Tag: Education

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Madinatu Bello, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Her work explores indigenous cultural traditions, gender dynamics, theatre, performance, heritage, peacebuilding and sustainability, revealing how the arts can preserve memory, challenge exclusion and help communities imagine more equitable futures. Where Art Becomes Memory Dr Bello traces her artistic journey back to a childhood shaped by communal rituals, performance and cultural festivals. For her, drumming, dance and theatre were never simply entertainment; they were the ways communities remembered their histories, negotiated power and transmitted identity across generations. This early immersion in living culture shaped her path through the humanities, theatre arts and music education. Culture, Gender and the Politics of Exclusion A central theme in the conversation is how culture can both sustain communities and reproduce gendered barriers. Dr Bello explains how indigenous drumming traditions have often excluded women through spiritual and ritual explanations, positioning men as custodians of authority while women are expected to sing, clap or dance in support. Her research asks what happens when women refuse the margins and claim the master drum as a space of leadership. The Resilience of Female Master Drummers Rather than confront tradition only through open resistance, the female master drummers Dr Bello studies use discipline, excellence and presence as strategy. They practise extensively, outplay expectations, draw on family and community networks, and enter spaces where their skill can no longer be denied. One insight from the interview is that cultural expectations shift not only when someone shouts the loudest, but when someone refuses to disappear. Arts as Social Change, Healing and Peacebuilding Dr Bello argues that the arts become transformative when they function as mirrors, memories, mediators and foundations for development. She reflects on decolonial practice as the reclamation of indigenous forms, on performance as a peacebuilding space where rival groups can share rhythm before agreement, and on culture as a basis for sustainability. In her view, when culture dies, something vital in the community dies with it. Navigating Academia as a Woman The conversation also turns to Dr Bello’s own experiences in academia, where she worked for many years as the only woman in her department. She speaks candidly about the quieter forms of bias women can face: having to prove they were not favoured, encountering sarcasm about their achievements, and navigating delays or resistance in professional progression. Her response has been to let the quality of her work speak, to outperform her own previous standards, and to draw strength from supportive male colleagues who understand her vision. Education, Opportunity and Confidence Education has been a defining force in Dr Bello’s life. Coming from a family where her father ensured that his six daughters had educational opportunities, she used schooling as a foundation for intellectual confidence and professional growth. Fellowships such as the ACLS African Humanities Program and the SSRC Africa Peacebuilding Network expanded her research, helping her move from viewing culture as a subject of study to understanding it as an instrument for policy, conflict transformation and social imagination. Girls’ Education and Breaking Cycles of Poverty Reflecting on Ghana, Dr Bello notes that access to schooling has improved, but completion remains a crucial challenge for girls, especially in rural and poorer communities. Financial pressure, pregnancy and early marriage can interrupt education, yet she also sees signs of transformation as women and families increasingly understand education as a deliberate mechanism for breaking cycles of poverty. Educated girls and women create ripple effects that strengthen families, communities and future generations. Women Who Opened the Way Dr Bello honours the women who shaped her path, beginning with her mother, whose academic excellence inspired her own ambition. She also credits influential teachers who nurtured her love of English, literature and the arts, as well as the late Antoinette, the female master drummer whose presence at university helped open an entirely new research direction. Their example has inspired Dr Bello to become a support system for younger women building their own creative and academic journeys. A Message to Girls and Women The interview closes with a strong reminder that every girl and woman has the right to be the main star of her own story. Dr Bello encourages young women to trust their instincts, be disciplined, build meaningful networks and refuse to let others define the limits of their lives. Through learning, creating and questioning, women generate impact that extends beyond themselves into their families, communities and the continent. Tune in for more…

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September 17, 2026

Dr. Bello Madinatu, Department of Theatre and Film – University of Cape Coast, Ghana – Resilience

