Tag: Empowerment

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Lauren Moss, a counselling psychologist in private practice, who closes our Mental Health Awareness series by taking us through the realities, science, and lived human story of trauma. Dr Moss shares how her own journey into psychology began not from a linear career path, but from lived experience. As a sensitive child who grew up curious about people’s inner worlds, she initially thought she would become a journalist and tell stories. Instead, encountering personal trauma in her matric year led her to psychology, where she discovered not only the power of human stories — but the power of holding them. Her early work in the field of sexual assault counselling revealed an uncomfortable truth; that many conventional therapeutic tools were inadequate, and the real healing comes from authentic witnessing, presence, co-creation, and reintegrating a sense of self. She reflects on the founding of Open Disclosure, an organisation built to create safe spaces for survivors to speak, be seen, and be believed. We explore why witnessing matters: the power of having one’s trauma narrative held, validated, and countered with humanity, similar to what South Africa collectively experienced through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Dr Moss unpacks trauma-informed practice through the neurobiology of trauma, explaining freeze as our most dominant human survival response, yet also the most misunderstood. She highlights how shame flourishes in silence, and the role society, and especially other women, play in either reinforcing or releasing shame. Gender equality, she notes, is still pivotal and not yet realised in how women experience mental health, judgement, and vulnerability. The conversation then shifts to access; what women can do when therapy is not financially possible. Dr Moss offers profoundly simple but powerful guidance: journaling to reconnect with self; and seeking or creating spaces where one feels safe and authentic — be it with people, in nature, or in solitude — to rebuild regulation and inner strength. As a supervisor and mentor to young psychologists, she discusses the importance of knowing oneself deeply to be able to hold healing space for others. She closes by sharing her personal success factors, highlighting playfulness, choosing supportive people, and courageously removing herself from relationships that dim her light. Finally, she leaves a message of resonance and empowerment — quoting Marianne Williamson’s famous words (from her poem called Our Deepest Fear) that Mandela echoed — reminding women that shrinking serves no one, and that our fear is not inadequacy, but the magnitude of our power. This episode honours survivorship, honours narrative, and brings trauma into a space of compassion and possibility — reminding women everywhere: you are powerful beyond measure. Tune in for more…

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November 6, 2025

Dr Lauren Moss – Counselling Psychologist – Own Your Story

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Lauren Moss, a counselling psychologist in private practice, who closes our Mental Health Awareness series by taking us through the r...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Nobulawo Martha Mbhele, the Deputy Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court. Judge Mbhele’s path to the judiciary was shaped by deeply personal encounters with injustice: the trauma of apartheid police raids during her childhood and the rape and  murder of her cousin, a victim of gender-based violence. These painful experiences ignited her determination to use the law as a tool to restore dignity and give voice to the voiceless. She reflects on her journey, growing up on a farm where her father was a labourer with limited resources, and how being in the right place at the right time can change the course of your life. She relays how in a December school holiday she stood in for her mother doing domestic work and the farmer they worked for had collected the post from town and she and the farmer opened her school report, where she had scored 'As' for all her subjects. The farmer was highly impressed with her results and told her when she matriculated, she must tell him what she wanted to do. When she attained her matric, incidentally at the same time as one of her brothers, her father made the courageous decision of choosing to send his daughter to university despite patriarchal expectations of the day and set her on the path to becoming a lawyer. Supported by her family and community, she rose through challenges to eventually hold one of the highest judicial positions in the country. The conversation explores  Judge Mbhele’s philosophy of leadership in the judiciary, balancing judicial independence with administrative responsibilities, and her recent experience as an Acting Justice at the Supreme Court of Appeal, where she learned the weight of precision and the value of collective judicial wisdom. Judge Mbhele also shares her unwavering passion for access to justice, recounting her years at Legal Aid South Africa and her dedication to ensuring vulnerable communities have fair representation. She addresses the systemic barriers facing women in the legal profession, including skewed briefing patterns and the urgent need to retain female talent in the system.

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August 28, 2025

Judge Nobulawo Martha Mbhele – Deputy Judge President Free State High Court – Everything is Possible

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Nobulawo Martha Mbhele, the Deputy Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court. Judge Mbhele’s path to the judiciary was shaped by de...

