Tag: Empowerment

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Namhla Matshanda, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. Specialising in African politics, political history and international relations, her research explores colonial legacies, state formation, identity and migration, with a particular focus on the Horn of Africa. From a Childhood Curiosity to Understanding African Politics Professor Matshanda's fascination with politics began at home, where following the news and reading newspapers were part of everyday family life. What started as curiosity about events unfolding around the world developed into a passion for history, politics and international relations. Her academic journey took her from studying politics and history to international relations at Wits University, and eventually to a PhD in African Studies at the University of Edinburgh. An internship researching territorial borders in East Africa sparked her interest in Ethiopia and the complex political dynamics of the Horn of Africa. Colonial Legacies and the Politics of Borders The conversation explores how colonial histories continue to shape African states, national identities and territorial disputes. Drawing on her research into Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, Professor Matshanda unpacks the region's distinctive political history and the complicated legacy of colonialism, sovereignty and contested borders. She reflects on why understanding the past is essential to interpreting contemporary political realities, warning that societies risk repeating history when they fail to learn its lessons. Local Government: Where Democracy Meets Everyday Life Turning to South Africa, the discussion examines the importance of local government elections and why municipalities arguably have the most immediate impact on citizens' daily lives. From water and electricity to sanitation, housing and public services, local government is where people experience democracy in practical terms. Professor Matshanda highlights the need for greater civic and political education, encouraging citizens to recognise the power of their votes and participate more actively in local democratic processes. The discussion also considers the changing political landscape and the growing significance of coalition politics. With no single party securing an outright majority in many municipalities, political parties must learn to collaborate, put aside the pursuit of dominance and focus on the mandate voters have given them: change and good governance. Women, Political Power and Gender-Responsive Governance Applying a gender lens to political representation, we explore the barriers that discourage women from entering active politics. Professor Matshanda acknowledges that political spaces can be particularly challenging and even dangerous, with political violence presenting a significant deterrent to women seeking public office. She believes that successful women in political leadership can serve as important role models, demonstrating alternative approaches and encouraging others to participate. The conversation goes beyond representation to examine whether women's lived experiences are adequately reflected in public policy. Women often carry a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work and are particularly affected by shortcomings in essential municipal services. Professor Matshanda argues that women's voices must be heard in policymaking, including decisions about health, education, the environment, municipal planning and service delivery. Without meaningful female participation, policies risk overlooking the very people they should serve. The Gender Politics of Academia Professor Matshanda also offers a candid perspective on navigating political science as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated academic environment. She explains that gender bias is not always experienced as direct personal discrimination; it is often embedded in institutional structures designed around male career trajectories. One particularly revealing example is the impact of maternity leave and family responsibilities on women's academic advancement. Professor Matshanda shares how taking approximately two years of maternity leave affected her research, publishing and career progression, highlighting how women can effectively be penalised for fulfilling responsibilities that their male counterparts may not experience in the same way. She calls for women to challenge entrenched systems rather than simply accept that things have always been done a certain way. Change, she suggests, can begin within individual departments and faculties by making women's concerns, perspectives and voices a priority. Her Advice to Women and Young Girls Closing the conversation with an empowering message, Professor Matshanda encourages women to work smart rather than simply work hard. Recognising that women often juggle multiple responsibilities across different spheres of life, she advocates prioritising what matters, being intentional about how time and energy are invested, and resisting the pressure to be everything to everyone. Tune in for more….

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November 13, 2026

Professor Namhla Matshanda – Department of Political Science – University of Pretoria – Your voice and vote matter

