Who We Are

Callas Foundation champions gender justice by supporting women, children, and men through grassroots outreach, trauma-informed care, and legal empowerment disrupting systems that uphold inequality.

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Our Story

Callas foundation was formally established in September 2018, however, it has been serving communities for over three decades in collaboration with various stakeholders and associations on a range of programs. These associations have included athletics bodies, a range of civic and health organisations like the neighbourhood watch, the community policing Forum (CPF), National prosecuting authority of South Africa, legal aid South Africa, department of health and department of social development amongst others. The foundation strives to adhere to the needs of the communities it serves by being responsive and innovative in their approach. Our programs aims to improve the quality of life for residents in the areas we serve by providing access to resources and opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable. While the main target constituency Callas foundation is women the organisation acknowledges the importance of working in an integrated approach 

News & Updates

Mission

The Callas Foundation champions gender justice by supporting women, children, and men through grassroots outreach, trauma-informed care, and legal empowerment disrupting systems that uphold inequality.

Vision

A Safe, Secure & Empowered Community

Core Objectives

Champion Human Rights

Advocate for the rights of women, children, and marginalized groups, ensuring their voices are heard and their dignity upheld.

Advance Access to Justice

Support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through legal advocacy, court support, and rights awareness, fostering a trauma-informed
approach to justice.

Promote Healing and Empowerment

Offer holistic psychosocial support and empowerment programs that restore agency, rebuild lives, and nurture emotional resilience.

Challenge Patriarchy and Inequality

Confront the root causes of violence and discrimination by dismantling patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality in homes, communities, and systems.

Build Strong, Resilient Communities

Strengthen community-based responses to GBV and poverty through capacity-building initiatives, sustainable development programs, and grassroots leadership.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Caroline Peters is an African feminist, seasoned activist, social justice advocate, and community leader with over three decades of experience working with and advocating for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Callas Foundation, based on the Cape Flats, which supports survivors through court accompaniment, psychosocial services, food security initiatives, community kitchens, and educational empowerment programs. Recognising how food insecurity drives women’s vulnerability to violence, the Callas Foundation integrates food security as a pathway to restoring dignity, safety, and independence for survivors.

Caroline began her advocacy journey as a rape crisis volunteer in the early 1990s and has since played a pivotal role in shaping national legislation, including the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Bill.

As Chair of MenEngage South Africa, she leads initiatives that engage men and boys as allies in the fight against GBV and the promotion of gender equality. Under her leadership, MenEngage South Africa facilitates critical conversations, accountability processes, and community driven efforts that challenge harmful gender norms and promote non-violence.

She also serves as Chairperson of the Trauma Centre for Survivors of Torture and Trauma, advancing trauma-informed approaches to healing and justice.

In recognition of her visionary leadership and sustained impact, Caroline was named a Finalist in the 2025 Santam Women of the Future Awards in the Social Entrepreneur category.

Board Members

Caroline Peters

Nikki Mosime-Christianson

Zoliswa Mbekwa

Zedia Walters

Patrons

Roxie A. Hoven

Dr Nicole Kaniki

Why You Should Partner with Us:

Historical Legacy

Callas Foundation co-ordinated the Woman’s Shelter Forum in the Province. This forum was a leading movement not only in the Athlone District but nationally.
The historical legacy of the Organisation continues to deepen its reach.

Established & Reputable Footprint

The Foundation has a rich social capital with a large footprint in the local community. It furthermore is one of the leading GBV Programmes in the Province. It has local,
national and global networks that has been
utilized on fundamental Social Development
platforms to advance the plight of women in
South Africa.

Data Informed

In South Africa, Gender Based Violence is a pervasive problem. It affects both men and women, and is perpetrated by anyone in positions of power. Our projects and programmes are informed by verifiable data that can translate into impact and change.