Born From a Near-Kidnapping
In 2012, Risha Patak-Harie was nearly kidnapped on the streets of the Johannesburg Central Business District. That experience exposed a critical gap — between policy responses to violence and the practical, immediate skills individuals need to recognise danger, respond effectively, and reach safety.
She trained intensively and founded i-LEAD with one conviction: empowerment reduces vulnerability.
Over 13 years later, i-LEAD delivers free, mobile, and scalable prevention programmes across shelters, schools, tertiary institutions, communities, and organisations — and has built a global sisterhood network with partners across the USA, Spain, Belgium, and Thailand who share knowledge and strengthen one another's work.
Women empowerment advocate, safety educator, and 2021 Brand South Africa Play Your Part Award recipient for 10 years of active citizenship.
