Tag: Equality

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...

View Post

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…

View Post

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…

View Post

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…

View Post

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 Dr Melody Sun, a general ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon in private practice. Dr Sun’s career brings together medicine, technology and the precision of delicate surgery, driven by a deep interest in the human body, a commitment to problem-solving and a passion for restoring vision. Her path into medicine began with curiosity and courage. Growing up in a family where illness was often associated with fear, Dr Sun wanted to understand how modern medicine can treat disease. For her, medicine encompasses the body’s intricate systems, the people it treats, compassion and helping patients overcome uncertainty. Finding Her Way into Ophthalmology Although ophthalmology was not a major focus during her medical training, a suggestion from her father helped open the door to the speciality. What began as a recommendation became a field she embraced fully. Dr Sun describes the eye as both a world of its own and a window into the rest of the body, making ophthalmology a discipline that combines medical insight with surgical precision. The Precision and Impact of Restoring Sight As a refractive surgeon, Dr Sun works in an area of ophthalmology focused on reducing patients’ dependence on glasses or contact lenses. She explains procedures such as laser vision correction, implantable contact lenses and modern cataract surgery in accessible terms, showing how advances in technology and surgical planning can transform daily life. Cataract surgery, in particular, can restore independence and dignity to patients who may have lost the ability to navigate, groom themselves or recognise their loved ones clearly. Women in a Specialised Surgical Field The conversation explores the realities of building a career as a woman in a demanding surgical speciality. Dr Sun reflects on the importance of kindness, encouragement and mentorship, recalling how supportive colleagues helped build her confidence as she learned cataract surgery. She also speaks honestly about pregnancy, motherhood and training, noting that women often have to navigate career milestones alongside family decisions, and that support within the workplace can make a profound difference. Women’s Eye Health Matters Applying a gender lens to eye health, Dr Sun highlights conditions that may affect women more frequently, including dry eye linked to hormonal changes, pregnancy-related vision changes and eye complications associated with autoimmune disease. We discuss the relatively low allocation of research funding towards women’s health, which emphasises reproductive health, and we argue that women’s health should not be reduced to reproductive health alone. Greater awareness, advocacy and research funding are needed to understand how different conditions affect women across the whole body. Building a Practice and a Life with Purpose Beyond clinical work, Dr Sun is also building her own clinic, a process she describes as humbling, uncertain and outside her comfort zone. Yet it also represents freedom: the freedom to shape patient care, build something of her own and bring her personal vision into practice. Her reflections on balance are grounded in realism rather than perfection. She emphasises organisation, prioritisation and the need for women not to neglect themselves while managing career, family and responsibility. The conversation closes with a message of resilience and boldness. Dr Sun encourages girls and women to build strong foundations, especially in maths and science if they are considering medicine, but also to remember that they do not need to have their whole lives figured out early. Her advice is to find your “why”, keep going when the path becomes difficult, appreciate the journey and be audacious enough to ask for what you want, because the worst answer is simply no. Tune in for more...