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Namhla Matshanda, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria. Specialising in African politics, politi...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Naadiyah Sterianos, a specialist trauma surgeon, academic and healthcare leader.  She serves as Trauma Director and Surgeon at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, having previously worked at Netcare Alberton's Level I Trauma Unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Lectures at Wits and she is also the Deputy Secretary of the Trauma Society of South Africa.  From an under-resourced school education and an indirect route into medicine to leading a trauma service, her story is defined by purpose, perseverance and a refusal to accept that difficult beginnings determine final destinations. Purpose, Persistence and the Long Road into Medicine Dr Sterianos did not enter medicine directly after school. After initially being turned down, she completed a BSc and an honours degree before gaining admission. She also failed early in her university journey and later failed her first medical examination. Instead of treating failure as a verdict, she learned to see it as information: change the study method, adjust the mindset and find another route to the same destination. What sustained her was not simply career ambition, but a clear sense that medicine was her purpose. Lessons from the Shop Floor Working part-time as a salesperson while studying taught her patience, humility and how to deal with people who may be demanding or dismissive. Those lessons became unexpectedly valuable in trauma care, where patients can be frightened, intoxicated, disoriented or aggressive. Her experience reinforces a central idea in the interview: every part of a difficult journey can develop qualities that later become professional strengths. Choosing Trauma: Becoming the Calmest Person in the Room Dr Sterianos originally imagined becoming a pulmonologist, partly because of her own experience with asthma. Her direction changed after discovering that she preferred practical, hands-on medicine. A defining moment came while she was an intern at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, where she watched a trauma surgeon calmly repair a stab wound to the heart while the rest of the theatre worked under intense pressure. She decided that she wanted to become the person who remains composed when everything is in crisis, gives direction and steadies the team. The Trauma Surgeon as Captain of the Ship Trauma care, she explains, is far more than repairing an injury. A severely injured patient may need neurosurgeons, orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgeons, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation teams and support from employers. While each specialist focuses on a particular injury, the trauma surgeon focuses on the whole patient and coordinates the journey back to the person’s pre-injury life. Public and Private Trauma: Different Worlds The interview reveals striking contrasts between sectors. Public hospitals encounter high volumes of penetrating trauma, including gunshot and stab wounds, while private care more often sees blunt trauma from vehicle crashes, workplace incidents and falls. Dr Sterianos recalls that a month-end Saturday night at Baragwanath could bring as many as 100 patients, about 30 seriously injured; in private practice, five patients can constitute a busy night. The differences in volume and injury profile are profound, but both settings demand coordination and sound clinical judgement. Treating the Person Behind the Injury One of the most memorable insights concerns an agitated patient waking after a serious accident. Staff initially saw aggression and non-cooperation; the patient later explained that his last memory was trying to escape the vehicle that struck him. Dr Sterianos realised that he was still responding to that remembered danger. Calm reassurance and psychological understanding could therefore be as important as medication or restraint. For her, holistic trauma care must address fear, distress and post-traumatic stress because mental wellbeing directly affects physical recovery. Women in Surgery: Beyond Limiting Stereotypes When Dr Sterianos began surgical training, women were less visible and were often pushed into one of two stereotypes: dependent and in need of rescue, or fiercely self-sufficient and difficult. Neither allowed a woman simply to be recognised as a capable surgeon. She sees encouraging change in the growing number of women entering surgery and leadership, but stresses that visibility matters. When younger doctors see women leading, they move from thinking “perhaps I can” to knowing “I will.” Leadership Means Taking People with You Teaching, mentoring and teamwork sit at the heart of Dr Sterianos’s approach to leadership. She believes a legacy cannot depend on one person; juniors must be empowered to continue the work and eventually surpass their mentors. Her late mentor, trauma surgeon Dr Vicky Jennings, modelled this by recognising her teaching ability, creating opportunities, introducing her to international colleagues and drawing her into a wider professional network. Dr Sterianos now aims to extend that same generosity to others. Building South African Trauma Knowledge Alongside clinical work, Dr Sterianos is committed to research and to strengthening South Africa’s academic voice. The country carries immense trauma experience, yet much clinical guidance still comes from American and European contexts. She argues that South African clinicians should publish what they see, shape locally relevant guidelines and share their expertise internationally. Her longer-term vision includes developing more trauma specialists and widening access beyond major metropolitan centres. Networks, Societies and Collective Influence Professional networks and societies provide belonging, collaboration and a route to larger influence, including policy and prevention. They connect people with shared purpose, but Dr Sterianos also values those who challenge familiar thinking. Conferences, professional societies and multidisciplinary relationships have helped her understand not only clinical medicine, but also the business, stakeholder and organisational dimensions involved in building a trauma service. Staying Grounded in a Demanding Career Trauma surgery involves long calls, emotional strain and a real risk of burnout. Dr Sterianos draws strength from family, purposeful time management and honest debriefing. Medical colleagues provide professional reflection and constructive feedback; her husband, who is outside medicine, offers perspective on what matters beyond the hospital. She describes both kinds of support as essential to remaining grounded. A Message to the Next Generation Her advice to young women considering surgery is direct: do it. Find a mentor, build a community of supportive and like-minded people, and do not allow setbacks to create lifelong regret. The conversation closes with a broader call to women and girls: no dream is too large or too small, and “no” need not be the end of the road. Turn dreams into action, take others with you, protect your peace and pursue the life you want with faith, resilience and persistence. Tune in for more...

