GirlUnlimited has welcomed 35 girls into its 2026 programme, marking another significant step in its commitment to empowering young girls while calling for increased support to scale the impact of its work.

Supported by McDonald’s South Africa, the GirlUnlimited programme focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for young girls to build confidence, develop their potential and gain access to support that can positively influence their futures.

The latest cohort forms part of an initiative that recognises the importance of investing in young people and creating environments where girls can develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate their personal, educational and future career journeys.

For the 35 girls selected to participate in the 2026 programme, the opportunity represents more than joining an initiative. It provides a platform to learn, grow, build confidence and discover possibilities for their future.

The programme also highlights the importance of collaboration between community-focused organisations and the private sector in creating sustainable impact.

McDonald’s South Africa backs community-led impact

McDonald’s South Africa’s support reflects its commitment to strengthening initiatives that are already making a difference within communities.

Millicent Maroga, Director: Impact at McDonald’s South Africa, said supporting initiatives led by franchisees and rooted in the communities where they operate is an important part of creating meaningful and sustainable impact.

“Supporting initiatives led by franchisees and rooted in the communities where they operate is an important part of creating meaningful, sustainable impact,” said Maroga.

She emphasised that investment in young people can have benefits that extend beyond the individual participants.

“When we support programmes that invest directly in young people, we are helping create opportunities that can benefit not only the individual girls, but their families and communities for years to come,” she said.

The partnership with GirlUnlimited demonstrates how corporate support can help strengthen community-based programmes while creating opportunities for young people to access resources, encouragement and development experiences.

Building confidence in young women

At the heart of GirlUnlimited’s work is the belief that young girls should have opportunities to recognise their potential and develop the confidence to pursue their aspirations.

For the 2026 participants, the programme provides an environment where they can engage with new experiences, learn from others and develop greater confidence in themselves.

Building confidence at a young age can play an important role in helping girls make informed choices about their education, relationships, careers and personal futures.

The programme also seeks to create an impact that extends beyond the individual, with empowered young women potentially contributing positively to their families and communities.

A call for continued support

While welcoming 35 girls into the 2026 programme is an important milestone, GirlUnlimited is looking towards the future and calling on additional partners and supporters to help expand its reach.

The organisation is encouraging corporates, foundations, philanthropists and other stakeholders who share its vision to contribute towards creating more opportunities for girls to participate in programmes that support their growth and development.

Scaling the programme would allow GirlUnlimited to reach more girls and strengthen the resources and opportunities available to participants.

The partnership with McDonald’s South Africa demonstrates the potential of collaboration between businesses and community initiatives to create sustainable impact.

As the 2026 cohort begins its journey, the focus remains firmly on equipping girls with the confidence and opportunities to believe in themselves and their future.

For GirlUnlimited, the 35 girls welcomed into the programme represent the potential of a new generation — and a reminder that investing in young people can create benefits that reach far beyond the individual.

With continued support from organisations such as McDonald’s South Africa and other committed partners, GirlUnlimited hopes to build on its existing impact and reach even more girls in communities across South Africa.follow more on @mcdonaldsSA @GirlUnlimited and @sabuzzmedia