06/10/2022
𝐸𝓂𝓅𝑜𝓌𝑒𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒲𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓃 𝒮𝓅𝑜𝓉𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉
Natalie Mirkin is the Head of Operations for Fight Back SA , a non-profit organisation focused on the empowerment of young women and children residing in high risk and crime-ridden areas within South Africa, and providing them with free self-defence classes and pepper sprays. Natalie received her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Media & Writing and Environmental & Geographical Sciences from the University of Cape Town, has trained in private security and Krav Maga, as well as completed a basic life support medical training working on the ambulances in the Western Cape.
Natalie says, “A few months after I finished high school I witnessed someone being attacked with a knife who sadly passed away due to the injuries they sustained. I was lucky that I wasn't the one who was attacked but the scar it left is what made me change my life into one that it is now. I've been volunteering and helping run Fight Back SA for 4 years now and it's become my entire life. I want every young girl to be equipped with the tools to deal with the dangerous situations we find ourselves faced with every day in South Africa. Not only that, but to mentally unlock the idea that they CAN fight for themselves. Many privileged people don't even realize the hardships that a lot of young girls see or feel in the townships and high-crime areas.”
Natalie Mirkin stands out to us for her incredible tenacity to empower the lives of women in South Africa who need it most, and her unwavering ability to expand on her knowledge to further empower and uplift those around her. Natalie is truly a powerhouse!