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Women Volunteering in South Africa

24 Women Volunteer Programs in South Africa

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

795

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

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Roots Interns

10

3

Gender-Based Violence Research Internship in Cape Town

Commence on a transformative journey by applying your research skills to combat gender-based violence (GBV) within MOSAIC, a nonprofit based in Cape Town. This impactful internship invites you to contribute to the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting victims, especially girls and women, who have faced violence. With over 27 years of experience in responding to abuse and violence in South Africa, MOSAIC has established itself as a catalyst for positive change. You will engage in diverse research tasks tailored to match your interests, skills, and the current needs of the organization. This may involve delving into issues-focused research, conducting impact evaluations, exploring fundraising strategies, and potentially contributing to report writing. To thrive in this internship, one must have robust research skills, excellent communication abilities, an eagerness to embrace cultural diversity, the capability to work independently, a genuine passion for MOSAIC’s missions, and a proactive attitude. Don’t miss the chance to become a valuable contributor to MOSAIC’s impactful work and play a role in the transformative journey of those affected by GBV.

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Penda Photo Tours

9.75

8

Humanitarian Photography Workshop, South Africa

Experience the power of visual storytelling during this unique humanitarian photography program in a town just outside Cape Town—Stellenbosch, South Africa. As a photographer on this program, you'll learn how to document the work of local nonprofit organizations effectively, and you'll put that knowledge into practice during photographic assignments. You'll be tutored by a professional humanitarian photographer with extensive experience and a deep passion for nonprofit photography. Through personal guidance, you'll be sure to grow both in skill and confidence as a photographer. This workshop is a wonderful way to make an impact through your lens and experience South Africa in a unique way. During your stay in Stellenbosch, your accommodation, transport, and meals will be taken care of. You'll be based in a comfortable lodge in the city center, allowing you to easily explore some of the many highlights Stellenbosch and Cape Town have to offer. To qualify for this NGO photography program, you'll need to have basic camera skills and some photographic experience. The workshop runs several times a year, and you can join us for 2 to 4 weeks.

Projects Abroad

9.41

296

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Love Volunteers

9.58

201

Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference - From US$175!

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

Volunteer World

8.69

16

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

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GVI

8.44

16

Women's Empowerment Project in Cape Town

Although gender equality has come a long way for women from disadvantaged communities in South Africa, there is still quite a lot that needs to be done to ensure they are given equal opportunities and skills to participate actively and effectively in the South African economy. In the traditional township and rural culture, gender discrimination stems from patriarchal cultural and religious beliefs. GVI aims to assist in gender equality through various educational, healthcare, and income initiatives. We also aim to facilitate and encourage dialogues between empowered women, helping them to share positive stories of change while increasing the opportunity for them to become more involved in key community issues.

Vocational Impact

10

4

Psychology and Mental Health Programme in South Africa

Gain hands-on experience in psychology, mental health, or social work through this dynamic volunteer programme in one of South Africa’s major cities. Perfect for students and graduates, this opportunity offers real-world exposure, research potential, and professional growth in a global context. Support a foundation that aids abuse victims by assisting with psychological and forensic assessments, providing counselling and therapies, and offering victim support and youth diversion programmes. Help prepare families and children for court cases, ensuring victims have the support they need to pursue justice. Collaborate with a second foundation focused on community outreach, where you’ll deliver psychosocial training and workshops for children, social workers, and community leaders on issues like gender-based violence, abuse, mental health, and youth development. All while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of South Africa.

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Connect-123 Internship Programs

10

5

Social Work Internships

Make an impact that matters — globally. If you’re passionate about improving lives and tackling real-world challenges, Connect-123 can help you find an internship that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals while giving you the chance to grow as a global citizen. Our interns have partnered with nonprofits, hospitals, schools, clinics, and community programs on critical issues such as refugee support, women’s rights, domestic violence prevention, child welfare, poverty reduction, public health, and chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS. These aren’t hypothetical projects — they’re meaningful opportunities to contribute to lasting change. Beyond your placement, the Connect-123 program ensures your experience is seamless and transformative. From safe, comfortable housing and in-depth city orientation to regular social events and 24/7 on-the-ground support, we take care of the details so you can focus on making an impact and building your future. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

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WorldStrides

0

0

Community Engagement in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, known for its diverse and growing population, is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Opportunities to serve all year round include daycares for lower-income families, education centers for disadvantaged learners, and human rights organizations. Partnering with community-based organizations and completing a reflection-based curriculum will allow you to learn how local experts address these issues in their communities while gaining intercultural leadership skills. Each of our community-based organizations is unique, so please visit our website to learn more about your options. Our Cape Town program is recommended for anyone interested in the education and/or disability service fields.