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October 23, 2026

Dr Naadiyah Sterianos – Trauma Director and Trauma Surgeon – Resilience

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Naadiyah Sterianos, a specialist trauma surgeon, academic and healthcare leader.  She serves as Trauma Director and Surgeon at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, h...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Stephanie Eichstadt, a psychiatrist who works with adolescents and adults and has a special interest in women’s mental health. Coming shortly after World Mental Health Day, commemorated annually on 10 October, the conversation looks at how biology, social pressures and life stage shape women’s mental wellbeing, from puberty and the menstrual cycle to pregnancy, motherhood and perimenopause. It also makes a clear case for why women’s symptoms deserve to be taken seriously rather than dismissed or simply endured. Treating the Whole Person Towards the end of her final year of medical studies, Dr Eichstadt realised that her passion lay not in “fix and go” medicine, but in helping people change the path of their lives. Psychiatry allows her to treat the whole person, including their brain chemistry, life story and relationships, and to watch patients grow over months and years. She describes her role as one of facilitation: the patient does the work. The greatest reward is seeing hope return to people who arrived believing that nothing would ever get better. The Three Layers of Women’s Mental Health Her interest in women’s mental health began with her own experience of hormonal changes after having her children. She describes three interacting layers. The first is biology: reproductive hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone affect mood, with especially vulnerable windows at puberty, in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, after childbirth and during perimenopause. The second is epidemiology: women are twice as likely as men to experience depression or anxiety, and that gap opens at puberty. The third is social load, including caregiving, the invisible “mental load”, gender-based violence and economic insecurity, all of which are highly relevant in South Africa. Labelling women as simply “more emotional,” she says, is a gross oversimplification. The Double Shift – and a Society Still Catching Up Women’s roles in the workplace have changed significantly, but in most households they remain the primary caregivers and run the home. Dr Eichstadt notes that many men “assist” at home, while women carry a full-time career and a full-time household. Women also still have to prove themselves at work and face short-sighted assumptions about pregnancy and children’s sick days. Society, she argues, has not yet caught up in valuing both the family and a woman’s contribution at work. Supporting mothers during their most vulnerable periods can positively affect the next generation and help break problems that have been passed down through families. PMDD: Not Just “Bad PMS” Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a recognised psychiatric diagnosis that affects approximately 3% to 8% of menstruating women. It causes severe mood and physical symptoms in the week or so before menstruation, which typically resolve once a period begins. Symptoms can include intense irritability or anger, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and, rarely, psychotic-type symptoms. The cause is not abnormal hormone levels; rather, the brain is unusually sensitive to normal hormonal shifts. Its impact can be profound. Family members describe meeting “a completely different person”, some of her patients have had engagements broken off, and the condition can lead to guilt, absenteeism, conflict at work, misdiagnosis as a personality or bipolar disorder, and even suicidal thinking. Diagnosis relies on tracking symptoms for at least two months. Treatment often involves SSRI antidepressants, sometimes taken only during the luteal phase, and oral contraceptives can also help. Her rule of thumb is that something becomes a disorder when it is persistent, consistent and disabling. Beyond the Myth of Effortless Motherhood Peripartum mental health is the area closest to Dr Eichstadt’s heart. She believes the myth that motherhood is effortless and instinctive is the biggest barrier to women getting help, because so many mothers believe they are the only ones struggling. Up to 80% of women experience the “baby blues” in the first two weeks after birth. If low mood, negative thoughts or disconnection from the baby or family continue beyond that, it may signal peripartum depression, which affects about 10% of women. Peripartum anxiety, OCD and intrusive thoughts are also common, and frightened mothers may stay silent because they fear their baby will be taken away. Drawing on her own experience of crying through her baby’s paediatric appointment without being asked whether she was okay, she calls on clinicians to look after mothers as well as babies. She also involves fathers and family members in preparing for the postpartum period, because society has moved away from the “village care” that once surrounded new mothers. Perimenopause: More Than Stress or Ageing Many women reach midlife feeling unlike themselves. Dr Eichstadt explains that declining oestrogen and progesterone affect serotonin and dopamine and can trigger a first episode of anxiety or depression. In very rare cases, they can even trigger psychosis. Perimenopause often starts earlier than women expect, sometimes in the mid-40s or earlier. Blood tests can be unreliable because hormone levels fluctuate so much, and the transition often coincides with peak life pressures such as raising teenagers, caring for ageing parents and managing career demands. Night sweats, early-morning waking, brain fog and changes in body shape and metabolism can all affect mood and body image. Reassuringly, brain fog clears after menopause, unlike dementia. Her advice is to track your cycle, keep a sleep diary and find a doctor who takes perimenopause seriously, so that this stage can become a positive transition into what are often called the best years of life rather than the “change of life”. Don’t Accept “It’s Just the Change of Life” Too many women are told to simply push through. Dr Eichstadt asks why women should have to “just cope” with changes that men might not be expected to tolerate. Medicine used to be paternalistic: “Here’s your tablet, go home.” She sets aside time to discuss treatment with her patients because, as she says, if you are putting something in your body, you need to understand it and feel comfortable with it. She encourages patients to ask questions, read up on their condition and even send her studies to review. She also acknowledges that a 15-minute appointment cannot answer 15 questions. However, if a doctor is unwilling to explain a treatment plan, it may be time to find one who will. A System Under Strain South Africa has an estimated 850 to 1,000 practising psychiatrists, about 80% of whom work in private practice. In the public sector, there is roughly one psychiatrist for every 100,000 people, and rural provinces are hit hardest. Dr Eichstadt speaks candidly about leaving the public sector, where under-resourcing meant she could only help patients “to the best of the ability of a broken system.” A grieving patient who can see a psychologist only once every two months, she notes, is unlikely to get the help they need. Although she is now in private practice, she hopes to find a way to contribute to the public sector again. Is Psychiatry a Female-Friendly Profession? In her experience, it largely is. Psychiatry offers better hours than many specialities and suits empathetic people, and she had strong support through both of her pregnancies during training. Challenges remain, however. The demanding call and registrar years often coincide with women’s reproductive years, women are still under-represented in psychiatric leadership, and the emotional load carries a real risk of burnout. Her solution is that every psychiatrist should see a psychologist and maintain firm boundaries, so that work ends at work and is not taken home to the family. Technology: Paperwork Off the Desk, People in the Room Looking ahead, Dr Eichstadt is excited by advances in genomics. Because there is no blood test or scan that can diagnose most psychiatric conditions, she believes the field is moving towards genotyping and phenotyping to predict which treatments will work for which patients. She values AI most for involving patients in their own care and for reducing administration and documentation, which gives her more time with patients. As she puts it, technology should “take the paperwork off our desks, not take the people out of the room.” Making Your Own Luck Dr Eichstadt credits her success to dedication and hard work. When she once described herself as lucky, her husband replied, “No, you make your luck.” She is equally quick to acknowledge the foundation she started with: a loving home, a good education and opportunities that many South African women do not have. She was telling people she would be a doctor from about the age of three, and she always imagined working with children. That ambition was shaped by visits with her mother to Edith Benson’s children’s home throughout her school years. A pivotal moment came during her studies, when she chose psychiatry over her lifelong plan to specialise in paediatrics. Her greatest role model is her mother, whose caring, nurturing and empathetic nature reflects the qualities she believes matter most in her field. She also credits the doctors a few years ahead of her in training who took the time to guide and support her. A Message to Girls and Women The conversation closes with an important reminder that mental health is health. It is not a weakness, not a luxury, not separate from physical health and not a Western idea foreign to Africa. Women are allowed to need help and to put themselves near the top of their own list of priorities. If something feels wrong, or someone close to you seems to be struggling, reach out. Her message to young girls fascinated by the human mind is simple: Africa needs many more psychiatrists, so come and join the field. Tune in for more…

