Charlie Hartung - Empowering Namibia’s girls through The Blush Foundation
In Swakopmund, philanthropist and entrepreneur Charlie Hartung is changing lives through The Blush Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of period poverty and empowering young girls across Namibia.
After 15 years in the corporate world, Hartung launched All Things Charlie, a lifestyle platform celebrating women’s stories. That initiative inspired The Blush Foundation, born from her desire to give back and uplift the next generation of women. “Witnessing period poverty’s impact on education and confidence hit close to home, especially as a mum raising a daughter,” she says.
Her father’s words, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” became her guiding principle. Facing her own challenges as a woman balancing ambition and motherhood, Hartung channelled those experiences into empathy and action.
At the heart of the foundation is the Sanitary Towel Project, which partners with schools, hostels and soup kitchens to reach girls in need. “We strive to give each girl a year’s supply of sanitary towels to help them stay in school,” Hartung explains. “It’s not always possible due to low stocks and limited funds, but that is our aim.”
Although period products are exempt from VAT, they remain unaffordable for many. “As a country, we owe our girls more,” Hartung says. “Free access to sanitary products in schools is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.”
The foundation’s impact goes beyond donations. At a recent fundraiser attended by 100 women, discussions on dementia and nutrition inspired attendees to start community wellness projects. “It’s about ripple effects,” she says. “One act of empowerment leads to another.”
Sustaining donations remains a challenge, but transparency and community trust have helped The Blush Foundation grow. Looking ahead, Hartung hopes to expand into rural regions and include mental health and mentorship programmes in their work.
Her message to others: “Just start. Every act, big or small, plants a seed for change.”
If you identify a need in your community or wish to support The Blush Foundation, contact Charlie at me@allthingscharlie.com or visit www.allthingscharlie.com
After 15 years in the corporate world, Hartung launched All Things Charlie, a lifestyle platform celebrating women’s stories. That initiative inspired The Blush Foundation, born from her desire to give back and uplift the next generation of women. “Witnessing period poverty’s impact on education and confidence hit close to home, especially as a mum raising a daughter,” she says.
Her father’s words, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” became her guiding principle. Facing her own challenges as a woman balancing ambition and motherhood, Hartung channelled those experiences into empathy and action.
At the heart of the foundation is the Sanitary Towel Project, which partners with schools, hostels and soup kitchens to reach girls in need. “We strive to give each girl a year’s supply of sanitary towels to help them stay in school,” Hartung explains. “It’s not always possible due to low stocks and limited funds, but that is our aim.”
Although period products are exempt from VAT, they remain unaffordable for many. “As a country, we owe our girls more,” Hartung says. “Free access to sanitary products in schools is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.”
The foundation’s impact goes beyond donations. At a recent fundraiser attended by 100 women, discussions on dementia and nutrition inspired attendees to start community wellness projects. “It’s about ripple effects,” she says. “One act of empowerment leads to another.”
Sustaining donations remains a challenge, but transparency and community trust have helped The Blush Foundation grow. Looking ahead, Hartung hopes to expand into rural regions and include mental health and mentorship programmes in their work.
Her message to others: “Just start. Every act, big or small, plants a seed for change.”
If you identify a need in your community or wish to support The Blush Foundation, contact Charlie at me@allthingscharlie.com or visit www.allthingscharlie.com