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Madinatu Bello, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Her work explores indigeno...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Pumla Dineo Gqola, an award-winning author, literary and cultural scholar, and the NRF SARChI Chair in African Feminist Imaginations at Nelson Mandela University. This conversation explores the power of imagination, the evolution of African feminism, and the importance of creating communities that enable women to thrive professionally. A Childhood Built on Books and Curiosity Professor Gqola reflects on growing up in a family where reading was simply part of everyday life. Weekly visits to the library, parents who nurtured curiosity, and a home where questions were encouraged cultivated a lifelong passion for literature and critical thinking. She explains how books opened worlds beyond day-to-day realities – new ideas, different perspectives - and laid the foundation for her academic journey. Finding Feminism Before Knowing Its Name Long before she understood the language of feminism, Professor Gqola was surrounded by remarkable women who challenged convention. From family members and community activists to influential writers she discovered later in life, these women shaped her understanding of courage, leadership and possibility. By the age of fifteen, she recognised that feminism simply gave a name to values she had already embraced. The Power of African Feminist Imagination Professor Gqola holds the SARChi Chair in African Feminist Imaginations. What does this mean? Rather than viewing literature, music, art, film and activism as separate disciplines, she explains how imagination flows across them all, creating new ways of thinking about freedom, identity and justice. She argues that imagination does far more than reflect society, it actively helps co-create it. Stories, music and artistic expression influence how we see ourselves, what we believe is possible, and how societies evolve. Why African Feminism Matters Professor Gqola offers a nuanced perspective on African feminism, describing it as deeply connected to Africa's histories, cultures and diversity while remaining part of a broader global feminist movement. She highlights that African feminism values difference as a source of collective strength rather than division. It embraces complexity, intersectionality and Pan-African solidarity while continually adapting to new social and political realities rather than relying on past solutions. Breaking Barriers in Academia Drawing on her own career, Professor Gqola shares the realities of often being the first, or only, Black woman in senior academic spaces. While many celebrate these milestones, she reminds listeners that being "the first" often reveals the systemic barriers that have excluded others. Her goal, she says, has never been to remain exceptional but to ensure many more women follow, making the "first" eventually unremarkable, be the 300th instead. Building Communities That Help Women Thrive One of Professor Gqola’s pieces of advice emphasies community. She encourages women to intentionally create supportive networks where ideas can be challenged honestly, growth is encouraged, and isolation is replaced with belonging. These trusted communities become spaces for rigorous thinking, mutual encouragement and collective advancement. Importantly, she believes that once these spaces are created, women have a responsibility to sustain them for future generations. Protecting Your Dreams As the interview draws to a close, Professor Gqola encourages young women and girls to protect their dreams before sharing them too widely, recognising that even well-meaning people can unintentionally diminish aspirations. She urges young women to nurture belief in themselves, remain true to their ambitions, and trust that somewhere in the world there are many others who share similar dreams and aspirations. No one is truly alone, and communities of like-minded women can, and will, be found. Look for your tribe. Tune in for more…

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July 24, 2026

Professor Pumla Dineo Gqola: African Feminist Imaginations – Centre for Women and Gender Studies at Nelson Mandela University – Feminism and Community Power

