Commissioner Yvonne serves at International Headquarters as the Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries for Africa.

'At a very young age, I was sensitised to difficulties faced by women and girls, seeing what was happening in our communities. 

'I was watching and listening to a Salvation Army cadet (minister in training) who visited our corps (church), sharing how she was helping young girls in the community. This confirmed my calling; Salvation Army officership was exactly what God had called me to do. 

'As a young officer (minister) I faced some challenges, which made me question my calling. I was blessed having leaders around me who always encouraged and shared with me their own vulnerability. It made me strong in knowing that if they could overcome, so could I. These leaders inspired within me the same desire to see our women and girls being encouraged, knowing that they have worth and are valued in the Kingdom of God. 

'William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, said: "While women weep…I’ll fight." Women weep for many different reasons today, of which one is the abuse of women and young girls. The face of injustice is not a pretty one, so we need to rise and fight against it. This is an issue that seems to escalate and not diminish. As the waters of injustice are rising, so must we, to fight against it. 

'Isaiah 61:1 reads, "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." I thank God for the women I work with who go the extra mile to save others.'