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October 15, 2026

Dr Stephanie Eichstadt – Psychiatrist – Mental Health is Health

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Stephanie Eichstadt, a psychiatrist who works with adolescents and adults and has a special interest in women’s mental health. Coming shortly after World ...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Mercy Kazima, Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Malawi. From a lifelong fascination with mathematical logic to a career devoted to helping others experience the breakthrough of “now I understand”, Professor Kazima’s journey shows how education can build confidence, widen opportunity and contribute to national development. Her story brings together teaching, research, leadership and a determined commitment to ensuring that girls and women can claim their place in mathematics, science and academia. She has led major international research projects, served as President of the Southern Africa Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, and is a passionate advocate for girls’ participation in mathematics and science Refusing the Ceiling on Women’s Ambition As a girl and young woman, Professor Kazima repeatedly encountered the message that mathematics was too difficult for girls and that she had already achieved “enough”. Instead of accepting those expectations, she chose to pursue an honours degree and deepen her mathematical expertise. Her experience reveals that the most powerful barriers are not always ability or talent, but the social ceilings placed on women’s aspirations. Believe in Your Potential Before Others See It A central lesson in her story is the importance of defining your own dream. Professor Kazima urges girls to listen thoughtfully to advice without allowing other people’s fears or limitations to become their own. Perseverance, self-belief and clarity of purpose enabled her to continue when others questioned her choices, and remain the qualities she recommends to anyone pursuing an ambition that challenges convention. When the First Woman Opens the Door In 2009, Professor Kazima became the first woman Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Malawi since the university’s establishment in 1965. She describes the appointment as both a proud personal achievement and a significant public responsibility. Knowing that women and girls were watching, she wanted her leadership to make visible what had previously seemed impossible: that a woman could occupy the role, excel in it and expand the ambitions of those coming behind her. Representation Must Become Opportunity Visibility matters, but Professor Kazima cautions that representation alone does not automatically advance other women. Women in leadership must actively support growth, create opportunities and keep doors open, while women around them should also support those who step forward. Her international experience reinforced the power of seeing women lead, and the responsibility to turn individual success into collective progress. Research That Changes Real Classrooms Professor Kazima’s research moves beyond theory into the realities of multilingual classrooms, early numeracy and mathematics teacher education. One of her strongest findings is that lasting improvement cannot come from simply telling an individual teacher to teach better. Teachers need strong subject knowledge, sound pedagogy, appropriate resources and structured opportunities to observe one another, reflect together and develop as a professional community. Equality Means More Than Getting Girls Through the School Gate The conversation explores the many layers of educational inequality, including differences in resources, qualified teachers and learning opportunities between rural and urban schools. Professor Kazima argues that access is only the beginning. Genuine equality means asking whether girls are participating, building confidence, progressing, remaining in school and discovering what their education can enable them to become. Making Mathematics a Space for Everyone During eight years coordinating the Malawi National Mathematics Olympiad, Professor Kazima saw how powerful it was for schoolgirls to encounter a woman leading in a field still widely associated with boys. Bringing finalists onto a university campus helped young participants imagine a future beyond the competition itself. Her presence delivered a message as important as any mathematical solution: girls belong in this space and can lead within it. Leadership Built on Purpose, Discipline and Integrity Professor Kazima identifies discipline, persistence, resilience and a strong sense of purpose as the foundations of her success. For her, leadership also requires continuous learning, listening to disagreement, building shared vision and understanding the policies that govern an institution. Integrity means living by those standards, setting an example and using leadership not simply to advance oneself, but to help others grow. A Message to Women and Girls Professor Kazima closes with a challenge: do not let other people’s limitations define your dreams. Girls should identify what they want, believe in their potential and work to reveal it. Women should not be afraid to take up positions of responsibility, and when they succeed, they should inspire others, create room for them to grow and never close the door behind them. Tune in for more…

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October 10, 2026

Prof Mercy Kazima – Professor of Mathematics Education – University of Malawi – Numbers Matter