View Post

September 4, 2026

Dr Melody Sun – Ophthalmologist and Refractive Surgeon – Grow

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Melody Sun, a general ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon in private practice. Dr Sun’s career brings together medicine, technology and the precision o...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Khosi Hadebe from the KwaZulu-Natal High Court.  Judge Hadebe’s legal career spans decades, tracing a path of perseverance and public service that began in 1979 as a court clerk and interpreter before progressing to prosecutor, legal planner, magistrate, and ultimately High Court judge. The Spark That Lit the Journey Her passion for the law was ignited in her youth while listening to radio court scene dramas on radio like Springbok Radio’s Consider Your Verdict. Despite financial constraints that delayed her initial studies, these broadcasts cemented her determination to pursue no other path than law. Defying Hostility with Student Militancy Entering the University of Zululand during apartheid, Judge Hadebe faced outright hostility from lecturers who questioned why women were studying law instead of nursing or social work. Driven by a militant youth spirit and a shared commitment with peers, including activists connected to Robben Island political prisoners, she refused to back down, viewing her degree as a vital weapon to fight systemic social injustices. Protective Legislation and the Limits of Implementation Reflecting on South Africa’s legislative framework, Judge Hadebe highlights that while strong laws exist to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and protect vulnerable individuals, true progress relies on the people executing them. She emphasises that while police awareness and specialised units have improved, law enforcement must act as a true extension of justice rather than allowing poor attitudes to hinder survivors. The Lived Realities of GBV Victims In discussing matters like the S v Ndlovo gang rape case, Judge Hadebe points out the severe socio-economic vulnerabilities of women and child-headed households living in informal settlements without security resources. She addresses the painful reality that post-judgment, victims are largely left to figure out trauma recovery on their own due to a lack of accessible counselling and support services in underserved communities. Social Context and Integrity on the Bench Having served as a regional court magistrate and worked with the Law, Race, and Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town, Judge Hadebe brings a vital social context to her rulings. She stresses that judges must maintain impeccable personal standards of uprightness and fairness to ensure the public can trust the judicial system implicitly. Overcoming Bias and Proving Competence Addressing the unique struggles faced by African women entering the High Court bench, Judge Hadebe reflects on overcoming deep-seated institutional skepticism. She notes that women must constantly prove their qualifications at higher thresholds, asserting that female judges must stand their ground firmly and demand to be judged solely on their competence. Faith, Family, and Community Support Attributing her resilience to the "school of poverty," Judge Hadebe shares how her background fostered empathy rather than bitterness. Her strength and grounding stem from strong family support, inspired by a courageous late aunt, as well as her active involvement in her church community, where she directly assists impoverished families. A Message to the Next Generation In celebration of Women’s Month, Judge Hadebe encourages young women to step into male-dominated fields with unwavering confidence and challenge authority whenever necessary. She calls on senior women leaders to actively hold the hands of the younger generation, demonstrating that adversity should never stop them from achieving their potential. Special thanks to Lusanda Ntuli the Deputy Director: Communications at the Office of the Chief Justice who makes our annual series showcasing female judges possible. Happy Women’s Month.

View Post

August 27, 2026

Judge Khosi Hadebe – High Court KwaZulu-Natal Division – Courage

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Khosi Hadebe from the KwaZulu-Natal High Court.  Judge Hadebe’s legal career spans decades, tracing a path of perseverance and public service that beg...

