On Saturday, 27 September 2025, CEO and Founder, Elize Lombard, guided the official launch of Celebrating Women of Worth 2025 at the BDO offices in Cape Town. The event drew around 50 guests for a relaxed yet deeply meaningful afternoon filled with storytelling, reflection, and celebration.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and filled with a sense of community. The gathering was not a formal launch, but rather an intimate get-together where women felt free to share their journeys, connect with one another, and honour the resilience and achievements of women across the Western Cape and South Africa.
A Celebration of Worth and Resilience
At the heart of Celebrating Women of Worth 2025 is a collection of inspiring stories from women who have overcome challenges and turned obstacles into opportunities. The book highlights women who embody USAPHO’s values of Belonging, Interdependence, Mastery, and Generosity, offering real-life examples of courage, determination, and empowerment.
During the launch, Elize Lombard, a leading voice within USAPHO Foundation, guided much of the afternoon’s programme. She set the tone by reminding guests that every woman has a story worth sharing — and that these stories have the power to encourage, uplift, and transform communities.
Throughout the event, several women stood up to share personal testimonies about turning points in their lives — moments when hardship became strength and pain was transformed into purpose. These powerful narratives echoed the central theme of the book: that every woman is “worthy beyond measure.”
About the Book
Celebrating Women of Worth 2025 is more than a book — it’s a movement. It honours women from diverse cultural, social, and religious backgrounds, reflecting the richness of South Africa’s heritage while uniting readers around the universal truth of women’s worth.
The stories spotlight not only professional achievements, but also personal victories:
-
A CEO and MBA graduate who balanced academic excellence with the responsibilities of leading a non-profit.
-
A two-time cancer survivor, now in her sixties, raising a teenager with strength and grace.
-
A mother of four boys who courageously rewrote her matric subjects to pursue further studies and improve her future.
These stories — and many others — reflect the everyday heroism of women who lead, inspire, and uplift, often without recognition.
About USAPHO Foundation
Founded in 2013, USAPHO Foundation (isiXhosa for “family”) is a registered NPO (121-474) based in Durbanville, Cape Town. The organisation focuses on preventative and developmental family interventions across the Western Cape, working to strengthen families and empower individuals with the skills and psycho-social support they need to thrive.
USAPHO’s programmes are rooted in the Circle of Courage values:
-
Belonging – creating connections and fostering community.
-
Interdependence – supporting one another through shared growth.
-
Mastery – building skills, confidence, and achievement.
-
Generosity – giving back and uplifting others.
Through workshops, mentoring, counselling, and initiatives like Celebrating Women of Worth 2025, the foundation continues to inspire women and youth to break barriers, rewrite their stories, and create brighter futures.
The Significance of the Launch
Hosting the launch at the BDO offices in Cape Town was symbolic of the partnership between business and community. It showed how corporate spaces can become platforms for empowerment and storytelling. The intimate format — a relaxed gathering rather than a formal ceremony — allowed attendees to connect on a personal level, ensuring that every voice carried weight and value.
The event reinforced USAPHO’s commitment to empowering women and girls in Cape Town and beyond, encouraging them to recognise their worth and share their journeys.
Get Your Copy of Celebrating Women of Worth 2025
Celebrating Women of Worth 2025 is a must-read for anyone passionate about women’s empowerment, resilience, and community change. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, motivation, or simply a reminder of the incredible strength of women, this book will resonate deeply.
Copies are available for just R350, with proceeds supporting the ongoing work of USAPHO Foundation in the Western Cape.
👉 Order your copy today and be part of this movement to celebrate women, their worth, and their stories.
