Puleng Maluleka is a social worker who is passionate about the protection and empowerment of vulnerable women and children. She runs a shelter for female victims of human trafficking and helps minor female victims of sexual abuse at Beautiful Dream Society of Lesotho, a non-governmental organization. She has sought justice for trafficking and sexually abused survivors at court hearings, reconnected isolated survivors with blood relatives and communities, and organized practical life-skills training. Puleng has also helped survivors find employment or return to school. She plans to introduce more vocational training to her clients, to sensitize relevant stakeholders about issues of trafficking survivors, and to build connections that will introduce her clients to more economic training opportunities to reduce the chances of revictimization. Puleng is a qualified social worker from the National University of Lesotho and recently graduated with an honors degree in Social and Behavioral Studies (specializing in HIV) from the University of South Africa. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Puleng looks forward to sharing best practices with colleagues across Africa and to introducing new skills and methods to her organization.
