By using her Everest expedition as a platform for awareness and action, Yeung hopes to mobilise South Africans to support survivors and help break the cycle of violence. Picture: Angela Yeung/ Instagram
For most, summiting Mount Everest is the ultimate test of endurance, grit and human willpower.
But for Angela Yeung, a brand ambassador and founder of the Impilo Collection Foundation, Everest is more than just a climb it’s a symbol of resilience, strength and hope for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Between April and June 2025, Yeung will attempt to summit Everest’s North Side, a daunting route known for its extreme conditions and technical difficulty.
But beyond the physical challenge, she is also carrying a powerful message, one that calls for awareness, support and action against South Africa’s GBV crisis.
And she’s doing it one bra at a time.
Turning a simple bra into a symbol of dignity
Through her EmpowerHer Programme, Yeung has set an ambitious goal to collect 8,849 bras, one for each Everest elevation metre.
These donations will go to GBV survivors, many of whom lack access to basic necessities after fleeing abusive situations.
"Climbing Everest is a monumental challenge, but it pales in comparison to the daily battles faced by survivors of GBV," says Yeung. Each bra we collect symbolises a message of solidarity. You are seen, valued, and deserving of dignity."
For many survivors, a bra is more than just clothing it’s a symbol of self-worth, confidence, and restoration. By providing this simple yet essential item, Yeung hopes to help survivors rebuild their sense of dignity and independence.
The reality of GBV in South Africa
South Africa’s gender-based violence crisis has been described as a “second pandemic”, with shocking statistics that highlight the urgency of Yeung’s mission:
By using her Everest expedition as a platform for awareness and action, Yeung hopes to mobilise South Africans to support survivors and help break the cycle of violence.
Yeung is no stranger to pushing boundaries both in mountaineering and in advocacy.
Now, with Everest on the horizon, Yeung is preparing for her biggest challenge yet, one that she hopes will ignite change across South Africa.
"For me, a climb is not just a climb; it’s a mirror of the struggles we face as human beings.
“Like the tenacity needed to summit Everest’s North Side, a route known for its rugged terrain and extreme challenges, GBV survivors seek out their own courage daily as they fight against their trauma. The mountain reminds us of this, and the bras will too."
What happens next?
Post her climb, the final collection of bras will be distributed to GBV shelters across South Africa. A celebratory event will be held to highlight the campaign’s impact and honour the survivors who will benefit from the initiative.
Before she embarks on her Everest journey, an official Send-Off event will take place in Johannesburg in March 2025, where press and supporters can witness Yeung’s mission up close.
How you can get involved
Yeung’s climb isn’t just her own it’s a national movement. South Africans are invited to support the cause in several ways:
1. Donate Bras
- Contribute new or gently used bras at designated collection points.
- Visit the Impilo Collection Foundation’s website to find your nearest drop-off location: www.impilofoundation.org or https://impilofoundation.org/
2. Corporate sponsorship and partnerships
- Businesses can sponsor kilometres of Yeung’s climb.
- Organise company-wide bra collection drives to contribute to the campaign.
3. Volunteer as a social warrior
- Join the movement by helping with fundraising, events, and outreach efforts.
4. Follow the journey & spread awareness
- Stay updated on Yeung’s Everest expedition and the EmpowerHer campaign via social media: Instagram:@Impilo_foundation
https://www.instagram.com/Impilo_foundation/
Facebook: Impilo Collection Foundation
- Use the hashtag #EmpowerHer to share the message and encourage others to get involved.
She added: "This is not just my climb; it’s every single South African’s climb. Together, we can transform Everest into a beacon of hope."