Tag: Equality

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Maryana Iskander the Chief Executive Officer of the Wikimedia Foundation, the global nonprofit that supports Wikipedia. Previously she spent a decade as the CEO of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, a social enterprise building African solutions to tackle the global crisis of youth unemployment. Prior to that she served as Chief Operating Officer of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and as the Advisor to the President of Rice University. She shares some of the underlying philosophies that have driven her career, such as the idea of breaking down barriers in society and for people to have the ability to choose and make decisions for themselves. This helps achieve scale. In our discussion about Wikipedia, it is one of the most visited websites on the internet, with over 15 billion visits each month, “The last best place on the Internet”. Ms Iskander explains how Wikipedia works and describes some of the volunteer groups such as the Bashkir wikigrandmothers. We discuss how intrinsic drivers fuel success, especially self-confidence. Ms Iskander notes when women have genuine and deep confidence and are masters of their own destiny, they can do anything. Self-belief is the engine that enables women to move forward. In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Ms Iskander reminds us to acknowledge the women we know in our own lives, who inspire and motivate us and tell them. Happy International Women’s Day. Tune in for more…

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March 8, 2024

CEO of Wikimedia Maryana Iskander

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Maryana Iskander the Chief Executive Officer of the Wikimedia Foundation, the global nonprofit that supports Wikipedia. Previously she spent a decad...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Melissa Steyn , who holds the Department of Science and Technology National Research Foundation (DST-NRF) National Research Chair in Critical Diversity Studies and is the Founding Director of the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies. Prof. Steyn describes critical diversity studies and her motivations for specialising in this field. Part of this stemmed from growing up in Apartheid era South Africa, where difference was turned into a mechanism for oppression and subordination. She wanted to be part of a movement to construct a society that in many ways was the “other” to old Apartheid society, where a new society would be built on different assumptions around difference, where people are respected, feel safe, are included and valued. She notes some of the challenges in shifting mindsets and power dynamics between the oppressed and oppressor, whether this deals with perspectives of race, gender, white supremacy, patriarchy or any other social relationships. Critical diversity studies inform policy and enlightens society about alternative views, however, in practice legislation cannot change attitudes. The combination of policy and people’s willingness to change behaviour lead to changes that contest challenges in unfair societies. Prof. Steyn shares her journey into critical studies, which were driven by a need to address unfair societies. In the course of her studies, she questioned the roots of her own identity and whiteness, which caused her to rethink and reconstruct her identity. Prof. Steyn reminds people not to accept the narratives of your socialisation at face value, question them and step beyond them. Tune in for more…

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March 2, 2024

Prof. Melissa Steyn – Director Wits Centre for Diversity Studies & DST-NRF National Research Chair in Critical Diversity Studies

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Prof. Melissa Steyn , who holds the Department of Science and Technology National Research Foundation (DST-NRF) National Research Chair in Critical ...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Maduoe Aphane, who is an ophthalmologist in private practice and former head of the Ophthalmology Department at 1 Military Hospital, which serves military personnel and their dependents. Dr. Aphane discusses some of the factors that motivated her to pursue ophthalmology as a specialisation, in part personal safety, as a woman working in South Africa, was one consideration. Dr. Aphane describes how rewarding her profession is when being able to restore someone’s vision and often their independence too. Dr. Aphane sheds light on some common eye disorders and the need for greater public awareness to encourage people to screen their eyes and catch problems early enough to prevent blindness. We discuss the uneven distribution of eyecare centres in South Africa, particularly underserved rural areas. Additionally, Dr. Aphane remarks on cultural beliefs where people think their ailments will go away without treatment. Another point of concern is the impact of long delays in the public health sector, which can result in minor disorders becoming major problems.   Dr. Aphane reminds us that we live in a competitive world, and equipping yourself with knowledge through education may give you an edge, but lasting economic empowerment comes from being independent, with the ability to create your own employment - not rely on someone else. At the same time, she implores people to give back and lift others up. Tune in for more …

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February 22, 2024

Dr Maduoe Aphane: Ophthalmologist and former Head of Ophthalmology at 1 Military Hospital