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Pumla Dineo Gqola, an award-winning author, literary and cultural scholar, and the NRF SARChI Chair in African Feminist Imaginations at Nelson Mandel...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Refiloe Lepere, an award-winning gender scholar, storyteller, performer, community-accountable theatre maker, and lecturer at the Wits School of Education. Dr. Lepere uses storytelling and performance to explore Black feminist aesthetics, racial justice, identity, and joy. Growing Up in a Community that Created Artists Dr Lepere reflects on her childhood in Soweto, where neighbours, teachers, artists and family members collectively nurtured creativity. She shares how dance, storytelling, music and books became the foundation of her career, demonstrating the role that communities played in shaping her development. Black Feminist Aesthetics and the Importance of Black Joy We explore Dr Lepere's pioneering work on Black feminist aesthetics and why she believes the everyday creativity of Black women deserves greater recognition. Rather than defining Black experiences solely through struggle and lamentation, she advocates celebrating joy, imagination, beauty, and the richness of everyday life as equally powerful forms of expression and truths. Breaking Out of Society's Boxes One of the topics raised in this interview is how education and institutions often encourage conformity instead of individuality. Dr Lepere challenges conventional ideas of success and specialisation, arguing that people are naturally multi-dimensional and should not have to sacrifice parts of themselves to fit into predetermined categories. Creating Theatre that Heals Communities Drawing on more than forty original performance works staged across Africa, Europe and North America, Dr Lepere explains how storytelling can become an act of healing. She discusses creating theatre with communities rather than simply for audiences, giving voice to women, domestic workers and young people while using performance to explore gender, justice, memory and collective healing. Redefining Leadership Through Collective Care Moving beyond traditional models of leadership, Dr Lepere introduces the concept of collective leadership; one rooted in collaboration, consultation and humanity rather than hierarchy. She also shares her powerful philosophy of "livability", arguing that successful organisations should create space for people's lives, families and wellbeing alongside professional achievement. Education as a Tool for Building New Worlds For Dr Lepere, education extends far beyond qualifications. She describes reading and learning as acts of world-building that expose us to new possibilities, broaden our perspectives and remind us that our experiences are shared by others. Education, she believes, empowers us not only with knowledge but with entirely new ways of seeing ourselves and the world. Choosing Yourself The interview concludes with a memorable message for girls and women everywhere: stop waiting to be chosen. Dr Lepere encourages women to volunteer, ask questions, take up space, speak confidently and make themselves visible. Her closing challenge is to choose yourself and not wait for others to choose you. Tune in for more…

