Tag: gender equality

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Catherine Cress who is a Professor of Astronomy at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Her work spans the vast, invisible structures of the universe. Understanding how things work From the outset, Prof Cress reframes astronomy not as distant stargazing, but as a powerful laboratory for understanding the fundamental laws of reality. Her journey begins with a simple but profound curiosity: how does everything work? This curiosity led her from theoretical physics into astronomy, where the universe itself becomes the ultimate testing ground for ideas that cannot be replicated on Earth. Education in all forms Prof Cress has studied at institutions in South Africa, USA, and Germany, and reflects candidly on the role of education, not just formal institutions, but the importance of structured learning, discipline, and intellectual community. While acknowledging that today’s digital world offers unprecedented access to knowledge, she highlights a critical truth: learning in isolation is possible, but rarely optimal. Prof Cress makes a compelling case for the transferable skills gained from studying astronomy, positioning it as the “original data science.” She highlights how skills developed in astronomy, such as big data analysis, AI, computational modelling, translate directly into industries from retail to healthcare. Women’s roles in astronomy A particularly compelling thread in the interview is the role of inspiration and representation. Drawing on figures like Marie Curie and Vera Rubin, Prof Cress reveals how reading and understanding “imaginary mentors” shaped her resilience. She also uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of early female astronomers, women who, despite being sidelined as “computers,” made foundational discoveries that still underpin modern science. Prof Cress notes significant progress has been made for female representation in astronomy, while acknowledging that adjacent fields like physics and supercomputing still lag behind. She also addresses the need for scientists in Africa to believe in their own unique contributions to scientific discovery and pursue their research streams. She shares some of her research into dark matter. Using vivid analogies, she explains how astronomers “look back in time” using light that has travelled billions of years, compressing cosmic history into a scale that reveals just how fleeting human existence is. For example, if the age of the universe was compressed into one year, then all of human history would sit in the last 21 seconds of the year. We explore South Africa’s growing role in global astronomy through projects like MeerKAT and the Square Kilometre Array. Prof Cress frames these not just as scientific achievements, but as catalysts for African collaboration, talent development, and intellectual sovereignty. Success enablers On a personal level, Prof Cress speaks about the support structures that enabled her career, particularly the role of her husband as a primary caregiver, challenging traditional gender norms and offering practical advice to young women navigating similar paths. The interview closes on a note of empowerment. Prof Cress shares a powerful message: don’t underestimate yourself. Whether in science or beyond, she encourages women to claim space, seek support, and pursue their curiosity with confidence. Tune in for more…

View Post

March 20, 2026

Prof. Catherine Cress – Astronomy – UNISA – Don’t Underestimate Yourself

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Catherine Cress who is a Professor of Astronomy at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Her work spans the vast, invisible structures of the univ...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa – Vice Chancellor and Principal at the University of Mpumalanga. A distinguished feminist scholar, academic leader, and advocate for social justice, Professor Meyiwa shares insights into her remarkable career journey, her vision for transforming higher education, and her unwavering commitment to advancing women’s rights. Leading a Young University with a Bold Vision Taking the helm of the relatively young University of Mpumalanga, established in 2013 and now serving over 13,000 students, Professor Meyiwa describes the institution as being in a stage of growth, ambition, and discovery. Her vision is to build an innovative African university that not only operates on African soil but actively contributes to solving the continent’s challenges. She emphasises the importance of raising the bar, creating a technologically advanced, paperless institution that nurtures independent thinkers and thought leaders. More importantly, she wants every student, staff member, and partner who engages with the university to leave with a sense that the institution made a meaningful difference in their lives and communities. Impact Beyond the Ivory Tower Professor Meyiwa challenges the traditional perception of universities as isolated “ivory towers.” Instead, she envisions institutions that collaborate widely and actively engage with society. For her, the purpose of higher education must extend beyond awarding qualifications: it must inspire passion, integrity, innovation, and impact. In her view, every action within a university should ultimately answer one important question: What change will this make? Feminist Scholarship and the Fight for Women’s Rights Beyond academia, Professor Meyiwa’s work as a feminist scholar has involved confronting some of society’s most difficult realities. She speaks candidly about research she helped lead into the forced sterilisation of HIV-positive women, uncovering systemic practices where women were sterilised or subjected to medical procedures without informed consent. The findings were deeply disturbing, revealing patterns across multiple provinces and prompting efforts to pursue legal action against the state. For Professor Meyiwa, addressing such injustices (even when it may carry professional risks) is a moral responsibility. Education as a Pathway to Empowerment Throughout the conversation, Professor Meyiwa reinforces the transformative power of education, particularly for women. She highlights the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and supportive networks that enable women to develop their voices and leadership potential. Her message is clear: education is not simply about academic achievement, it is about creating opportunities, fostering independence of thought, and empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.

