuma is the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa for UNAIDS. Chuma is a very senior leader having served as Resident coordinator and UN SG spécial representative as well as Africa head for ILO and brings huge understanding of the global development response and of the continent.
Judy Dlamini
University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Judy Dlamini is Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand and the founding chairman of Mbekani Group. She is a medical doctor by training is a leading business woman, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. She holds an MBChB from the University of Natal, a Doctorate in Business Leadership from UNISA, an MBA from Wits University and an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate from Stanford University.
Saidy Brown
Psychology Student, North-West University
Saidy Brown works with various NGOs, such as Y+ South Africa, Network for Young People Living with HIV in South Africa. She’s a psychology student at the North-West University (NWU) and part of the NWU students advocating leadership and transformation.
Saidy was born with HIV and found out her status aged 14.
From the age of 18 she started publicly disclosing her story. Saidy has used her status to educate other people about HIV and has a YouTube channel to enlighten people about HIV.
Ben Wilson
RB
Ben Wilson began his role as Global Category Director for Sexual Wellbeing in March 2018, after having held the position of Marketing Director at RB China. During his previous role, starting in 2010, he led the innovative marketing campaigns of Durex China, as well as Veet and Dettol. Ben is particularly focused on social media and digital outreach, and leading the way in building brand advocacy.
Previously, Ben Wilson was Marketing Manager at RB in the UK. Prior to RB, Ben has 10 years of experience working in J&J in various marketing roles on skincare brands including Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, and RoC as well as healthcare brands including Carefree and KY.
Bheki Moyo
University of the Witwatersrand
Professor Bheki is a writer, author, researcher and thought-leader on African resources, democracy and governance, Bheki is leading our Aspire, Higher project to improve the sexual health and economic empowerment of South Africa’s women and young girls. Bheki is the Director African Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment at the University of the Witwatersrand Business School.
Quick Links
Wits Business School (WBS): Competition exclusively open to WBS students and Wits University Postgraduates.
Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB), a consumer health company and the makers of Durex condoms: Project partner and competition funder.
Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), a Centre for excellence at WBS: Project facilitator.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an advocate for global action on HIV/AIDS: Key project advice/advocacy partner.