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Mercy Kazima, Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Malawi. From a lifelong fascination with mathematical logic to a career devoted...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Malini Bhana, a specialist general surgeon focused on hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery, one of medicine’s most intricate and demanding fields. From an early interest in research to discovering the practical, problem-solving power of surgery, Dr Bhana’s journey reflects curiosity, discipline and a commitment to helping patients through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Finding Her Place in the Operating Theatre Initially drawn to the academic and research side of medicine, Dr Bhana could not imagine herself in clinical work. That changed during internship. Despite warnings that surgery would be gruelling, she found a field that matched the way she thinks: assess the problem, plan a solution, act decisively and help the patient recover. The hands-on nature of the work made everything fall into place. The Precision and Challenge of HPB Surgery After being captivated by the speed and adrenaline of trauma surgery, Dr Bhana was drawn to the deeper planning and technical precision of HPB procedures involving the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. These complex operations demand detailed anatomical knowledge, meticulous preparation and sustained concentration. For her, that difficulty is precisely part of the appeal. A Defining Whipple Procedure One patient remains unforgettable: the first person on whom Dr Bhana performed a Whipple procedure independently during her fellowship. The six-to-eight-hour operation for pancreatic cancer involves removing several structures and performing a complex reconstruction. Guiding that patient from diagnosis through surgery, recovery and discharge marked the moment she felt she had achieved a long-held professional goal. Laser Focus, Stamina and Humanity Long operations require both physical fitness and an extraordinary ability to focus. Dr Bhana explains that when a life is in her hands, the patient on the table becomes the only priority. Yet she does not see emotional investment as a weakness. Caring deeply must be balanced with clear decision-making, perspective, trusted colleagues, opportunities to debrief and a life beyond medicine. Women’s Health: Symptoms That Should Not Be Dismissed The conversation offers an important health message for women. Dr Bhana discusses women’s greater susceptibility to gallstones and certain liver adenomas, and cautions against dismissing persistent upper or right-sided abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting. Her message is simple: listen to your body, seek medical advice and do not ignore symptoms that continue. Rethinking a Profession Built Around Extreme Hours Although more women are entering surgery, Dr Bhana is candid about the structural obstacles that remain. Training, on-call duties and unpredictable operations do not fit neatly around family responsibilities, while extreme fatigue can become unsafe for clinicians and patients alike. Flexible programmes are emerging, but the challenge is to create sustainable pathways without depriving trainees of essential experience. Representation Changes What Women Believe Is Possible For Dr Bhana, gender equality is about more than equal numbers. It means a workplace where gender does not limit opportunity or diminish the value placed on someone’s contribution. Seeing women perform complex surgery, lead professional bodies and speak on international platforms can expand other women’s sense of what is possible. Opportunity should be open to all, with achievement grounded in skill and merit. Mentorship Opens Doors Mentors played a decisive part in Dr Bhana becoming an HPB surgeon. To her, mentorship goes far beyond teaching technique: it is having someone who believes in you, helps you navigate difficult decisions and encourages you to pursue opportunities you may not recognise in yourself. Her involvement in teaching, the European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association and the HPB Insights podcast allows her to pass that support forward while connecting with a wider international community. Bringing Specialist Care Closer to Home Establishing her own practice at Mediclinic Limpopo has given Dr Bhana the opportunity to shape care around meticulous preparation, continuity and individual attention rather than volume. It also brings scarce specialist services closer to patients who previously had to travel to Johannesburg or Pretoria, allowing them to remain nearer to the families and support networks that matter during treatment. Define Success for Yourself Dr Bhana credits a supportive family, inspiring women, hard work and the freedom to follow what she loves. Her closing message to girls and young women is to take opportunities, resist other people’s limitations and define success on their own terms. A meaningful life can hold ambition and personal fulfilment together and when no one like you is visible in the room, sometimes the task is to become the first and open the door for those who follow. Tune in for more…

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October 1, 2026

Dr Malini Bhana – Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon – Follow Your Heart

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Malini Bhana, a specialist general surgeon focused on hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery, one of medicine’s most intricate and demanding fields. From an...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with neurosurgeon Dr Lauren Ford, whose work spans traumatic brain injury, neurosurgical oncology and spinal surgery. From a childhood fascination with medicine to a career operating at millimetre-level precision, Dr Ford shares the experiences, relationships and determination that shaped her path. The conversation moves beyond the operating theatre to explore women’s neurological health, compassionate patient care, the realities of a demanding surgical career and the importance of perseverance. When the Speciality Chooses You Dr Ford says she always wanted to be a doctor. Early encounters with serious illness; her own childhood medical emergency and her younger brother’s recovery from multi-organ failure and a stroke, gave that ambition a deeply personal foundation. Her fascination with the brain and nervous system began early, and by Grade 9 she was already imagining the seemingly impossible. In her words, neurosurgery ultimately “chose” her. Where Millimetres Matter Neurosurgery demands extraordinary accuracy: a deviation of one or two millimetres can have catastrophic consequences. Dr Ford explains how magnifying loupes, microscopes, careful positioning and steady hands support delicate brain procedures, while spinal surgery calls for a different kind of physical endurance. Across both, technical excellence must be matched by calm judgement and an acute awareness of what is at stake. “Time Is Brain” Working in high-volume public hospitals exposed Dr Ford to severe trauma and unforgettable emergencies, such as men walking into casualty with bottles in their heads or knives in their necks. She describes the urgency of treating brain bleeds, where every delay can worsen the outcome, and recalls an 89-year-old patient who survived after an emergency procedure and still returns to visit her. These cases capture the intensity of the field, and the profound reward of seeing a patient walk out of hospital when there was once very little hope. Patients Are Never Just Numbers For Dr Ford, medicine is as much about connection as intervention. She speaks movingly about a young patient whom she operated on three times, making sure the child, not only her parents, understood what was happening. Their continuing bond reflects her belief that good care means walking a path with patients and families, including through the uncertainty and grief that can accompany brain tumours. A Female Lens on Neurological Health The interview highlights neurological conditions that may affect women differently or more frequently, including meningiomas, aneurysms, carpal tunnel syndrome, prolactinomas and benign intracranial hypertension. Dr Ford encourages women to pay attention to new or unexplained symptoms such as changes in smell or vision and severe pressure headaches, while stressing that symptoms and treatment depend on the individual and the location of the condition. Women in a Demanding Surgical World Neurosurgery is becoming more inclusive, but its long hours and relentless demands still create particular pressures for women balancing professional and family responsibilities. Dr Ford reflects on entering a field with very few female specialists and seeing more women now qualify each year. She also argues that women bring valuable dimensions to medicine, including empathy, communication and a willingness to sit with patients through difficult moments. Success Is Built on Support Behind Dr Ford’s achievements is a strong network: a supportive partner, a close-knit family, faith, mentors and accomplished women who model purposeful lives. She protects her own balance through exercise, singing in a community choir and making room for interests beyond medicine. Her experience in private practice has also required her to learn new skill sets of leadership, finance and business management, without losing the compassionate heart of a doctor. A Message to the Next Generation The conversation closes with a simple, powerful message: do not give up. Dr Ford was not accepted into medicine in the first round, but she kept applying, kept working and stayed true to the career she wanted. For girls considering science, medicine or surgery, her advice is to choose subjects carefully, pursue excellence, seek practical exposure and work hard. Passion may open the door, but perseverance carries you through it. Tune in for more…

