“When I first learned about gender equality, the focus was predominantly on women. However, my internship emphasized the significance of also fostering safe spaces for men, allowing them opportunities to learn and grow”– Maud Zijlstra
Dive into Maud and Rahel’s journey with MOSAIC, where their internships in Cape Town opened their eyes to the transformative power of community outreach, women’s support programs, and the profound beauty of human connection in shaping lives.
KEY FACTS:
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Academic Focus Area: Gender Studies, Advocacy, Management, Communications
- Length: 12 weeks to 26 weeks
THE INTERNSHIP
Step into the impactful world of a female empowerment nonprofit in Cape Town, South Africa, where you’ll gain hands-on experience addressing one of the nation’s most pressing challenges: gender-based violence. This organization provides critical support to survivors through counselling, legal aid, advocacy, policy development, and awareness initiatives. As a gender equality intern, your role will be as dynamic as it is meaningful, with opportunities to engage in project coordination, impact assessments, research, and communications, all tailored to your unique skills and academic background. Whether you’re studying Women’s or Gender Studies or simply driven by a passion for human rights, this Gender Equality internship offers an invaluable chance to apply your expertise in a truly intersectional setting. Dive into the heart of nonprofit operations and contribute to advancing the fight against gender-based violence in South Africa.
THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1993, MOSAIC Training Services and Healing Centre for Women has spent three decades championing the fight against gender-based violence, providing essential support to survivors, primarily women and girls, while also offering groundbreaking male counselling and prevention programs. This nonprofit tackles domestic violence, sexual violence, and the critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health rights through innovative social support services and impactful projects. By joining one of MOSAIC’s internships, you’ll become part of this legacy of change, contributing to a vital cause while gaining invaluable skills and real-world experience in pursuing gender equality.
ABOUT RAHEL AND MAUD
Meet Rahel and Maud, who completed gender advocacy internships, and were driven by a powerful ambition to bring about change in the social development and sustainable efforts space. Both carry stories from their women’s support internship that will inspire and ignite your heart and mind. Their work in tackling gender-based violence and providing support is a testament to their commitment to making a difference in the world.
Rahel, a Swiss graduate in Psychology, is preparing to pursue a Masters degree. With a focus on human behavior and cultural dynamics, her academic and travel experiences have fueled her passion for social justice. Rahel completed this NGO internship to gain practical experience, develop her skills, and contribute to human rights and gender equality.
Maud Zijlstra, an International Development student, is passionate about addressing gender-based violence in South Africa. She aimed to gain practical experience in nonprofit management while empowering women and advancing gender equality. Maud’s warm nature and commitment to creating meaningful change made her an ideal fit for this internship
LEARN MORE ABOUT EARNING UNIVERSITY CREDITS DURING YOUR INTERNSHIP
FACING HARSH REALITIES IS NECESSARY FOR CHANGE
Cape Town’s breathtaking scenery, with the majestic Table Mountain casting its shadow over coastal communities, contrasts sharply with the harsh realities many face in the city’s townships. While the city’s beauty attracts visitors from around the world, many communities battle relentless challenges that create fractured human connections. “One of the most significant challenges I faced was working directly within township communities, where pervasive socioeconomic hardships and limited infrastructure were part of daily life. The visible inequalities, overcrowded living conditions, and the lingering effects of trauma on residents were emotionally taxing, forcing me to confront my own assumptions and emotional thresholds. Navigating these realities demanded a heightened sense of cultural humility, adaptability, and the ability to remain empathetic under difficult circumstances,” reflects Rahel. This internship for gender equality, though profoundly taxing, ultimately honed her emotional resilience and interpersonal sensitivity, teaching her to engage with a deeper sense of thoughtfulness and ethical awareness in environments shaped by adversity.
FIND OUT MORE REASONS TO DO AN INTERNSHIP WITH AN NGO
A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM FUELS MOTIVATION
A good support system can make all the difference when it comes to staying motivated, especially during challenging times. For Maud, the support she received from MOSAIC and Roots was a key motivator in her journey. “I didn’t reach out that much to Roots because it didn’t feel necessary due to the huge support I got from MOSAIC, however, it was really nice knowing that I always had extra support to fall back on,” she says. This sense of security allowed her to focus on her goals and face difficulties head on. It’s a reminder that when we know we have a solid network backing us up, we can tackle challenges with greater confidence and a clearer focus. Whether it’s emotional, professional, or practical support, having a foundation of people who believe in you can be one of the most powerful sources of motivation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SUPPORT ROOTS OFFERS TO INTERNS
PERSONAL GROWTH
“This internship taught me a lot of things in my personal and professional development, but the most valuable has been in building my confidence in who I am and what I’m capable of. My internship focused on the prevention side of gender-based violence work and I got to co-facilitate workshops, sit in on SAFE meetings, go directly into communities, write reports, and most importantly, experience the difference in daily life and perceptions. When I was originally taught about gender equality, it was always so focused on women, but my internship really highlighted the importance of also creating safe spaces for men to help them learn and grow. I got a lot of insight into what I want to do and where I want to go in the future. Cape Town is a special place that I think everyone should visit. Overall this was an internship experience that I will never forget.”
Maud’s words capture the profound personal growth she experienced throughout her women’s empowerment internship. It wasn’t just about acquiring new skills or knowledge; it was about transforming her understanding of herself and her place within the larger scope of gender equality work. This internship in Cape Town became a milestone in her journey of self-discovery; one that will stay with her as she moves forward in her career and life.
PREPARATION FOR FUTURE CAREERS
Rahel’s time at MOSAIC has been a pivotal moment in shaping her career trajectory, cementing her passion for social impact, advocacy, and community-based work. Through her direct interactions with survivors, she gained invaluable insights into the importance of survivor-centred approaches and the power of thoughtful frameworks in fostering positive change. “Before the internship, I knew I wanted to support vulnerable populations, but I hadn’t fully grasped how thoughtful frameworks and survivor-centered approaches could profoundly influence positive outcomes,” she reflects. This experience has not only clarified her professional goals but also equipped her with the tools and emotional depth to pursue a career dedicated to empowering those affected by injustice.
CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU
Maul and Rahel’s stories both serve as a powerful example for those passionate about gender equality. They highlight how working with a dedicated team can drive meaningful change where it’s needed most. If you’re passionate about making a difference in communities, our Gender Equality internships provide the perfect platform to gain valuable experience while addressing critical issues.
With opportunities that delve into the complexities of gender equality and human rights, Roots Interns is here to match your skills and interests with a cause that matters to propel your professional and personal development.
If you have any questions or would like more information about internship opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact the Roots team, or browse through all our available internships abroad to discover the exciting opportunities Roots has to offer!
This blog was written by Cheyenne Conradie
Photo credits to Anna Lusty (@madeinmycamera)