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…

View Post

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 Professor Sophie Von Der Heyden from the Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University and the Von Der Heyden Laboratory. She is a leading marine molecular ecologist, renowned for her pioneering work in aquatic biodiversity, conservation genomics, and climate change research. From East Berlin to the Oceans of Africa Professor von der Heyden’s story begins far from the shores and aquatic ecosystems that would eventually define her career. Growing up in East Berlin, she credits her early fascination with nature to family influences, particularly her brother, who introduced her to exploring and observing wildlife. She reflects on the freedom she experienced as a child; freedom to explore, question, and discover, which she believes laid the foundations for her curiosity-driven approach to science. Why Aquatic Ecosystems Matter Professor von der Heyden explains why aquatic ecosystems continue to captivate her. Oceans, rivers, estuaries, and wetlands remain among the least understood environments on Earth, despite their immense importance to biodiversity, climate regulation, and human livelihoods. She describes Africa as a continent rich with scientific opportunity because so much remains undiscovered. While limited funding and research capacity present challenges, they also create extraordinary opportunities for innovation and discovery. Her work is driven by a desire to contribute pieces to the larger scientific puzzle that ultimately supports better conservation, management, and restoration of vulnerable ecosystems. Building Knowledge Through the Von der Heyden Lab As founder and leader of the Von der Heyden Lab, Professor von der Heyden is passionate about developing the next generation of scientists. While groundbreaking discoveries are important, she emphasises that one of her most significant contributions has been building scientific capacity in Africa. Her laboratory has helped introduce and advance molecular ecology and genomic techniques across the continent, enabling African researchers to address environmental challenges using cutting-edge scientific tools. Through mentorship, teaching, and collaboration, she seeks to create opportunities for emerging scientists while strengthening Africa’s ability to conduct world-class biodiversity research. Climate Change Beneath the Surface While climate change is often discussed in terms of weather events, agriculture, and rising temperatures on land, Professor von der Heyden highlights the profound effects occurring beneath the water's surface. She explains how rising ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and changing environmental conditions are affecting marine and freshwater species. Many organisms are being forced to shift their geographical ranges in search of suitable habitats, while others, particularly species restricted to estuaries or isolated ecosystems, have nowhere to go. The conversation also explores concepts such as "coastal squeeze," where natural habitats like salt marshes and seagrass meadows become trapped between rising seas and human development. These combined pressures illustrate the complex and interconnected nature of environmental challenges. Finding Hope Through Action Despite the seriousness of climate change, Professor von der Heyden stresses the importance of focusing on solutions rather than despair. She encourages individuals to consider practical actions that reduce their environmental footprint, including: Reducing unnecessary travel Walking and using sustainable transport where possible Supporting locally produced food (food has travel miles too) Being conscious of consumption habits Reducing waste and packaging Understanding personal carbon footprints She shares a memorable teaching exercise where students compared their carbon footprints with those of their grandparents, often discovering that previous generations lived significantly more sustainable lifestyles despite having fewer resources. Her message is clear: meaningful change begins with informed, conscious choices Women in Science: Progress and Remaining Challenges Professor von der Heyden reflects positively on the growing participation of women in marine sciences and STEM fields. Over the course of her career, she has witnessed significant increases in female representation and leadership within scientific disciplines. However, she notes that important challenges remain, particularly around retaining talented women in research careers. Balancing professional ambitions with family responsibilities, caregiving, and personal wellbeing continues to be a reality for many women. She advocates for supportive environments, mentorship, and institutional cultures that enable women to flourish at different stages of their careers. Preparing Young People for an Uncertain Future The discussion also turns to education and the future of work. Professor von der Heyden argues that today's careers are far less linear than in previous generations. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence, she believes the most valuable skills are: Critical thinking Problem-solving Numerical literacy Adaptability Communication and interpersonal skills While technical knowledge remains important, she suggests that the ability to evaluate information, think independently, and build meaningful human connections will become even more critical in the future. Balancing Science, Family and Life As a mother of three and a successful academic leader, Professor von der Heyden speaks candidly about the realities of balancing family life with a demanding career. She acknowledges the guilt and uncertainty she experienced as a young researcher and parent, but emphasises that balance evolves over time rather than being perfectly achieved. One of her pieces of advice is to accept help when it is offered. She credits much of her success and well-being to the community she has built around her; family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who have provided support throughout different stages of her life. Her perspective challenges the notion that success is achieved alone, highlighting the importance of relationships, collaboration, and mutual support. A Message to Women and Girls Closing the interview, Professor von der Heyden offers heartfelt advice to women and girls pursuing their ambitions: Be comfortable with who you are. Trust yourself and your abilities. Build meaningful relationships. Accept support when it is offered. Stay open to learning from others. Be adaptable when circumstances change. Work hard, but also be kind—to yourself and to others. Her final message beautifully captures the spirit of the conversation: "Be kind, work hard, and believe in who you are."

View Post

June 11, 2026

Professor Sophie Von Der Heyden – Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Sophie Von Der Heyden from the Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University and the Von Der Heyden Laboratory. She is a leading marine ...