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...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with Professor Beatrice Opeolu, a pioneering scientist in environmental toxicology whose work is shaping the future of environmental research and policy. From a reluctant student in a newly introduced field to becoming the first African woman to lead a global environmental toxicology organization - Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Professor Opeolu’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. A Path Not Chosen, But Destined Professor Opeolu never set out to become an environmental scientist. She had her heart set on chemistry but was redirected into environmental management and toxicology due to curriculum restrictions. Initially resistant, she was encouraged by a mentor who assured her that the environment was the future - a prophecy that has proven true today. Her passion for the field was sparked through real-world exposure to environmental challenges, such as landfill sites and conservation areas. She emphasizes the reality and impact of climate change, highlighting that the environmental warnings from decades ago are now becoming reality (e.g., rising sea levels, extreme weather events). Fast forward to today, she has authored over 120 scientific papers, mentored countless young scientists, and led major research projects on emerging contaminants, microplastics, and sustainable agriculture. But beyond her academic achievements, Professor Opeolu is a fierce advocate for women in science, breaking barriers and ensuring that the next generation has an easier path than she did. The Silent Threats in Our Water One of her most recent and eye-opening projects focused on microplastics in South African water systems. Most of us drink a glass of water without a second thought, but Professor Opeolu’s research discovered levels of microplastics in wastewater, drinking water, and natural reservoirs, raising urgent questions about how these pollutants affect human health and the environment. This research isn’t just about numbers on a page—it has real-world implications for industry regulations, policy decisions, and how consumers understand environmental risks. A Woman in Science – The Struggles and Triumphs Despite her groundbreaking work, being a woman in science has not been easy. From the beginning of her career, she faced barriers that some women will recognize: Lack of mentorship – Many senior women hoarded opportunities rather than passing them down. Doubts and expectations – As a woman, she constantly had to “prove” her expertise. Invisible labour – She recalls how women in academia were often automatically expected to take on secretarial roles in committees, regardless of their seniority. But rather than becoming bitter, she became the mentor she wished she had. Through initiatives like EmpowerHerNg and EmpowerHerSA, she is actively changing the landscape for young women in science. And she doesn’t just mentor - she champions the need for sponsorship, where senior figures don’t just advise but actively open doors and advocate for the careers of younger professionals. She stresses the importance of being authentic, maintaining one's identity, and not conforming to societal or professional pressures. Climate Change, Africa, and the Gender Divide One of the most sobering parts of the conversation comes when Professor Opeolu connects climate change to gender inequality. Women in rural Africa bear the brunt of water shortages, walking longer distances to find clean water. Gender-based violence increases in extreme temperatures, as studies suggest that rising heat correlates with male aggression. Girls are more likely to drop out of school in climate-affected regions as families prioritize educating boys when financial resources are stretched. She warns that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing far less to global pollution. She urges interdisciplinary collaboration to find solutions that don’t just work for high-income countries but are realistic for African economies and societies. Lessons in Success – Words to Live By So, what has driven Professor Opeolu to keep pushing boundaries despite the challenges? She credits three key factors: Her mother’s resilience – A hospital cleaner who later pursued her studies as a grandmother, proving that learning has no age limit. The power of education – She saw firsthand how even a small amount of schooling drastically improved economic opportunities for her family. Education for a person that comes from a poor family is the shortest key out of poverty. Faith and authenticity – She is unapologetically herself, embracing her identity as an African woman, a scientist, and a leader. Her message to young women is simple: “Refuse to be boxed in. Not by yourself, not by society.” Whether it’s leaving academia to start her own business or speaking up in rooms where she’s the only woman, she believes that staying true to yourself is the key to unlocking your full potential – be self-authentic. This episode isn’t just about environmental science—it’s about breaking barriers, advocating for change, and standing firm in your convictions. Professor Beatrice Opeolu’s story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and fearless authenticity.

