In the summer of 2023, Arnav the founder of BBG, visited South Africa to explore the gender inequalities with first-hand experience and conducted research regarding a specific norm called “Ukuhlonipha.” This norm adapts to the gender biases found in rural communities of South Africa.

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I am committed to making a positive impact in my community and beyond. I work with an amazing non-profit organization called Zimele, whose inspiring mission is to confront the root causes of poverty in rural South Africa by empowering women with financial literacy, small business training, and life skills to sustain not only themselves but their families and communities. My team and I studied the Zimele Wethu approach during our partnership and started a month-long fundraising effort to support a cause that we were passionate about. We chose to dedicate our fundraising to purchasing six refillable tanks with gas, one for each of the six Zimele mobile kitchens that were purchased last year.

The purchase of these fuel tanks were essential in assisting the Zimele Community Livelihood Association (CLA) organizations. By offering hot, nutritious meals, these organizations are actively addressing food insecurity in their local communities. We want to make sure that the energy source used to prepare these meals is consistent and sustainable, so we ensured the mobile kitchens were being provided refillable tanks. In addition to addressing hunger, this effort promotes self-reliance and community growth because local women are in charge of running these mobile kitchens.

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During the summer of 2024, eight dedicated cyclists participated in the annual Zimele Bike Ride to support the mission of women empowerment. The riders embarked on a challenging journey that started in Nyack, NY and concluded in Montreal, Canada, covering 403 miles and climbing a total of 13,676 feet in elevation. The goal for the fundraiser was initially set at $30,000, but thanks to the determination of the cyclists, support staff, and the generosity of the local community, friends, and family, they managed to raise over $45,000!

This significant amount will provide direct economic, social, and financial resources for women in South Africa to become small-scale entrepreneurs and sustain independent livelihoods.

Arnav Patel, the founder of Breaking Barriers Globally, was the youngest cyclist to participate at just seventeen years old. Despite the challenges of the ride, his determination to empower women fueled his motivation to complete every mile.

Arnav’s Reflection:

“The bike trip was an experience I am never going to forget. The opportunity came to me at the last moment, but when I saw how much it would help the women in South Africa pursue their independent endeavors, I didn’t hesitate for a second to sign up for this trip. The bike crew was a community that embodied empowerment and all that Zimele stands for. We had each other’s backs for every mile of this trip.

I remember climbing a mountain that was just uphill for 1.5 miles with nearly 2,000-3,000 feet of elevation. Since I didn’t have the right gear for climbing and was borrowing a racing bike, I truged slowly up the mountain as my bike had a lot of resistance. However, Denis, our bike captain, pedaled at the same pace as me to ensure my safety. I’m incredibly grateful to the bike crew for their unwavering support in helping me achieve this goal.

I am proud to learn that we were able to raise over $45,000 for the brave and independent women of Durban, South Africa. Together we are creating meaningful change in the lives of women and communities in South Africa”

— Arnav Patel, Founder of Breaking Barriers Globally