View Post

March 5, 2026

Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa – Vice Chancellor & Principal – University of Mpumalanga – Integrity

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa – Vice Chancellor and Principal at the University of Mpumalanga. A distinguished feminist scholar, academic leader, and advocate for so...

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity, for our special compilation of select programs over the last year. We hope to inspire you through the words of three pioneering female leaders who have succeeded in their respective fields. Our first guest in this feature is Professor Darelle van Gruenen, who leads a research engagement and innovation group at the Centre for Community Technologies at the Nelson Mandela University, and discusses building ICT solutions for Africa, by Africans, in Africa and the importance of women entering the ICT sector. Our next guest, Judge Colleen Collis from the Gauteng Division of the High Court reveals how personal experiences of injustice ignited her pursuit of law and her passion for creating a more equal society. She highlights how legislative changes have improved the lives of women through protective laws. Our final guest in today’s feature is Professor Nomali Ngobese from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Northwest University, who addresses some of the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated agricultural field. She shares how education has been pivotal to transforming her life and how she empowers others. We hope that this episode encourages you to pursue your best.  Warm wishes for the festive season from Womanity

View Post

December 19, 2025

Reflections From 2025: Women Leading The Future

Welcome to Womanity Women in Unity, for our special compilation of select programs over the last year. We hope to inspire you through the words of three pioneering female leaders who have succeeded in their respective fi...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Azwifaneli Nemushungwa, an economist from the Department of Economics at the University of Venda. We delve into her personal and professional journey, her passion for education, and her commitment to empowering generations of women. A Career in the Male-Dominated Field of Economics Dr. Nemushungwa was drawn to economics by an innate curiosity about "how the world works" and complex concepts like buying, selling, and inflation, even though subjects like economics were rare in her disadvantaged background. Her path into the field was not straightforward.  She felt a passion for the subject and was drawn to a BCom degree by a feeling that led her to ask, "What is BCom?". Her first lecturer, Prof. Rachel Jafta, taught economics with such passion that Dr. Nemushungwa "fell in love with economics" and was inspired to become a lecturer herself. Overcoming Adversity and the Power of Self-Belief Dr. Nemushungwa faced significant challenges, including coming from a very poor family in a rural area. She found that discouragement only fuelled her determination. For example, while she was teaching, she faced doubts from those around her but held onto a "burning dream" to further her education. She felt she was made of a "rare species" that used criticism as motivation. Education as the Key to Women's Empowerment Dr. Nemushungwa strongly advocates for education as the most powerful tool for empowering young women. Challenging Stigma: She confronts the proverb that a woman's place is in the kitchen and the cultural stigma that educated women are to be feared by men, particularly in rural areas. Financial Independence: The most important benefit of education is financial independence, which she believes is the "best thing in life" for a woman. Fighting Gender-Based Violence: She identifies the "spirit of dependency" on a husband as an underlying factor in gender-based violence, stressing that education gives women the power to demand respect. The Banana Tree Analogy: She shares an inspiring analogy about two trees: a banana tree that bows down when carrying fruit (representing a well-educated, humble woman) and a tall, arrogant pawpaw tree that is easily blown down (representing arrogance). Economic Participation and the Entrepreneurial Mindset Addressing the high unemployment rate among young women in South Africa (nearly 50% in 2024 ) and the global gender gap in economic participation, Dr. Nemushungwa emphasizes a necessary shift from a "job seeker" to a "job creator” mentality. Entrepreneurship is Key: She states that women are "unlikely to be absorbed" in the formal sectors (government, private sector) and that the best way for them to participate is by becoming entrepreneurs. University Initiatives: The University of Venda has an Entrepreneurship Centre and focuses on entrepreneurship as one of its four pillars (alongside community engagement, teaching and learning, and research). The goal is to teach students to create jobs for themselves. Real-World Success: She shares inspiring examples of women in Limpopo, which has fertile soil, who have established successful farming businesses. Dr. Nemushungwa concludes with a powerful message for young women. The world is your oyster; you can create whatever you want. Reject the stigma that women are unequal to men. Embrace an emancipation in your mind and ask, "If a man can do it, why can't I do it? Why not me?". Tune in for more…

View Post

December 5, 2025

Dr Azwifaneli Nemushungwa – Department of Economics, University of Venda – Determination