World Unite!

0

0

Social Work Volunteering in Cape Town | World Unite!

The non-profit organization TLC Outreach Projects supports individuals from socially challenging backgrounds through several initiatives: - The "Street Ministry" program involves social work professionals traveling through the three informal settlements (Radar Bush, Wolwerivier, The Village) to provide care and refer individuals to other organizations for additional support. - The "Preventative Program" for children and young people provides basic educational activities and playful education on topics like drugs, crime, HIV, and homelessness. - The "Independent Living" and "Skills Development" programs focus on prevention by providing access to education and training opportunities. - The "Crazy Daisy" program distributes free hygiene products to girls, ensuring they do not miss school during their periods. As a volunteer, you will contribute to all of TLC's programs. Tasks may include assisting with outreach activities, supporting social workers in their efforts, helping with educational programs for children and teenagers, participating in various workshops, assisting with team meetings and maintenance, sorting donations, administrative tasks, and more.

Volunteer International Adventures

9.8

5

Counseling and Social Work Volunteering in South Africa

Volunteer in South Africa’s nonprofit organization sector, together with a team of counselors, psychologists, social workers, and community workers in this program abroad. The project focuses on providing counseling services, workshops, and training to people and groups going through traumatic experiences. These could include depression, domestic violence, family and marital stress, sexual abuse, HIV-related, and grief. Your role as a volunteer and the activities assigned to you may vary depending on certain factors, including the organization’s current needs (at the time of your participation). You’ll work as part of a team, helping with community networking activities and workshops. You could also attend case study groups and counseling courses. This project is available from mid-February to mid-November, with start days from Monday to Friday. Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, with a major or qualification in a relevant field. If you have experience in these fields, we’d be especially delighted to have you. The minimum length of stay is 4 weeks and a longer duration is subject to visa requirements.

Tshega

9

5

Volunteer Journey in South Africa, Transform Lives

Tshega Christian Mission (TCM) is a non-profit organization established in 2004. Under a tree, a commitment was born to transform lives and bring hope and love to a community in crisis. When you choose to volunteer with us, you know that you are guaranteed a legitimate and valuable program, with diversity for every taste as well as a strong support system. We offer something for everyone! One Base with a diversity of programs: * The Lighthouse Academy Primary school * Lamb's Haven Kindergarten * Orphaned and vulnerable children's program * Feeding scheme and an after-school homework club * Basadi skills development program for vulnerable women * TCM ministry program with outreach in the village and on the base * TCM Agri program * Sports/Choir/Drama/Skits * Admin/Social Media/Marketing * Maintenance and construction Your volunteer journey in South Africa begins with an orientation, and then you decide where your passion lies. Together, we can make a difference. We look forward to receiving you with true South African hospitality. Plus, we organize superb weekend excursions, which you simply shouldn't miss out on!

Magister South Africa Programs for Students and Volunteers

9

4

International Internship/Volunteer Positions in Cape Town

Magister South Africa offers a broad range of internship and volunteering placements in Cape Town. As one of the most established and well-known internship and volunteer organizations in South Africa's capital, our main goal is geared toward matching and placing qualified international students, interns, and volunteers with dynamic companies and organizations based in Cape Town. With our wide network of contacts and range of skills, we strive to ensure that the participants' experiences abroad remain unforgettable one. Magister offers great value to students and volunteers and invests in their personal development and education as well as their careers. We match placements according to qualifications, interests, and university requirements to ensure a unique internship or volunteer experience that best fits individual needs.

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Latest Program Reviews

Great experience volunteering in HuaHin

December 17, 2025by: Judith Hibbert - United KingdomProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
10

I had a great time in Thailand volunteering through IVHQ. Their pre departure checklists and videos were really helpful, and gave me confidence. The handover to the local team was seamless, with pickups and transport working really well. During the placement, the accommodation was great, with a good range of extra activities to get involved in during our downtime. In my third week, I transferred to a private room, as my boyfriend joined, and this again was seamless, with local pickups and drop offs only a whatsapp away. And the placement itself was sooo rewarding! I did construction and renovation which was sometimes tough in the heat, but well worth it to see the gratitude on the faces of the pupils and teachers at the kindergarten.

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