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September 25, 2026

Dr Lauren Ford – Neurosurgeon – Solutionist

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with neurosurgeon Dr Lauren Ford, whose work spans traumatic brain injury, neurosurgical oncology and spinal surgery. From a childhood fascination with medicine to ...

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 episode of Womanity celebrates Africa's Women's Day, which is commemorated annually on 31 July. This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Olivia Matshabane is a Neuroethicist and the Principal Investigator of the Africa Neuroethics Research Group in the SAMRC/SU Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit within the Department of Psychiatry at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Her groundbreaking work is helping to shape the ethical future of neuroscience, neuropsychiatric genomics and artificial intelligence across Africa. Turning Exclusion into Purpose Dr Matshabane shares the moment that transformed her career. While researching neuroethics, she realised there were virtually no African voices represented in the field. Rather than accepting this absence, she chose to become one of Africa's first neuroethicists, creating opportunities for future generations of African researchers and ensuring that the continent has a voice in shaping global scientific debates. Her journey demonstrates how representation can inspire innovation, resilience and lasting change. What Exactly is Neuroethics? Although unfamiliar to many, neuroethics is becoming increasingly important in an AI-driven world. Dr Matshabane explains how the discipline explores questions such as: How should brain technologies be developed and used responsibly? Who owns our brain data? How do we protect mental privacy? Can technology influence our decisions without us realising it? What ethical safeguards should exist as neuroscience and AI become more intertwined? As technologies evolve rapidly, neuroethics is becoming essential for protecting human dignity, autonomy and privacy. Why African Perspectives Matter A key theme throughout our discussion is the importance of ensuring that Africa contributes to global conversations about science and technology. Dr Matshabane explains that concepts such as privacy, consent and decision-making are often understood differently across cultures. Some cultures may place greater emphasis on families and communities rather than purely individual rights, meaning ethical frameworks developed for a different context cannot simply be applied without adaptation. Accessibility is another key issue to consider when trying to create technologies that genuinely serve diverse populations. Building Ethical AI for Everyone Artificial intelligence offers enormous potential for improving healthcare, diagnosis and treatment. However, it also raises significant ethical concerns, like protecting sensitive neurological data; preventing commercial misuse of brain information; safeguarding cognitive liberty and freedom of thought; ensuring responsible innovation; and designing technologies that benefit society without reinforcing inequality. Arguably ethics must develop alongside technological innovation, not afterwards Research That is Changing Africa Dr Matshabane has several research projects underway, and she highlights one in particular, a multi-million rand, multi-country neuroethics research programme spanning South Africa and Kenya. The project brings together researchers, communities and individuals living with neurological conditions to help shape ethical guidelines that reflect African realities. Beyond the research itself, the project is building a new generation of African neuroethicists through mentorship, collaboration and capacity development across more than twelve African countries. The Power of Mentorship Throughout her career, women mentors opened doors, challenged Dr Matshabane to believe in herself and encouraged her to pursue opportunities she may never have imagined. Today, she is committed to paying that support forward by mentoring students, nurturing future researchers and creating opportunities for emerging scholars. Mentorship is bi-directional; both mentees and mentors benefit from the relationship. You are never too young to mentor someone else. Advice for Young Women Entering Science For young women considering careers in psychology, neuroscience, AI or ethics, Dr Matshabane offers practical advice: Build strong AI and digital literacy skills. Learn to work across disciplines and collaborate with people from different fields. Understand Africa's development priorities and align your work with solving real societal challenges. Know your strengths, values and purpose. Protect your time by learning when to say "no." Be bold enough to reach out to leaders, you may be surprised who responds Tune in for more…

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July 31, 2026

Dr Olivia Matshabane: Neuroethicist – Department of Psychiatry at Stellenbosch University – Pioneer

This episode of Womanity celebrates Africa's Women's Day, which is commemorated annually on 31 July. This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Olivia Matshabane is a Neuroethicist and the Princip...