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July 3, 2026

Dr Refiloe Lepere: Wits School of Education, Wits University – Multiplicity

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Refiloe Lepere, an award-winning gender scholar, storyteller, performer, community-accountable theatre maker, and lecturer at the Wits School of Education. ...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with astrophysicist Dr. Kenda Knowles, Senior Research Fellow at Rhodes University and researcher at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. She shares the story of how curiosity, resilience, and collaboration can open pathways to understanding the universe. Stargazing the future Dr. Knowles’ fascination with the cosmos began long before she imagined becoming a scientist. Growing up on the outskirts of Johannesburg and later KwaZulu-Natal, she had access to the kind of dark night skies that spark wonder. Navigating choices through elimination Her academic path was anything but predetermined. In high school, she knew mostly what she didn’t want to do. Instead of following the traditional routes expected of strong students, she gravitated toward physics because of its ability to explain how the world works. A computational physics programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal ultimately gave her the perfect combination of scientific exploration and practical skills in computing. It was during these studies that she first encountered the groundbreaking Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, an introduction that would steer her toward radio astronomy and shape the course of her career. Funding mechanisms make education accessible Funding opportunities played a decisive role in enabling her journey. Through the Human Capital Development programme linked to South Africa’s radio astronomy initiatives, Dr. Knowles gained the financial support needed to pursue postgraduate research and expand her academic networks. She emphasises that such programmes are not merely financial assistance, they are essential mechanisms that unlock opportunities for talented students who otherwise might never access scientific careers. Networks unlock opportunities Equally important were the relationships she built along the way. Mentorship and collaboration proved pivotal, especially early in her research career. One supervisor encouraged her to explore different research directions and connected her with experts around the world, enabling her to learn specialised skills and build an international network. These collaborations, she notes, are at the heart of modern astronomy, where discoveries depend on global teams working together rather than competing in isolation. Democratising scientific findings for global progress A defining milestone in Dr. Knowles’ career came in 2021 when she led an international team releasing a vast dataset from the MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey. The MeerKAT telescope, situated in South Africa’s Karoo desert, is one of the world’s most sensitive radio telescopes. By observing more than a hundred galaxy clusters, the survey created an unprecedented window into some of the universe’s largest gravitationally bound structures. Galaxy clusters serve as cosmic laboratories. Studying them reveals how galaxies evolve in dense environments, how enormous magnetic fields behave across intergalactic space, and how extreme events—such as massive cluster mergers—shape the large-scale structure of the universe. By making this extensive dataset publicly available, Dr. Knowles and her colleagues ensured that researchers across the world could explore it, dramatically multiplying its scientific impact and helping democratise access to cutting-edge astronomical data. The scale of modern astronomy also means grappling with enormous volumes of information. As observatories like the James Webb Space Telescope and future surveys begin producing data on billions of galaxies, artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming essential tools. These technologies allow scientists to sift through vast datasets and identify unusual or transformative phenomena that might otherwise remain hidden. Yet Dr. Knowles cautions that while AI is powerful, researchers must remain thoughtful about when and how to use it—it is not always the right solution for every problem. Building future scientists and unblocking systemic barriers Beyond research, Dr. Knowles is deeply committed to building the next generation of scientists. She regularly speaks to school students, runs skills-development workshops, and encourages young researchers to explore opportunities such as internships and vacation projects that allow them to experience scientific research firsthand. Her message to aspiring astronomers is practical and empowering: study mathematics and physics, seek mentorship, and take initiative in exploring the field. The conversation also explores the status of women in astronomy. While the field has made notable progress, sometimes reaching near gender parity among students, women remain underrepresented at the most senior academic levels. Dr. Knowles attributes this partly to systemic issues such as unequal administrative burdens and the challenges of balancing family responsibilities with the demanding “publish or perish” culture of academia. Addressing these barriers, she argues, requires conscious institutional change, mentorship structures, and supportive policies that allow talented women to progress in their careers. As the interview concludes, Dr. Knowles offers a powerful piece of advice to young women and girls: don’t place yourself in a box. She recalls a formative moment when a teacher challenged her for limiting herself by believing she was only “a science student.” That conversation inspired her to push beyond those self-imposed boundaries, an experience that eventually led her to unexpected achievements, including a creative writing award in her final year of school. Her takeaway message is: curiosity, creativity, and courage often matter more than predefined paths. By remaining open to possibilities and willing to explore beyond perceived limits, the next generation of scientists may not only discover new truths about the universe, but also new dimensions of their own potential. Tune in for more…

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March 12, 2026

Dr. Kenda Knowles – Astrophysicist – SARAO & Rhodes University – Empowered Connections

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with astrophysicist Dr. Kenda Knowles, Senior Research Fellow at Rhodes University and researcher at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. She shares the ...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Claudia Cardoso from the University of Pretoria.  Dr Claudia Cardoso’s interest in veterinary science was ignited when she was 10 years old, watching a local veterinarian diagnose and treat her sick dog, an ordinary consultation that, for a young girl, revealed something extraordinary. In that moment, she witnessed “knowledge in action”— a spark that would shape her life’s path. Dr Cardoso shares what it meant to rebuild her career after immigrating to South Africa without speaking English, navigating professional scepticism in a male-dominated production environment, and persevering Veterinary Science Beyond the Clinic With nearly two decades of experience, Dr Cardoso offers a window into the diverse realities of veterinary work beyond companion animals. Her expertise spans animal health, reproduction, and production systems — areas critical to food security and rural livelihoods. Through university-led outreach programmes, she worked directly with underserved rural communities, providing veterinary care where access is limited or non-existent. She recounts memorable cases where timely intervention, education on nutrition, and preventive health measures helped farmers preserve entire herds, safeguarding both animals and household livelihoods. These stories underscore the vital role veterinarians play in development, sustainability, and social impact. Gender, Expertise, and Earning Trust Veterinary production systems are still widely perceived as male-dominated spaces, particularly at farm management level. Dr Cardoso speaks about moments when her expertise was questioned or her advice challenged, not because of its scientific merit, but because of who she was. Rather than internalising these experiences, she explains how she learned to navigate them with technical rigour, clarity, and evidence-based outcomes. By presenting facts, outlining consequences, and allowing results to speak for themselves, she asserts a powerful lesson: credibility is built through consistency, confidence, and measurable impact. Animal Production, Ethics, and Feeding the World Dr Cardoso demystifies animal production for listeners, explaining why it is central to global food systems. With a growing global population, the challenge is not simply producing more food, but doing so ethically, sustainably, and with respect for animal welfare and environmental limits. She explores how genetics, nutrition, disease prevention, and welfare standards must work together for animals to reach their full potential, and why productivity without care is neither viable nor ethical. Her insights reveal the delicate balance between profitability, responsibility, and long-term sustainability in modern livestock systems. One Welfare: An Interconnected World Central to Dr Cardoso’s philosophy is the One Welfare framework, the understanding that animal welfare, human wellbeing, environmental health, and food security are inseparable. She explains how farmers’ livelihoods are directly tied to the health of their animals, and how crises affecting livestock often place people at personal risk as they attempt to protect what sustains them. Lessons in Resilience, Curiosity, and Purpose Dr Cardoso closes the show with a message to girls and women to remain curious, pursue the education or career that calls to you, and trust that your contribution matters — not only to yourself, but to society at large. Tune in for more…