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Dr Azwifaneli Nemushungwa, an economist from the Department of Economics at the University of Venda. We delve into her personal and professional journey, her pa...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to the Ambassador of Sweden to South Africa, Anna Karin Eneström. With a distinguished diplomatic career spanning three decades, Ambassador Eneström has served in some of the world’s most influential global governance spaces, including the United Nations, the European Union, and senior leadership positions within the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her journey, from aspiring courtroom lawyer to global diplomat, reveals how purpose, courage, and principled leadership can transform a personal career and influence international affairs. A Diplomatic Journey Shaped by Global Experience Ambassador Eneström reflects on formative milestones, such as her ambassadorship in Pakistan (covering Afghanistan), her tenure as Sweden’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and her posting in Kenya, which deepened her love for Africa and her commitment to multilateral cooperation. She shares invaluable leadership lessons from the UN system, emphasising listening, relationship-building, and international law as anchors for navigating diverse geopolitical positions. For progress in multicultural settings, it’s important to find points of commonality. Strengthening South Africa–Sweden Relations The conversation explores Ambassador Eneström’s priorities in South Africa: strengthening bilateral relations, supporting Swedish companies, championing multilateralism, and advancing Sweden’s substantial collaborations in education, research, and sexual and reproductive health and rights across the African continent. She offers powerful insights into the importance of empowering women to make decisions over their own bodies, the role of economic independence in gender equality, and Sweden’s progressive policies, from free childcare since the 1970s to shared parental leave, that have propelled the country to the forefront of global gender-equality rankings. Additionally, revising legislation to tax individuals rather than combined spousal income resulted in individuals taking home more money. It makes economic sense for women, who make up 50% of the population, to contribute to any country’s workforce. Addressing Gender-Based Violence in a Digital Age In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the ambassador addresses the alarming rise in digital violence against women, highlighting the responsibility of governments, tech companies, law-enforcement systems, and communities to ensure women's safety online and offline. She speaks candidly about the necessity of legislative action, accountability for perpetrators, and cross-gender solidarity in combating violence. Women as Architects of Peace Drawing on her extensive experience in conflict and post-conflict regions, Ambassador Eneström explores the vital role women play in peacebuilding, providing examples from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Liberia. She illustrates how women’s participation in peace negotiations and democratic processes significantly increases the sustainability and inclusivity of peace. Balancing Diplomacy and Family Life The interview also delves into the realities of combining a high-pressure diplomatic career with family life. Ambassador Eneström shares personal stories about raising her children across continents, navigating cultures, and achieving a balanced partnership within her family, offering honest and encouraging guidance to young women aspiring to careers in diplomacy and global leadership. Courage and Possibility We close with an uplifting message to women and girls: embrace who you are, dare to pursue your dreams, even when the path is uncertain, and remember that it is always possible to change direction and redefine your future. Tune in for more…

View Post

November 28, 2025

Ambassador of Sweden to South Africa – Anna Karin Eneström – Courage and Possibility

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to the Ambassador of Sweden to South Africa, Anna Karin Eneström. With a distinguished diplomatic career spanning three decades, Ambassador Eneström has served in...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Crista Cullen, Olympic gold-medal field hockey player, businesswoman, conservation innovator, and proud daughter of both Kenya and the United Kingdom. Crista’s story is one of dual identities, grit, reinvention, and a deep commitment to contributing to the world beyond sport. Crista shares insights from her sixteen-year Olympic journey that began with failure, missing qualification for Athens, evolved through the ups and downs of Beijing and London, before culminating triumphantly in Rio 2016, where Great Britain’s women’s team seized gold against all odds. Crista unpacks the power of shared culture, athlete-driven ownership, and unity of purpose, revealing how the squad built a high-performance environment anchored in trust, human connection, honest challenge, and collective responsibility. She draws striking parallels between elite sport, corporate leadership, and conservation, discussing how principles like accountability, inclusivity, and pressure simulation translate across sectors. She stresses the importance of creating cultures people genuinely buy into, not top-down mandates plastered on office walls, but values co-created by every voice in the room. Crista also shares the rarely discussed emotional terrain of athlete retirement. After leaving the sport once at her peak in 2012 and again post-Rio, she speaks candidly about identity loss, purpose rediscovery, and the courage to start again. Her return for Rio, after three years away from competitive hockey, is a compelling story of humility, determination, passion, teamwork, and how genuinely wanting to do something for yourself rather than fulfilling other people’s expectations drives your excellence. Now firmly rooted back in Kenya, Crista leads transformative work in conservation finance and community-led environmental solutions. Through the Tofauti Foundation, she merges her worlds of sport and conservation to drive innovative, sustainable models that challenge old dependency-based NGO approaches. She shares a powerful gender-centred success story from coastal Kenya, where repurposed aquaculture infrastructure and a partnership with “Crabs Alive” has enabled more than 200 women to develop sustainable livelihoods through mangrove crab farming, reducing overharvesting and generating stable income for families. This model demonstrates what becomes possible when women are trusted as partners and leaders. Crista closes the conversation with a message of grounded optimism: everyone faces bumps in the road, including those who appear successful. What matters is perseverance, curiosity, courage to challenge norms, and the belief that every detour still keeps you moving forward. Tune in for more.