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 Prof. Sharlene Khan, an acclaimed South African visual artist, writer, researcher and Associate Professor from the Wits School of the Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand. Through a deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Prof. Khan shares how creativity, storytelling and critical thinking have shaped her journey from a childhood marked by hardship to becoming a respected artist, academic and advocate for African feminisms. Finding Freedom Through Creativity Prof. Khan reflects on growing up in Durban in a money-scarce home marked by violence, where art, books and imagination became powerful tools for survival and self-expression. She recounts how drawing, storytelling and literature offered an escape from difficult circumstances, giving her a vehicle to express retribution against perpetrators. What emerged was not only a passion for creativity, but a lifelong commitment to understanding the world through art and using that understanding to challenge inequality, gender-based violence and injustice. Art That Tells the Stories We Often Overlook Much of Prof. Khan’s artistic work focuses on identity, race, gender, class and belonging in post-apartheid South Africa. Rather than creating decorative art, she uses her practice to explore complex social realities and amplify stories that are often overlooked. Drawing from her own family history, she discusses how themes of poverty, informal trade, migration, resilience and gender-based violence have informed her work. Her art shines a light on the dignity, courage and humanity of ordinary people whose experiences are rarely represented in mainstream narratives. Honouring Women’s Voices Across Generations One of the most moving aspects of the conversation centres on the stories of Prof. Khan’s mother (Devi Khan) and grandmother. Through artworks inspired by family memories, letters and archival materials, she has created powerful tributes to women whose lives were shaped by hardship, cruelty, resilience and determination (Watch “When the Moon Waxes…”) These authentic, deeply personal narratives become universal stories, revealing how the intersections of gender, race, class and history continue to shape the lives of women today. In sharing these experiences, Prof. Khan demonstrates the transformative power of storytelling as both remembrance and resistance. When Art Creates Human Connection Prof. Khan shares remarkable experiences of exhibiting her work internationally, describing how audiences from vastly different cultural backgrounds have connected emotionally with her stories. Whether in galleries, museums, conferences or biennales, her work has inspired people to reflect on their own experiences and engage in conversations about identity, trauma, healing and belonging. In her opinion, the value of art lies not in commercial success, but in its ability to create empathy, foster dialogue and remind us of our shared humanity. Why the Humanities Matter More Than Ever In an era increasingly dominated by technology, artificial intelligence and STEM disciplines, Prof. Khan makes a compelling case for the continued importance of the humanities. She argues that the humanities cultivate critical thinking, imagination and empathy; skills that are essential for understanding ourselves and others. Through literature, art, history and cultural studies, we learn to question assumptions, appreciate diverse perspectives and imagine alternative futures. She spotlights how the humanities challenge the status quo and help societies grapple with complex ethical, social and political issues. Opportunities and Challenges in the Arts The discussion also explores the realities of pursuing a career in the arts. Prof. Khan speaks candidly about the challenges artists face in South Africa, including limited funding, a contracting arts market and the difficulties of sustaining a creative career. At the same time, she highlights the diverse opportunities available to arts graduates. The skills developed through artistic training, such as creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and empathy, are valuable across a wide range of professions, from education and research to media, culture, business and beyond. A Message of Hope for Women and Girls As the interview draws to a close, Prof. Khan offers a heartfelt message to women and girls across Africa. Acknowledging the difficulties many face, she encourages listeners to trust their journeys, embrace uncertainty and remain open to life's unexpected possibilities. Her powerful reminder is that while life can be challenging, it is also filled with opportunities for growth, connection and transformation. By believing in their abilities and continuing to move forward, women can create meaningful lives and contribute to positive change in their communities and beyond. Tune in for more…

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June 19, 2026

Professor Sharlene Khan – School of the Arts – WITS University – Use Your Gifts

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof. Sharlene Khan, an acclaimed South African visual artist, writer, researcher and Associate Professor from the Wits School of the Arts at the University of...

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