About
Imagine communities where every tree planted is a story shared.
1000 Stories, 100,000 Trees brings women together to share their stories and plant trees – igniting a movement of positive change within each community.
We believe that when women come together, amazing things can happen.
We engage with women who know that the power of change is in our hands and that we are stronger when we work together.
Through this initiative, we’re reconnecting to the soil and nurturing relationships that bind our existence, building social cohesion, and promoting environmental development.
Working together to plant trees and share our stories, we’re sowing the seeds of a legacy that will grow throughout the years.
It’s a commitment to creating a sustainable future that benefits everyone.
Who we are
1000 Stories 100’000 Trees is a collaborative grassroots project initiated by She Evolves. As a team we have been brought together by our collective vision to address the social challenges women are facing today and to provide a practical response to the impact of climate change facing communities across South Africa and the continent.
Project Team
Yasmine Luhandjula
My name is Yasmine Luhandjula, and I am the Chief Editor for She Evolves World. My role is to plan, manage and produce quality, engaging and informative content for our readers. My goal is to elevate our content to capture the essence, authenticity and inspiration found within the stories and experiences shared on our online magazine and social media platforms. Since taking on this role, I have gained the courage to actively pursue my purpose and to unapologetically take a seat at the table. I hope to use my role as Chief Editor to ignite that same courage for African women worldwide.
Yasmine Luhandjula
My name is Yasmine Luhandjula, and I am the Chief Editor for She Evolves World. My role is to plan, manage and produce quality, engaging and informative content for our readers. My goal is to elevate our content to capture the essence, authenticity and inspiration found within the stories and experiences shared on our online magazine and social media platforms. Since taking on this role, I have gained the courage to actively pursue my purpose and to unapologetically take a seat at the table. I hope to use my role as Chief Editor to ignite that same courage for African women worldwide.
Mutshidzi Maria Kwinda
I was introduced to She Evolves in 2014 when it was called GirlZtalk under the umbrella of Seed Community. Although I was not formally part of the team, I have contributed to the organization in various capacities for at least five years. In 2020, when She Evolves was officially launched, I was part of the masterminds in the brainstorming process together with the founder Christina Vestey and co-founder Phindile Sithole-Spong. I have since been working as a writer and Facebook manager. My writing is mostly inspired by the healthcare knowledge I obtained in my undergraduate studies as a pharmacy student and my experience as a cancer survivor. Amongst many other writing genres, like book reviews, storytelling, sharing tips and tricks from tried experiences, I highly advocate for women’s health and well-being.
Mutshidzi Maria Kwinda
I was introduced to She Evolves in 2014 when it was called GirlZtalk under the umbrella of Seed Community. Although I was not formally part of the team, I have contributed to the organization in various capacities for at least five years. In 2020, when She Evolves was officially launched, I was part of the masterminds in the brainstorming process together with the founder Christina Vestey and co-founder Phindile Sithole-Spong. I have since been working as a writer and Facebook manager. My writing is mostly inspired by the healthcare knowledge I obtained in my undergraduate studies as a pharmacy student and my experience as a cancer survivor. Amongst many other writing genres, like book reviews, storytelling, sharing tips and tricks from tried experiences, I highly advocate for women’s health and well-being.
Phindile Sithole-Spong
Having been with She Evolves since its early days when it was called GirlZtalk. Over the years I have held several roles and was part of the brainstorming team for the She Evolves that exists today. Prior to working with She Evolves, I ran a successful HIV and sexual health consultancy company that put me in touch with women from all walks of life. This experience made me realize that African women are the most vulnerable to a number of social issues. But also that they are the most willing to change, grow and evolve, which is what She Evolves is about. It is also why have stayed with She Evolves as I see it not only as a driver for change and growth within myself but also for the women who form a part of our greater community.
Phindile Sithole-Spong
Having been with She Evolves since its early days when it was called GirlZtalk. Over the years I have held several roles and was part of the brainstorming team for the She Evolves that exists today. Prior to working with She Evolves, I ran a successful HIV and sexual health consultancy company that put me in touch with women from all walks of life. This experience made me realize that African women are the most vulnerable to a number of social issues. But also that they are the most willing to change, grow and evolve, which is what She Evolves is about. It is also why have stayed with She Evolves as I see it not only as a driver for change and growth within myself but also for the women who form a part of our greater community.