View Post

November 20, 2025

Crista Cullen – Gold Olympian, Businesswoman & Conservationist – Co-creation

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Crista Cullen, Olympic gold-medal field hockey player, businesswoman, conservation innovator, and proud daughter of both Kenya and the United Kingdom. Crista’...

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.

View Post

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...

In this special episode of Womanity for International Women's Day, Judge Jacqueline Henriques, alongside Prof. Beatrice Opeolu and Dr. Lara Atkinson, emphasize education, leadership, policy change, and advocacy as essential tools for creating a more equitable future. Their powerful insights remind us that progress requires collective action, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment for all women and girls. Judge Jacqueline Henriques – Women’s Rights, Justice & Legal Empowerment Judge Jacqueline Henriques, a permanent judge of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, discusses the global regression in women’s rights, the role of the judiciary in gender equality, and the importance of legal awareness and access to justice. She reflects on International Women’s Day as a time to assess progress and reinvigorate efforts to protect women’s rights globally. Judge Henriques expresses concern over the backsliding of gender rights worldwide, citing examples such as the Taliban’s restrictions on women in Afghanistan and the curtailment of abortion rights in the United States. While acknowledging that some countries, including Bolivia, Moldova, Ecuador, Slovenia, South Korea, and Zambia, have made strides in strengthening democracy and human rights, she stresses the need to maintain momentum in the fight for gender equality. She highlights the critical role of the judiciary in advancing women’s rights, referencing landmark court cases in South Africa that have strengthened gender equality, such as: 1. Legal recognition of female traditional leaders, breaking patriarchal barriers in cultural leadership. 2. Judicial recognition of Muslim marriages, ensuring that women in these unions receive legal protection. However, she emphasizes that having strong laws is not enough—women must know their rights and have the means to enforce them. She identifies a major gap in public awareness, particularly among women in rural communities, who often lack access to legal resources and support. Judge Henriques stresses that NGOs and community organizations play a vital role in bridging this gap by educating women about their legal protections and ensuring that justice is accessible to all. She also highlights the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which are being successfully implemented in rural communities, where trained female mediators help resolve disputes locally. She calls for greater inclusivity in legal reforms, urging governments to engage with researchers and grassroots organizations to shape policies that truly address the needs of marginalized women, including those with disabilities. She also advocates for practical improvements, such as ensuring buildings are wheelchair-accessible, to make justice more inclusive. Her final message to women: We must not lose momentum. Women must be informed, empowered, and supported to claim their rights. True justice means ensuring that no woman is left behind. Prof. Beatrice Opeolu – Environmental Toxicology & Gender Equality in Sustainability Prof. Beatrice Opeolu, an environmental toxicologist, explores the interconnection between environmental justice and gender equality. She highlights how environmental degradation disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly in developing countries, and stresses the need for policy changes that prioritize gender-sensitive sustainability efforts. She outlines three critical areas for transformation: 1. Changing societal norms – From childhood, girls are often assigned domestic roles while boys are not taught self-sufficiency. She urges families to raise boys and girls equally to break ingrained gender biases. 2. Education reform – Formal and informal education systems must be restructured to contextually reflect African realities and improve awareness about environmental sustainability. 3. Political will & leadership – Governments must be intentional about advancing gender equality by creating opportunities for women in science, policy-making, and sustainability efforts. Prof. Opeolu also addresses women’s underrepresentation in environmental science and leadership, emphasizing that many women lack confidence despite being highly qualified. She advocates for strong mentorship networks, intentional leadership training, and support systems that uplift women in STEM fields. She also promotes the upcoming Women Leaders in Higher Education Summit in Johannesburg, an initiative to bring together female leaders globally. Her closing message: Every woman is enough, capable, and valuable. Women in leadership must uplift others, and mentorship should be a two-way relationship that empowers future generations. Dr. Lara Atkinson – Women in Marine Science & Ocean Conservation Dr. Lara Atkinson, a marine scientist, shares her perspectives on gender equality in ocean research, reflecting on her experience in scientific expeditions with diverse, multicultural teams of women. She describes International Women’s Day as a moment to celebrate progress, reflect on challenges, and push forward towards greater gender parity. Dr. Atkinson emphasizes that representation matters—seeing diverse women in science encourages young girls to pursue careers in STEM. She shares her involvement in education outreach programs for underprivileged schools in South Africa, where she actively mentors young women and ensures they see role models in marine science. She acknowledges progress in gender equality within marine science, noting an increase in female researchers and leaders. However, she also points out that old-fashioned perceptions persist, and more work is needed to dismantle biases that suggest certain scientific fields are “male-dominated.” Addressing the economic importance of oceans, Dr. Atkinson discusses how marine conservation efforts impact women’s livelihoods—especially those working in coastal economies reliant on fishing and marine resources. She underscores the need for sustainable resource management to ensure job security for women in these industries. Her final message to young women: “It’s up to us to change outdated perceptions. With passion, dedication, and confidence, women can succeed in any career they choose. Never give up on your dreams.” Tune in for more.