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February 5, 2026

Dr Claudia Cardoso – Animal Production Veterinarian: University of Pretoria – Remain Curious

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Claudia Cardoso from the University of Pretoria.  Dr Claudia Cardoso’s interest in veterinary science was ignited when she was 10 years old, watching a loc...

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity, for our special compilation of select programs to inspire the new year. In this episode, we hear from successful women in engineering, wine research and diplomacy. First, Professor Sara Grobbelaar from the Department of Industrial Engineering, in the Faculty of Engineering, at Stellenbosch University has an unmistakable sense of purpose and multi-faceted journey in the world of engineering, charting an inspiring path that blends technical expertise with human-centered innovation. She discusses opportunities for women in STEM and emphasises that we should never be deterred from studying further. Next, Professor Mathabatha Evodia Setati, who is with the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute at the University of Stellenbosch emphasises the role of education in her career and her motivation to study, driven in part by her parents. She shares insights into the invisible world of micro-organisms which are present everywhere. Lastly, the Swedish Ambassador to South Africa, Anna Karin Eneström, offers powerful insights into the importance of empowering women to make decisions over their own bodies, the role of economic independence in gender equality, and Sweden’s progressive policies, from free childcare since the 1970s to shared parental leave, that have propelled the country to the forefront of global gender-equality rankings. Additionally, revising legislation to tax individuals rather than combined spousal income resulted in individuals taking home more money. It makes economic sense for women, who make up 50% of the population, to contribute to any country’s workforce. Here’s to a new year of courage, connection, and collective progress. Womanity rises because women rise, together.

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January 8, 2026

2026: A Prosperous Year

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity, for our special compilation of select programs to inspire the new year. In this episode, we hear from successful women in engineering, wine research and diplomacy. First, Professor ...

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity, for our special compilation of select programs to open the new year. We hope to inspire you through the words of three remarkable women who have succeeded in their respective fields. Our first guest in this feature is Dr Sarah Babb, who is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science. She discusses embracing change by unlearning and learning, and she also sheds light on the underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of neurodivergent traits in women. She reminds us to Keep stepping into the new version of your shiniest, noblest self; because there’s always more. Our Next guest, Dr Colinda Linde, is a clinical psychologist and chairperson of  the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, who talks about modern women navigating today’s world and the importance of keeping your options open. Our final guest in today’s feature is Judge Nobulawo Martha Mbhele, the Deputy Judge President of the Free State division of the High Court, who emphasises the transformative role of education in her life and how nothing is impossible We hope that this episode encourages you to pursue your best.  Warm wishes for the New Year from Womanity

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January 1, 2026

2026 Happy New Year – Nothing is Impossible

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity, for our special compilation of select programs to open the new year. We hope to inspire you through the words of three remarkable women who have succeeded in their respective fields. ...

