From homeless to hopeful for Durban's women

Durban’s homeless women are learning the skills they need to regain their pride, earn a living, and take back control of their futures.

A local non-profit, Bringing Acceptance & Trust to Humanity (BATH), has set up its operations on the ground floor of Strollers — a shelter for homeless women in the heart of the city. The initiative, say the directors, is not about handouts, but about helping women rebuild their lives through confidence, creativity, and economic independence.

While the shelter is managed by the eThekwini Safer Cities division, BATH works alongside the city’s vision to create inclusive, safe, and sustainable spaces. Their focus is on equipping women with practical tools and life skills that can lead to employment or self-run ventures.

BATH founder Bronwen Turner explains that their aim is to “walk closely alongside each woman, encouraging her to rebuild confidence and re-enter society as a thriving, resilient, and independent individual. It’s about restoring hope, shaping a future, and helping her move toward a life of dignity in a home of her own.”

In addition to skills-building, BATH also creates a space for women to learn about their rights and confront difficult issues like gender-based violence and human trafficking. 

“Our goal is to foster sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, alongside full and productive employment and decent work for all,” Turner adds. “That includes promoting economic empowerment, especially for youth and women, eliminating forced labour and modern slavery, and ensuring safe, secure working conditions.”

The Foundation's work is anchored in four focus areas: Bright Ideas, an initiative which encourages women to tap into their creativity as part of building individual development plans. With guidance, many are steered toward healthier career choices or potential business models. “ The aim is not just to give support, but to guide them toward growing an independent future,” says Turner.

Financial Literacy where they are taught how to work with money. Turner says they are often asked why budgeting is taught when the women have no or very little income but she believes that financial empowerment begins with incremental steps. “Every rand earned, saved and treasured is a step towards independence. Once someone understands the dynamics of managing their money, no matter how little, they begin to thrive.”

She says through their Graduate Programme, the women are supported to improve their level of education; whether it means learning to read and write, or building on existing qualifications.

In BATH’s Practical Skills programme women are taught to crochet and sew and produce handmade bags and other items which are crafted from donated and waste textiles. Turner says they are also schooled in how to start microbusinesses, register their businesses formally, open bank accounts, as well as set up flea market stalls to sell their creations.

She says the goal is always the same; to give women the tools, confidence, and practical knowledge to build sustainable, independent lives, one skill at a time. To symbolise that journey, a colourful mural by Durban artist Iain “Ewok” brings life to the inner wall of the BATH workshop serving as a visual reminder of collective strength, support, and transformation. Turner says the mural represents the UN’s 8th Sustainable Development Goal which stands for decent work and economic growth.