TEARS Foundation’s cover photo
TEARS Foundation

TEARS Foundation

Civic and Social Organizations

Johannesburg, Gauteng 644 followers

Bringing hope and healing.

About us

The TEARS Foundation has fronted the South African response to sexual violence since 2012. Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in South Africa. In fact, 1 in every 3 women has been a victim during their lifetime. This national, women-led organisation, provides services to women - regardless of ethnicity, religion, culture or socio-economic background. We invest in gender-responsive, trauma-informed services, and partnerships as evidence indicate it to best meet the needs of those surviving physical and sexual violence or abuse. Our unique “Help-at-your-fingertips®” service allows victims 24-hour access to immediate support, and contact with medical care and legal services. As a cellphone-based SMS service, that utilises USSD technology, anyone with a cellphone can use it without incurring data cost or loss of airtime. Please consider making a donation. Your contribution will help us to develop more tools and provide services to more women or girls in need. It could make a real difference in someone’s life.

Website
http://www.tears.co.za
Industry
Civic and Social Organizations
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2012
Specialties
Sexual assault support, Domestic violence support, Counselling, Rape activists, and Child sexual abuse support

Locations

  • Primary

    85 Protea Rd

    TSEBO Office Park, Block A

    Johannesburg, Gauteng 1684, ZA

    Get directions

Employees at TEARS Foundation

Updates

  • Sexual harassment remains one of the most underreported issues in the workplace. At TEARS Foundation, we believe the solution starts with knowledge, policy, and culture. Our Training Academy helps companies strengthen their internal systems—through workshops on workplace sexual harassment, South African labour law, and trauma-informed practices. We equip teams with the tools to recognise, prevent, and respond appropriately—while fostering safer, more accountable work environments. Play your part. Book a training session with TEARS Foundation: www.tears.co.za/contact

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  • In Loving Memory of Jenna Clifford It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to Jenna Clifford — a cherished friend, a passionate advocate, and a true light in the fight against gender-based violence. Jenna was more than just a supporter of the TEARS Foundation; she was part of our family. As a devoted ambassador and lifelong friend to our founder, Mara Glennie, Jenna used her voice and platform to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. Her unwavering dedication to ending gender-based violence touched countless lives and empowered many to seek help and speak out. Her personality was truly infectious — full of warmth, strength, and grace. Her advocacy was tireless and inspiring. In every action, Jenna brought compassion, courage, and a deep sense of purpose, leaving an unforgettable impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. In tribute to her extraordinary legacy, we share the powerful public service announcement she created with us — a lasting reminder of her heart and determination to create a safer, more just world. You will be sorely missed, Jenna. Your spirit will live on in our mission, in our hearts, and in the change you championed. With love and gratitude, All of us at the TEARS Foundation

  • Care work isn’t always gentle—it’s born of courage, persistence, and deep love for people you may never meet. It’s the quiet, constant work of showing up when it would be easier to step back. Whether it’s a caregiver, mentor, aunt, social worker, or friend—mothering is not about titles. It’s about presence. This is a tribute to the women who carry others, even when no one sees it. To those who create safety, offer softness, and bring strength into the world—thank you. This May, play your part by supporting those who are mothering our nation in ways big and small. Because when we uplift caregivers, we help communities heal.

  • At TEARS Foundation, training is more than a once-off session—it’s a movement to change how South Africa responds to gender-based violence. Celeste, who leads our Training Academy, knows what it means to turn lived experience into leadership. As a survivor and educator, she equips others with practical tools to identify, respond to, and prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces. From HR teams to executive boards, our sessions are built to shift culture—through knowledge, empathy, and compliance. Corporate South Africa: if your teams need the tools to act, we’re ready to train them. Get in touch with our training academy: www.tears.co.za/contact

  • In care work, showing up with empathy takes more than heart—it takes support. Nicole, a team lead at TEARS Foundation, shares how we prioritise mental wellness in our work. From peer support to daily reflection, we create space for our people to care and be cared for. Because when support teams are supported, healing reaches further.

  • 🏆 Congratulations to Mara Glennie and the TEARS Foundation! 🇿🇦 We are proud to celebrate a monumental achievement: TEARS Foundation has been awarded the “Best Social Organization of the Year” by Women Icon, in association with Times Women. This prestigious honour recognizes the tireless commitment, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication of Mara Glennie, Founder and CEO of TEARS Foundation, in fighting for survivors of Gender-Based Violence across South Africa. From emergency support to advocacy, our work continues to inspire change and bring hope to those who need it most. Let’s honour this incredible milestone by standing together to amplify voices that have been silenced for too long. 👏 Join us in celebrating this global recognition. 📞 If you or someone you know needs help, dial 08000 TEARS (08000 83277) – support is available 24/7.

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  • From a place of personal heartbreak, Mara Glennie built something that now saves lives every day. Today we reflect on how one woman’s pain became a source of hope for thousands. Her journey reminds us that care work isn’t always gentle—it’s born of courage, persistence, and deep love for people you may never meet. As a founder, mother figure, and activist, Mara plays her part by embodying what it means to mother through action, not just identity. Let her words move you and consider the role you play in creating a safer, more caring South Africa.

  • What motivates someone to show up every day and play their part. We asked our volunteers why they do this work, and their responses were humbling. For some, it’s personal. For others, it’s about justice. For all, it’s about hope. Their words reveal the emotional clarity that drives real change—reminding us that behind every service is someone’s choice to care. Play your part by donating today: www.tears.co.za/donate

  • What does a regular day at TEARS Foundation look like? It’s answering crisis calls throughout the day. It’s comforting a survivor in tears. It’s administrative work no one applauds—but which makes healing possible. This walkthrough shows the pace, pressure, and purpose behind our daily work. It reminds us that support systems aren’t automatic—they are built, staffed, and sustained by people who care deeply. Partner with us by donating to our cause: www.tears.co.za/donate

  • Mayday, mayday — we have a national crisis. In South Africa, the frontline of care is under strain. The emotional labour of responding to Gender-based Violence is heavy, constant, and too often invisible. Today, on Workers’ Day, we honour those who do this work—quietly, relentlessly. Counsellors. Call agents. Case workers. Volunteers. They don’t just care. They carry. Every single day. But they can’t carry it alone. This is a call to Corporate South Africa. Play your part. Partner with TEARS Foundation: www.tears.co.za/donate

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