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof Lee-Ann Sadè Modley, from the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg. With a background spanning zoology, environmental management, sustainability, and community engagement, Prof. Modley shares her journey, shaped by perseverance, purpose, faith, her father’s soft persistence, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others. A major driving force throughout her journey was her father, who strongly believed in the transformative power of education. From her very first graduation, he continually encouraged her to pursue a doctorate, instilling in her the belief that education was not only a personal achievement but also a responsibility to uplift others in her community. Effective Solutions Require Stakeholder Buy-In One of the most pivotal moments in Prof. Modley’s career came while conducting water monitoring research in the Kaalspruit River in Tembisa. While scientists were focused on measuring pollution levels, she witnessed a resident casually throwing rubbish into the river. She realised that environmental science alone could never solve environmental problems without engaging the people living within those environments. The experience moved her from being purely laboratory and field-science focused into a more community-centred approach, where understanding human behaviour became just as important as understanding ecosystems. Prof. Modley explains how difficult this transition was for her as a “thoroughbred scientist,” but it ultimately taught her that sustainability depends on trust, participation, and community ownership. Building Trust in Communities Throughout the discussion, Prof. Modley shares insights from her work in communities such as Tembisa, Soweto, Eldorado Park, and rural Limpopo. Her projects focus heavily on water quality, water security, and environmental stewardship, but always through a collaborative lens. She highlights that, contrary to popular assumptions, communities often want to participate in environmental solutions. The challenge lies in building trust and ensuring people feel heard, respected, and included in decision-making processes. Rather than imposing solutions, her approach centres on co-creation, which includes asking communities what they believe will work best in their own environments. Communities are different. For example, in rural Limpopo, communities tend to see themselves as custodians of their water resources, protecting and preserving them collectively. In urban spaces, however, people frequently view environmental management as solely the government’s responsibility. Prof. Modley explains that one of the key challenges is helping communities reclaim a sense of ownership over their local environment. Climate Change Is Personal The conversation reinforces that climate change and environmental degradation are not distant abstract issues, they directly affect people’s homes, health, safety, and futures. Prof. Modley discusses how improper waste disposal and poor environmental practices contribute to flooding, water contamination, and worsening infrastructure problems. She advocates strongly for integrated water resource management, where everyone, from government and scientists to ordinary residents, plays a role in protecting water systems. Even small behavioural shifts, such as proper waste disposal, can collectively create meaningful environmental change. Empowering Girls Through Education and Mentorship Prof. Modley engages in several community initiatives, including the I Am Girls Programme and Eco Scouts. These initiatives aim to empower girls and young children through mentorship, environmental education, and personal development. Driven by her father’s vision of “lifting another girl up,” she invests her time in helping young women from underserved communities believe in broader possibilities for their lives. Her programmes seek to challenge cycles of poverty, substance abuse, and limited opportunities by changing mindsets and exposing girls to education, science, and leadership pathways. Making Science Accessible and Exciting Prof. Modley speaks passionately about changing perceptions around science careers, especially for girls from underrepresented communities. She notes that many learners are discouraged from pursuing science because it is viewed as difficult, inaccessible, or reserved for a select few. She actively works to make science feel exciting, relatable, and achievable by exposing learners to the university environment and demonstrating the diverse possibilities within scientific fields. Her mission is to show girls that science extends far beyond laboratories and microscopes; it can be creative, impactful, and transformative. Women Leading Sustainability Conversations As the discussion turns to gender, Prof. Modley reflects on her career experience. Interestingly, she describes how working in zoology often meant being treated equally to her male peers, which ultimately strengthened her confidence and resilience. Prof. Modley also opens up about balancing an intensive academic career with motherhood, marriage, and community engagement. She credits her strong support system, including her husband, extended family, and faith, for enabling her to pursue her ambitions while maintaining family stability. She believes women are increasingly leading sustainability conversations because of qualities such as empathy, collaboration, community-mindedness, and holistic thinking. Sustainability, she explains, is not only about ecosystems and data; it is also about people, relationships, and care. Her message to women entering the field is to be true to yourself. Women do not need to imitate men to succeed. Instead, their authentic perspectives and leadership styles are essential to building more sustainable futures. A Message of Limitless Possibility Drawing from her own experiences of being underestimated, Prof Modley encourages young women to view barriers and doubt as opportunities to prove what is possible: never allow other people’s limitations or labels to define your future. Tune in for more…

View Post

May 8, 2026

Prof Lee-Ann Modley: Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg – Limitless Possibility