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Sara Grobbelaar from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Industrial Engineering. She is also a research associate at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST). Professor Grobbelaar has an unmistakable sense of purpose and shares her multi-faceted journey through the world of engineering—charting an inspiring path that blends technical expertise with human-centered innovation. From her early academic roots in electronic and computer engineering, her career has traversed a diverse landscape - including engineering management, technology policy at Cambridge, academic research, and consulting. What emerges from her story is not a straight path, but a tapestry of learning and transformation. Prof. Grobbelaar candidly reflects on the uncertainties and pivots of her journey, reminding listeners that career fulfillment often comes through exploration, not a single defining decision. Each experience, she emphasizes, contributed to her growth and shaped her current focus: applying systems engineering to solve complex, real-world problems in society. Prof. Grobbelaar discusses the versatility and future-forward nature of industrial engineering, a discipline she believes is uniquely positioned to unlock efficiency, drive innovation, and foster inclusive solutions across sectors, from healthcare and education to logistics and social development. With enthusiasm, she highlights the rising number of women entering the field and advocates for broader inclusion in STEM, noting that over 50% of students in her programme are women a testament to the discipline’s accessibility and wide-reaching application. Prof. Grobbelaar’s research is rooted in purpose. Through partnerships with organizations like FoodForward SA, MIT, and international development agencies, she is actively involved in transformative projects, such as vaccine distribution in Africa and frugal innovation to food security, education access, and health system strengthening. These initiatives demonstrate her belief in engineering as a tool not just for productivity, but for equity and systemic change. She speaks passionately about using data and modelling scenarios in tandem with community engagement and policy influence. Prof. Grobbelaar also reflects deeply on mentorship, leadership, and the structural challenges faced by young women in research and STEM fields. Having supervised over 30 Masters and PhD students, she understands the pressures and pitfalls of academic research and is committed to building a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment. She stresses the importance of structure, community, and real-world relevance in keeping students engaged in the research process. In one of the most poignant parts of the conversation, Prof. Grobbelaar opens up about balancing career, motherhood, and leadership. She speaks honestly about the importance of choosing the right life partner, the necessity of support networks, and the reality that success is never achieved alone. Her personal story becomes a beacon for young women wondering whether it is possible to “have it all.” Drawing from her own life, she offers powerful advice: never let anyone deter you from studying further or  tell you that you are overqualified, embrace the unknown, take up space, and dream big—then work hard. Her words are grounded in lived experience and shine with the clarity of someone who has walked the talk. Tune in for more.

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May 15, 2025

Prof. Sara Grobbelaar – Faculty of Engineering – Stellenbosch University – Upskill & Scale Up