Christina Vestey
Favourite Quote: The word Ubuntu, which means ‘I am because you are’
I am the Founder and Project Manager of 1000 Stories 100’000 Trees; a collaborative grassroots project initiated by She Evolves. She Evolves operates under the umbrella of its parent organisation, SEED Community. I am the founder and CEO of SEED Community and the founder and co-ordinator of She Evolves.
1000 Stories 100’000 Trees emerged from my own personal story. At a time of profound loss, I found that planting trees and connecting to the earth held me and supported my grief in a way that was so gentle and healing. I believe our stories are embedded in the landscape and the land knows when we are lost.
My passion for creating spaces where women can share their voices has grown more fervent. We witness the increasing global injustices and the internal damage they embed as Black African women remain without a platform that is rightfully theirs. Their voices are necessary, powerful and inspiring. They speak of our shared humanity.
She Evolves is for women to see themselves reflected, to see themselves as the agents of change within their communities. 1000 Stories 100’000 Trees is She Evolves’ commitment to bring women together to share their stories and plant the change they want to see in the world.
Christina Vestey
Favourite Quote: The word Ubuntu, which means ‘I am because you are’
I am the Founder and Project Manager of 1000 Stories 100’000 Trees; a collaborative grassroots project initiated by She Evolves. She Evolves operates under the umbrella of its parent organisation, SEED Community. I am the founder and CEO of SEED Community and the founder and co-ordinator of She Evolves.
1000 Stories 100’000 Trees emerged from my own personal story. At a time of profound loss, I found that planting trees and connecting to the earth held me and supported my grief in a way that was so gentle and healing. I believe our stories are embedded in the landscape and the land knows when we are lost.
My passion for creating spaces where women can share their voices has grown more fervent. We witness the increasing global injustices and the internal damage they embed as Black African women remain without a platform that is rightfully theirs. Their voices are necessary, powerful and inspiring. They speak of our shared humanity.
She Evolves is for women to see themselves reflected, to see themselves as the agents of change within their communities. 1000 Stories 100’000 Trees is She Evolves’ commitment to bring women together to share their stories and plant the change they want to see in the world.
Project Steering Committee
Dawn Govender
Image Moloto
Bishop Ngobeli
Soso Ngxoweni
Sylvia Graham
Thabelo Makwarela
Thanyelani Matodzi
Nosisa Nzuza
Matshepiso Makhabane
Khaya Gumede
Dorah Marema
Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Green Development Foundation
Green Development Foundation
Green Development Foundation
Siyathembana
Green Business College
SALGA
SALGA
Dawn Govender – Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Image Moloto – Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Bishop Ngobeli – Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
Soso Ngxoweni
Sylvia Graham – Green Development Foundation
Thabelo Makwarela – Green Development Foundation
Thanyelani Matodzi – Green Development Foundation
Nosisa Nzuza – Siyathembana
Matshepiso Makhabane – Green Business College
Khaya Gumede – SALGA
Dorah Marema – SALGA
How it works
Our initiative starts in communities across South Africa. We identify and connect with women Change Makers who are passionate about their community and raising awareness about an issue close to their heart.
They select a location where there is a need for greening and where they can host their event. This could be a community centre, church garden, local school, home gardens, or on their street.
Collaborating with local partners, we conduct a site inspection and select appropriate indigenous trees and fruit trees. We train Change Makers on tree planting, maintenance, and composting.
Change Makers are responsible for the wellbeing of the trees and engaging women within their respective communities. We provide support with face-to-face meetings and an event pack guiding them through the process of creating and hosting the event.
"You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them."
- Wangari Maathai
We share each Change Maker’s story with the She Evolves global community on our website and social media.
These stories offer a unique chance to raise awareness and amplify the voices of African women. Inspiring and encouraging women to engage with the issues that matter to them they become agents of change in their own communities.
Change Makers form part of the She Evolves Tree of Life Network. Together we are able to measure impact and witness the movement’s growth.
The She Evolves Change Maker Family WhatsApp group is where all our Change Makers can share their experiences, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate their successes. To motivate and recognise Change Makers, we host an annual competition with prizes for the most successful Change Makers.