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Maduoe Aphane, who is an ophthalmologist in private practice and former head of the Ophthalmology Department at 1 Military Hospital, which serve...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr René Ferguson, who was formerly the Head of the Social and Economic Sciences Department at the University of Witwatersrand. Dr. Ferguson’s work focuses on teacher education with an emphasis on life orientation subject matters. Life orientation studies form part of the national school curriculum in South Africa and aims to equip learners with essential life skills, which promote personal, social, and intellectual development to be functional members of society. Gender stereotypes, inequality, inadequate information on reproductive health, gender-based violence and economic empowerment are issues that impact women. Unfortunately, sometimes these perspectives are normalised in society. Some of the university’s programs incorporate gender related issues, such as personal development, self-awareness, self-actualisation, women in sport, democracy and women’s rights. The legacy of patriarchy still impacts South African society, and its overtones are also felt in religious contexts. For some women growing up in a patriarchal society shaped their worldviews to the extent that they defend the system, because it was their lived experience. For other women the realisation that there are alternative ways of seeing the world, has opened the possibility that they can achieve what they want and not be denied their dreams because of their gender. We remark on the importance of education for women, that it is a crucial tool to achieving independence and purpose in life. Dr. Ferguson reminds us that we may be individuals, but we are part of the collective an each of us has the responsibility to contribute positively to the lives of others and greater society. Tune in for more…

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February 8, 2024

Dr René Ferguson – University of Witwatersrand Department of Social and Economic Sciences

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr René Ferguson, who was formerly the Head of the Social and Economic Sciences Department at the University of Witwatersrand. Dr. Ferguson’s ...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Keitumetse "Tumi" Mashego who is a clinical and sports psychologist in private practice. Dr. Mashego offers some strategies to help people fulfil their goals, partly through managing expectations and showing ourselves grace.  She shares a useful breathing technique to bring one back into the present and be more mindful, which overcomes autopilot mode. Striking a balance between home and work commitments can be a challenge, especially for women living in a patriarchal society. Under these circumstances Dr. Mashego encourages women to value the capabilities that they bring to the table, to be self-aware and not fall prey to internalised inferiority complexes. She reminds us that perfection is an illusion and that we are constantly a work in progress. To this end we should treat mental health with the same attention that we give our physical wellbeing, look after the mind, nurture it and give it a rest. Some people may be more predisposed to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, for others mental health disorders may be a consequence of environmental circumstances, where they are subjected to negative interactions of others. Many women in South Africa are unfortunately victims of gender-based violence. The Q2 crime stats in 2023/2024 reported that South Africa recorded 10,516 rapes, 1,514 cases of attempted murder, and 14,401 assaults against female victims. While the ideal scenario is for women to leave these situations, but sometimes financial and psychological dependencies prevent them from leaving. In dealing with these situations Dr. Mashego suggests that the first step is recognising the abuser’s motivations for their abusive behaviour and in subsequent steps it is healing yourself and taking back your power. Tune in for more…

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February 1, 2024

Dr Keitumetse Mashego clinical and sports psychologist

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Keitumetse "Tumi" Mashego who is a clinical and sports psychologist in private practice. Dr. Mashego offers some strategies to help people ful...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to the High Commissioner of Australia Tegan Brink, she is accredited to seven countries in Southern Africa – Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and eSwatini. Prior to this appointment she was posted in New York as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Permanent Mission to the UN, and Chef de Cabinet to the President of the UN General Assembly. She also served in the Australian Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Advisory Centre on WTO Law in Geneva. Her interest in cultural diversity and a desire to have a positive impact on the world began in childhood. She further credits her education with studies in Australia, America, the Netherlands, and China as steppingstones that successively created opportunities that progressively built upon each other.  She believes that through hard work and working methodically towards your goals, you can attain them. Personal goals are important. We discuss how by using creative resource management she was able to excel in her roles and not forfeit opportunities. We discuss some of the multilateral objectives of the Australian High Commission, touching on trade, mining, scientific collaborations (like the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope project), sports diplomacy and soft power. Additionally, Australia is committed to gender equality and women’s rights. Its development programs are mandated to include an 80% performance target that effectively addresses gender equality. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consciously works to encourage women to take up leadership positions. Some of the High Commissioner’s leadership tools include being prepared, cultivating networks and adopting inclusive leadership that empowers people to lead at all levels. Tune in for more.