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March 7, 2025

Prof Beatrice Olutoyin Opeolu – Environmental Toxicology – Self-Authenticity

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with Professor Beatrice Opeolu, a pioneering scientist in environmental toxicology whose work is shaping the future of environmental research a...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is in conversation with Dr. Bridget O’Neill Kruger, a clinical psychologist and Earth medicine practitioner based in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. O’Neill Kruger shares her unique perspective on holistic healing, integrating psychology, Earth medicine, and somatic practices to support personal transformation. She has established a philosophy called Rewilded Being. Key Discussion Points: 🔹 Breaking the Cycle of Failed Resolutions Dr. O’Neill Kruger explores why so many people struggle to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. She highlights the pitfalls of unrealistic goal-setting, perfectionism, and the pressure of instant transformation. Instead, she advocates for gradual habit formation, emphasizing small, sustainable changes over time. We should think about the kind of life we want to create for ourselves continuously, not just once a year. 🔹 A Renaissance Approach to Psychology With a diverse background in psychology, alternative healing, and holistic therapy, Dr. O’Neill Kruger reflects on her journey into psychology, shaped by an early passion for understanding the human mind. She discusses the challenge of choosing a career path amidst societal and familial expectations and how she ultimately integrated multiple disciplines into her work. 🔹 Women and Career Autonomy Addressing the pressures women face in shaping their careers, she encourages young women to pursue their passions, remain open to change, and trust their evolving interests. She underscores the importance of self-awareness, flexibility, and lifelong learning in finding professional fulfilment. It’s never too late to change direction and follow your drum beat. 🔹 The Integrative Healing Model Dr. O’Neill Kruger introduces her "Rewilded Being" framework, a holistic model of well-being focused on restoring connections—to oneself, to others, and to nature (mind, body and spirit). Her approach integrates elements of traditional psychology, attachment theory, mindfulness, eco-psychology, energy work, and alternative therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), and somatic release practices. 🔹 Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Recovery Discussing the devastating reality of gender-based violence in South Africa, she emphasizes trauma-informed therapy, body-based healing techniques, and creative expression as powerful tools for survivors. She highlights the need for safe spaces, accessible mental health resources, and integrative therapeutic interventions to support healing. 🔹 The Power of Inner Healing Intelligence Dr. O’Neill Kruger introduces the concept of "inner healing intelligence", drawing parallels to nature’s self-sustaining ability. She encourages listeners to trust their inner wisdom, cultivate self-awareness, and create environments conducive to personal growth. 🔹 A Call to Women: Trust Yourself Closing the conversation, she shares words of inspiration for women: trust your intuition, embrace your voice, and recognize your unique contribution to the world. She emphasizes that every woman carries a distinct energy and purpose, and by listening to their inner guidance, they can shape fulfilling lives. This episode offers a blend of psychology, spirituality, and empowerment, giving valuable insights into self-discovery, resilience, and holistic well-being. Tune in for more…

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February 7, 2025

Dr Bridget O’Neill Kruger – Clinical psychologist – Connectedness

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is in conversation with Dr. Bridget O’Neill Kruger, a clinical psychologist and Earth medicine practitioner based in Cape Town, South Africa. Dr. O’Ne...

Communication is dynamic and multifaceted, influencing everything from activism to personal branding. Prof Benecke shares some of her views on how the concepts of network theory and community influencers intersect in practice, emphasising the interdependency between individuals and their networks to enable issues to be addressed. We consider personal branding for women through a communication lens, which Prof. Benecke distils into three elements; we need to find our own voice, we need to develop our confidence and we need to believe that we are good enough. In building ourselves we establish a space in the world that we can contribute to meaningfully. Prof. Benecke's work also explores the tragic reality of gender-based violence (GBV), described by President Ramaphosa as South Africa’s second pandemic. There are several theoretical arguments about why GBV occurs and possible methods to solve it. In practical terms, victims of GBV or of potential assault need to know who they can contact to help them. Reflecting on the murder of Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, sometimes the struggles that a person deals with are hidden from view, and we should all be more sensitive to the plight of other women and intervening where possible to help. Today’s show is dedicated to the memory of Rebecca Cheptegei, may her soul rest in peace. Tune in for more….

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September 5, 2024

Prof Dalien Rene Benecke – Strategic Communication Department – University of Johannesburg – Power of Communication

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof Rene Benecke from the Strategic Communication Department at the University of Johannesburg. Communication is dynamic and multifaceted, influ...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof Patricia Lindelwa Makoni, from the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking. UNISA is Africa’s largest distance learning institution, with over 400,000 students, representing over 100 different countries. Every year more than 54,000 graduates receive qualifications from UNISA. Prof Makoni’s research interests include international finance, financial market development, corporate finance and development finance. She supervises doctoral students from diverse regions including Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United States. Their research topics include infrastructure development, international finance and aid, micro small and medium enterprises, and more. Reflecting on her work, Prof Makoni shares her insights on the challenges of financial exclusion faced by women in rural environments. She emphasises that financial inclusion is not just about access to financial products, its also about understanding the entire value chain. This includes everything from business development and market entry strategies to effective pricing and distribution channels. She believes that empowering women with this holistic knowledge is key to sustainable economic development. Beyond her academic endeavours, Prof. Makoni talks about managing the balance between the various facets of her life. She highlights the importance of making our assets and capital work for us—extending beyond just financial capital to social capital (our networks and relationships) and human capital (our skills, knowledge, and desire to learn). When these elements are combined, they create a powerful force for personal and professional growth. Tune in for more….