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Sara Grobbelaar from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Industrial Engineering. She is also a research associate at the Centre for Resear...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Associate Professor Mathabatha Evodia Setati, Co-Director of the African Microbiome Institute and a leading researcher at the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute at Stellenbosch University. Professor Setati opens a window into the invisible universe of microbes—organisms we can’t see, but which shape nearly every aspect of life on Earth. From fermentation in winemaking to soil health and human digestion, her research explores the delicate microbial ecosystems that underpin our food systems, health, and the environment. She explains how viticulture, biotechnology, and microbiology intersect, and how her work contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices and a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with nature. But this is also a story of personal evolution. Raised in Seshego township in Limpopo, Prof. Setati grew up watching her mother—who had been denied educational opportunities as a child—study tirelessly to earn her qualifications as a teacher. This maternal example of grit and academic determination planted the seeds of a lifelong pursuit of excellence. As the eldest daughter, she internalised the belief that education was not only a tool for empowerment, but also a legacy to uphold and surpass. Her journey took her across South Africa and the globe, from the University of Limpopo to Stellenbosch and onwards to Sweden, Austria, and Brazil. Yet her early academic path wasn’t always clear—she originally aspired to study medicine, only discovering microbiology through a university course. Once she looked through the microscope, however, she never looked back. Prof. Setati candidly discusses the challenges of being “the only Black woman in the room” throughout much of her academic career—and how that very isolation became a motivator to break barriers and set an example for others. Her fierce commitment to hard work, independence, and high standards led her to excel not only for herself but as a standard-bearer for those who would follow. A passionate advocate for science education and inclusion, she shares her views on the urgent need to expose young girls—especially in under-resourced communities—to the diverse career paths within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She explains how simple exposure to career possibilities, practical research demonstrations, and school outreach programs can spark imagination and inspire confidence. “Kids don’t dream of careers they’ve never seen,” she says. She also challenges systemic issues, such as how education policy and the promotion of subjects like mathematics literacy can inadvertently limit children's futures, especially when universities require more rigorous academic foundations for STEM-related studies. In her closing words, Prof. Setati encourages girls and young women to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams unapologetically, and not be afraid to ask for support. “Don’t wait for others to validate your success,” she says. “Own your ambitions. Work hard. Trust your instincts. And remember—you are enough.” This episode is a powerful celebration of science, storytelling, and self-belief—a portrait of a woman who has harnessed the microscopic world to make a massive impact. Tune in for more.

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April 16, 2025

Prof. Mathabatha Evodia Setati (SAGWRI) – Stellenbosch University – Unseen Worlds

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Associate Professor Mathabatha Evodia Setati, Co-Director of the African Microbiome Institute and a leading researcher at the South African G...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Elsabé Wessels who is the Deputy Director of the School of Psycho-Social Education, in the Faculty of Education at the Mafikeng Campus of North-West University. Dr. Elsabé Wessels is an educator, academic, and advocate for holistic early childhood education. The conversation opens with a deep dive into the School of Psycho-Social Education, an institution uniquely dedicated to nurturing the bio-psycho-social and spiritual well-being of learners, educators, and the broader education ecosystem. Dr. Wessels emphasizes the critical importance of early childhood development, viewing it as the bedrock of human potential, encompassing cognitive, physical, emotional, and social dimensions. She discusses the benefits of leveraging technology to empower teachers and students. Drawing on over 27 years of experience, she discusses how teaching is a calling that requires teachers to be “school mothers” – emotionally available, nurturing, patient, and compassionate. She recounts powerful anecdotes illustrating the emotional labour teachers perform and how teacher well-being directly impacts the quality of education children receive. Dr. Wessels’ academic interests in early literacy and learner support in foundation phase support, and her use of positive psychology to enhance teacher wellness. She reflects on the pressures facing educators, such as overcrowded classrooms and emotional burnout, and outlines the urgent need for systemic and community-based interventions to support them sustainably. Dr. Wessels has a passion for community-based educational research (COMBER), where she collaborates with local communities to co-create solutions. She shares moving examples of her work with under-resourced schools, illustrating how empowerment, empathy, and partnership can yield sustainable transformation. What these schools lack in physical or economic assets they make up for is soft skills like resilience and collaboration. Throughout the interview, Dr. Wessels speaks candidly about her personal life – growing up in modest circumstances, the influence of her family, the importance of lifelong learning, and the empowerment that comes with education and financial independence. Your circumstances might change in life and whilst you could lose tangible assets your education can never be taken away from you. She underscores the value of choosing the right life partner, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and emotional support. Dr. Wessels leaves listeners with a resonant message: women in Africa are born with an innate resilience, shaped by adversity and empowered by choice. Her story is a tribute to the power of education, empathy, and leadership in nurturing the next generation of learners and changemakers. Tune in for more...

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April 11, 2025

Dr Elsabé Wessels – School of Psycho-Social Education – North-West University – Lifelong Learning

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Elsabé Wessels who is the Deputy Director of the School of Psycho-Social Education, in the Faculty of Education at the Mafikeng Campus of...

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