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof Lee-Ann Sadè Modley, from the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg. With a background s...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Professor Bernadine Benson about her professional journey, spanning nearly two decades in policing and a transformative transition into academia. Her story is one of resilience, identity, and continuous evolution, shaped by hardship, purpose and faith. A Childhood of Instability and the Drive to Excel Born into a working-class family with an English mother and Afrikaans father, Prof Benson’s early life was marked by constant movement and instability, attending seven different primary schools. This environment fostered both loneliness and a fierce internal drive, pushing her toward academic and athletic excellence as a means of coping and self-definition. Her entry into the South African Police Service at just 17 years old was a calling rooted in a desire to succeed. A Career in Policing: Discipline, Identity, and Power Prof Benson’s policing career was defined by discipline, structure, and achievement. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, she thrived in a system built on hierarchy and command. Yet, this environment also shaped a rigid worldview, one that prioritised performance over empathy and authority over reflection. Her identity became deeply intertwined with her rank and role, which symbolised both power and belonging. The Turning Point: Letting Go of Identity A pivotal moment came when Prof Benson realised that her sense of self was rooted in her professional identity rather than internal values. This realisation catalysed her transition from policing into academia at UNISA, a move marked by uncertainty, fear, and profound personal growth. In leaving behind authority, she began developing emotional and spiritual intelligence, learning to lead with compassion rather than command. Learning to Listen: Emotional Intelligence and Transformation Prof Benson describes her evolution as one shaped by “hard knocks” and critical self-reflection. Exposure to new ideas, particularly through transformation and decoloniality dialogues, challenged her deeply ingrained beliefs and cultural “default settings.” These experiences forced her to confront uncomfortable truths about bias, identity, and how her actions impacted others, ultimately reshaping her leadership style into one centred in empathy, listening, and openness. Navigating Male-Dominated Spaces Throughout her career, Prof Benson faced significant challenges as a woman in male-dominated environments. She speaks candidly about patriarchal dynamics, tokenism, and the pressure placed on women to perform in roles they may not yet be supported to succeed in. Her strategy for survival and influence evolved: learning to “read the room,” adapt communication styles, and reframe ideas to gain traction without compromising integrity. Uncovering Hidden Crimes: Art Theft and Heritage Protection One of the most fascinating aspects of her career is her work in art and heritage crime investigations. Prof Benson highlights the often-overlooked scale of these crimes, noting that high-profile heists are just the “tip of the iceberg.” She exposes systemic weaknesses—poor inventory systems, undertrained staff, and lack of funding—that make cultural institutions vulnerable. Importantly, she reframes these crimes as societal losses, not victimless acts, as they erode collective heritage and identity. The Future of Policing: Technology Meets Theory Turning to the future, Prof Benson explores the role of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in law enforcement. While acknowledging the potential of tools like voice analysis and AI, she cautions against uncritical adoption, highlighting the dangers of pseudoscience and poorly implemented systems. She advocates strongly for intelligence-driven policing grounded in criminological theory—arguing that without foundational knowledge, even the most advanced technologies will fail to deliver meaningful impact. A Crisis of Values: Society, Policing, and Ubuntu A recurring theme in the conversation is the erosion of moral values in society. Prof Benson connects systemic issues in policing to broader societal challenges, including corruption, lack of accountability, and weakened ethical foundations. She calls for a return to fundamental principles, starting with early education, and emphasises the importance of Ubuntu not just as a concept, but as a lived practice. The Personal Foundations of Success Beyond her professional achievements, Prof Benson attributes her success to deeply personal influences: her faith, a resilient mother, a supportive marriage, and mentors who guided her growth. These relationships provided stability and grounding, enabling her to navigate uncertainty and remain committed to lifelong learning. A Philosophy for Life and Leadership Prof Benson leaves us with a philosophy that inspires self confidence: Never stop learning Embrace discomfort and challenge your beliefs Receive criticism with reflection, not defensiveness Measure success not by titles, but by humanity She describes herself as a “potter,” shaping the lives of those she encounters. A metaphor that underscores the responsibility of leadership and the impact of everyday interactions. Tune in for more…

View Post

April 3, 2026

Professor Bernadine Benson: SAPS, College of Law, UNISA – Faith

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Professor Bernadine Benson about her professional journey, spanning nearly two decades in policing and a transformative transition into academia. Her story is o...

1 2 3 … 10

Type and hit enter