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Hippocrates, Greek physician and philosopher, once said: “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” The sad fact is that oftentimes, the opportunity to heal is not available. Thankfully, there are organizations that help offer this chance, like 2025 Global Recognition Award (GRA) recipient, TEARS Foundation, which is a group dedicated to supporting survivors of abuse and sexual violence.
The TEARS Foundation was born out of Mara Glennie’s personal experience as a survivor. For years, Glennie herself had experienced torture akin to what military interrogators are known to do when they need to extract vital information from a prisoner. Her journey from victim to advocate has been nothing short of remarkable.
With a vision to end rape and abuse against women in South Africa, Glennie has dedicated herself to creating innovative solutions to address these issues. One of the Foundation’s most notable initiatives is the “Help at Your Fingertips” program, which uses a toll-free helpline and an SMS service (*134*7355#) to connect victims with nearby support facilities. This measure has helped over 80,000 people in just one year, providing them with immediate access to medical, legal and psychological services.
“I never intended to build an organization,” says Glennie, “I simply couldn’t bear the thought of another woman experiencing what I did: searching for help and finding none. Every survivor deserves dignity, respect, and a clear path to healing.”
Navigating the minefield of gender-based violence (GBV)
Historically, South Africa has always grappled with a severe gender-based violence crisis, with staggering statistics that should be considered as war crimes throughout the years. Mara Glennie believes that accurate research is crucial for understanding GBV better and guiding the creation of long-term solutions. Glennie emphasizes, “South Africa will only combat gender-based violence and femicide through strengthened work on prevention and response, which will only work through a multi-sectoral approach with the promotion of gender equality at its core.”
The Foundation’s latest campaign, “Soothing the Nation,” aims to confront this crisis by providing a trusted space for survivors. The campaign acknowledges that despite progressive laws, the system often fails victims, leaving them with little trust in seeking help. Mara Glennie highlights the importance of changing how society shows up for survivors, stating, “We need to change the way we view and help survivors.” This initiative is another testament to the Foundation’s commitment to creating pathways to safety and recovery for countless individuals.
Bringing healing amidst pain, fear and anger
The evolution of TEARS Foundation mirrors the journey of many survivors who fought their way through personal pain, fueled by the need for justice and eventually, transformed themselves into pillars of strength and support. Just like the journey of many survivors, the growth of the TEARS Foundation was also marked by many tribulations. “During our first year, we operated with just three volunteers and a shared cell phone,” recalls Glennie. “We would pass the phone between us to ensure 24-hour coverage. Some nights, I would take calls until sunrise, speaking to women who had nowhere else to turn.”
By 2015, TEARS Foundation had developed South Africa’s first SMS helpline specifically for sexual assault survivors, providing an accessible alternative to voice calls that many victims found too intimidating or dangerous to make in their circumstances. This measure addressed a critical portion of the circle of violence: the fear of being overheard or discovered when seeking help while still in proximity to an abuser.
Over the years, the Foundation had established multiple national referral networks with various partners in the GBV space, like medical centres, police stations, shelters, psycho-social support centres to name a few. Their referral network has grown exponentially over the years, creating a web of support that could catch survivors regardless of where they entered the system.
Remaining steadfast for the never-ending battle
As the Foundation looks to the future, the entire group remains steadfastly focused on the individuals behind the statistics. “Every statistic in our reports represents a person whose life was shattered and is slowly being rebuilt,” Glennie emphasizes. “Our success isn’t measured in organizational growth or international recognition, but in the quiet moments when a survivor realizes they can imagine a future again.”
In everything that they do, the members of the TEARS Foundation continue to demonstrate that the most effective responses to societal crises do not come from institutional powers, but from those who have walked through the darkness themselves and are determined to bring light to others finding their way towards healing.
“The work breaks your heart daily,” Glennie acknowledges. “But it also shows you the incredible capacity of the human spirit to heal, to help others heal, and to transform personal tragedy into collective triumph. That’s the story of TEARS Foundation—and of every survivor who finds their voice again.”