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January 25, 2024

High Commissioner of Australia – Tegan Brink – discussing international relations, gender equality development and more

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to the High Commissioner of Australia Tegan Brink, she is accredited to seven countries in Southern Africa – Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, N...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to the Ambassador of the European Union Sandra Kramer, the Ambassador of Denmark Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone and the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania Rasa Jankauskaite. This conversation takes a multi-dimensional view of women pursuing their careers and being leaders. Some of the internal factors that play a role for the individual include earning technical qualifications, being mentored, receiving support from peers, applying for promotions and believing in one’s capabilities. Externally, visible women in prominent positions have a role-modelling effect that may inspire other women to emulate their achievements “If you can see it, you can be it”. We talk about trail blazers like Ursula von der Leyen the President of European Commission, Mette Frederiksen the Prime Minister of Denmark and Dalia Grybauskaitė the former President of Lithuania. These are examples of powerful women that influence societies. However, according to the World Economic Forum the world is at least 169 years away from closing the economic participation gender gap and requires 162 years to close the Political Empowerment gender gap. Some of the interventions to reduce these gaps at a country level include agreement to follow particular directives, or more formally establishing legislation and action plans. For example the Netherlands’ zipper system sets proportional representation of men and women in its electoral systems, and the European Union recently adopted a regulation that non-executive boards of companies must have at least 40% women serve on their board. As individuals and communities through behavioural change and the adoption of gender positive legislation at national and international levels we can address gender inequality. Tune in for more.

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January 18, 2024

Ambassadors of European Union, Lithuania and Denmark inspiring women to lean in and lead themselves

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to the Ambassador of the European Union Sandra Kramer, the Ambassador of Denmark Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone and the Ambassador of the Republic of Lith...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Lizelle de Wee who is a clinical psychologist in private practice. The beginning of a new year is often a period of reflection and many of us are no strangers to creating resolutions for the new year. Unfortunately, the majority of us miss the mark. The key difference between those that follow through with their commitments versus those that give up is putting concrete steps into achieving their goals. In addition to designing a plan with actionable steps to achieve your goals, Dr de Wee recommends creating systems and routines as part of the process to keep targets on track. Our conversation acknowledges that people tend to project different aspects of themselves in work, familial and romantic relationships. We often portray our best selves in the workspace, partly because it’s expected of us and sometimes we expose our loved ones to our less appealing selves. Covid played a significant role in changing the demarcation of boundaries between work and home, in many cases obliterating these boundaries, not allowing people to transition between environments the way that they had done previously. Mental health is important. Dr de Wee shares a few pointers to assist women in their wellbeing, such as determining explicit boundaries, prioritizing self-care, setting realistic goals and taking time out to reset and reignite their energies when needed. Tune in for more…

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January 11, 2024

Dr Lizelle de Wee – Clinical Psychologist – Action drives intent

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr Lizelle de Wee who is a clinical psychologist in private practice. The beginning of a new year is often a period of reflection and many of us ...

Welcome to Womanity-Women in Unity, join us for our new year broadcast with a compilation of voice from female leaders in politics, business and academia. We hear from Patricia de Lille, the current Minister of Tourism, former Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, who is also the leader of the political party “Good”;  Lillian Barnard the President of Microsoft Africa, talking about opportunities and entry points for women in ICT; and Prof Michèle Ramsay who holds the SARCHI Chair for genomics and Bioinformatics of African Populations at the University of the Witwatersrand and is a director of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, she emphasizes the power of leadership with access to resources and the agency to drive change. We hope their motivational words encourage you to face your fears, find your tribe, don’t let anything stand in your way. Stay safe and happy new year, wishing you all a peace and prosperity in 2024.

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January 5, 2024

New Year. New Opportunities. Be Courageous.

Welcome to Womanity-Women in Unity, join us for our new year broadcast with a compilation of voice from female leaders in politics, business and academia. We hear from Patricia de Lille, the current Minister of Tourism,...

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity for our final broadcast of 2023. We hope that this mix inspires you to consider possibilities, find passion and purpose. Today’s guests are role models who prove there is no space that women cannot be. Namibia’s Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab demonstrates some of the factors that strengthen gender parity in Namibia. Professor Liezl van Dyk, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at North West University, encourages women to seek career opportunities in engineering. Judge Soma Naidoo, who is a Permanent Judge of the Free State High Court talks about some of the obstacles she overcame and building a pipeline of female judges. We close today’s show with world acclaimed soprano Pretty Yende who reminds us to follow our dreams. Warm wishes for the festive season from Womanity

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December 29, 2023

Women Belong Everywhere: Sharing Wisdoms from Female Role Models

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity for our final broadcast of 2023. We hope that this mix inspires you to consider possibilities, find passion and purpose. Today’s guests are role models who prove there is no space th...

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