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August 30, 2024

Prof Patricia Makoni – Department of Finance – University of South Africa – Financial Inclusion

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof Patricia Lindelwa Makoni, from the University of South Africa’s (UNISA) Department of Finance, Risk Management and Banking. UNISA is Africa...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux. Mia is deaf, and she knows first-hand what if feels like to be excluded from opportunities, from the big, as well as seemingly insignificant things that many able-bodied people take for granted. Mia decided to participate in Miss SA because she did not want to feel excluded anymore and wanted to step up onto a platform for herself and others to feel included. In the winning, ‘pinch-me’, moment, when she was crowned with the Miss SA Mowana cornet, she said, that she knew it was for everyone that feels different. Part of Mia’s aspirations is to help the included make room for inclusivity. She explained some of the challenges that she experienced, such as lack of access to information, for example, watching TV for news or going to the cinema for entertainment – without captions on the screen – she has to work harder to consume this content. Growing up, after receiving a cochlear implant, Mia’s parents were concerned for her well-being and ability to cope and be independent in the world. Mia shares a few pivotal moments in her life, from the support of her family and community, to appreciating values from her mum which built her internal strength, to having ambition to live a bigger life. For example, when she moved to Cape Town, within one week she had a new car, new apartment and new job, which are testament to her determination, resilience and independence. Mia considers that for women to make more progress, as a collective we have to support each other and lift one another up. Helping others to shine doesn’t dim your light, it just makes the world brighter. She closes the conversation with the following inspiring words, “Your dream has to be stronger than your fear.” Tune in for more to hear this determined, resilient, dream-living, inspiring young woman that embodies the four pillars of Miss South Africa – duty, championship, empowerment, and beauty. #Empowerment #Resilience #Dream

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August 23, 2024

Miss South Africa 2024 – Mia Le Roux – Unstoppable Inclusion

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux. Mia is deaf, and she knows first-hand what if feels like to be excluded from opportunities, from the big, as we...

This week on Womanity - Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Rachel Jafta, a Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University and Director at Naspers / Prosus. Professor Jafta believes economics is fundamentally about people. Her diverse research covers topics like International Trade, Industrial Organisation, Technological Change, R&D, Affirmative Action, and Black Economic Empowerment. In this insightful conversation, she emphasizes how a nation's wellbeing hinges on the participation of its entire population in the economy, highlighting the detrimental effects of excluding women. She also sheds light on the opportunities brought by digitalisation, which could unlock global markets for female entrepreneurs, and the potential of a single African market to expand opportunities for women. She notes the work that Naspers Labs does to equip youth with digital skills training to access the digital economy, not just as job seekers but as entrepreneurs.   Professor Jafta also explores the key barriers women face: access to markets, finance, networks, and knowledge. She shares an example from India, where individuals without collateral use track records in place of credit profiles, illustrating innovative ways to address financial access issues. Reflecting on her own journey, Prof. Jafta recalls how education was a priority in her family, even though her parents didn’t attend school, they ensured that their six children were educated.  Prof Jafta had supportive teachers and one of them thought she should enroll for a university degree, at a time when it was not the norm for girls to go to university.  After graduating she wanted to go to Mexico but was unable to, due to Apartheid travel restrictions, and so, at the tender of age of 23, she applied to be a junior lecturer at the University of Venda but instead ended up pioneering the formation of its economics department. Reflecting on this experience she views it as a valuable opportunity for leadership and institutional legacy building.  Her parting advice? "Never underestimate your potential, be kind to yourself, and don’t hesitate to ask for help—because if you don’t ask, the answer will always be no!" Tune in for more on this inspiring episode! #WomenInLeadership #Economics #GenderEquality #Empowerment #DigitalEconomy #WomenInTrade #Womanity

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August 15, 2024

Prof Rachel Jafta – Stellenbosch University – Director at Naspers – People Economics

This week on Womanity - Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Rachel Jafta, a Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University and Director at Naspers / Prosus. Professor Jafta believes econo...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, for our series on women in the judiciary, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Judge Portia Nkutha-Nkontwana from the Labour Appeal Court. Judge Nkutha-Nkontwana shares how family meetings, where the household were called to “The Table” to resolve challenges or mete out discipline introduced her to dispute resolution and gave a foundation to her career in labour law. Law and legislation have been, and are, powerful tools to advance women’s rights. We discuss some of the important equality gains that women have attained. For example, access to equal education. Judge Nkutha-Nkontwana narrates a personal experience of when she started studying law, her professor complained that there were too many women in his class which caused many of them to deregister from law and pursue alternative studies. The second element we discuss is having female role  models in your profession. They provide visibility of what is possible.  The third aspect is policy changes and instituting deliberate legislation to change gender imbalances in institutions. For example, we now see greater representation of women on boards and in executive positions, where they occupy decision making roles. It is important that we recognise gains can be lost, and in order to uphold women’s rights we need all stakeholders in the legal justice chain to play their part. Happy Women’s Day. Tune in for more….

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August 9, 2024

Judge Portia Nkutha-Nkontwana – Labour Appeal Court – Justice Always

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, for our series on women in the judiciary, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Judge Portia Nkutha-Nkontwana from the Labour Appeal Court. Judge Nkutha-Nkontwana shares how family me...

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