View Post

March 13, 2025

International Women’s Day 2025 – Judge Jacqueline Henriques, Prof. Beatrice Opeolu and Dr. Lara Atkinson

In this special episode of Womanity for International Women's Day, Judge Jacqueline Henriques, alongside Prof. Beatrice Opeolu and Dr. Lara Atkinson, emphasize education, leadership, policy change, and advocacy as essent...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Luz-Helena Hanauer, who was part of the 2025 African Women In Dialogue Secretariat, a powerful movement that unites women from across the continent to amplify their voices and drive meaningful change. As she shares her experience with AfWID, Dr. Hanauer takes us behind the scenes of the 2025 African Women in Dialogue conference, which brought together 1,000 women from 55 countries for five days of transformative discussions. African Women in Dialogue is the brainchild of Mrs Zanele Mbeki and South African Women in Dialogue.  She delves into the core philosophy of AfWID, which is not an organization in the traditional sense, but rather a movement, born of African women and financed by Africans - one that thrives without bureaucracy, external funders, or rigid structures. Instead, it is a dynamic platform for women to share knowledge, support one another, and take action in their own communities. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hanauer highlights key themes from the event, including feminist leadership, economic empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. She passionately discusses how African women, particularly those at the grassroots level, are already financially savvy, technologically resourceful, and leaders in their own right - challenging conventional leadership models and paving the way for a more inclusive future. For example, we hear about the Rural Women’s Assembly, who describe themselves as guardians of land, life, seeds and love, and how they are protecting environments for GMO modified seed and land erosion. Another initiative is agriculture aggregator programmes, like Servicios, which focusses on agriculture in the SMME sector for women to produce quality produce. The episode also explores AfWID’s unique approach to fostering unity across generations and socio-economic backgrounds. By removing titles, wealth disparities, and societal labels, the dialogue creates a rare space where every woman - whether a rural farmer, entrepreneur, or policymaker—stands as an equal. One of the most powerful segments of the discussion revolves around the need to move beyond traditional power structures and embrace new ways of creating change. Dr. Hanauer stresses that peace will be the reward for women’s collective activism, emphasizing that true progress lies in personal accountability, knowledge-sharing, and challenging patriarchal structures that perpetuate inequality. Listeners will be inspired by the ten personal commitments that emerged from the dialogue—ranging from championing peace and solidarity to promoting sustainable development and financial independence. As Dr. Hanauer eloquently states, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.” Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation to discover how African women are shaping their own futures, rewriting narratives, and building a movement that transcends borders.

View Post

February 28, 2025

Dr. Luz-Helena Hanauer – 2025 African Women In Dialogue – African Women’s Voices and Power

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Dr. Luz-Helena Hanauer, who was part of the 2025 African Women In Dialogue Secretariat, a powerful movement that unites women from across the co...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, who shares her passion and vision for transforming education in South Africa impacting the lives of 13,500,000 learners. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in a typical South African household, raised by her grandmother, Minister Gwarube reflects on her grandmother’s influence as a trailblazing feminist whose relentless pursuit of quality education shaped her life. Many South Africans straddle multiple worlds, such as living in a village and schooling or working in a city. The minister discusses the current challenges facing South Africa’s education system, highlighting key priorities such as improving access to early childhood development, addressing teenage pregnancies and enabling girls to return to the school system after delivering their baby, and advancing educational quality for all children. She emphasizes that every child is a "national asset," and talks about educators upskilling themselves to prepare for the digital economy and provide optimal learning environments for students. Through initiatives like Techno Girls and Girls Who Code, Minister Gwarube is dedicated to empowering young women, acknowledging how education unlocked opportunities for her. She shares heartfelt insights on personal courage, reflected in her tattoo "Courage Dear Heart," a tribute to her late mum. The minister calls for all South Africans, especially women, to be brave and proactive in unlocking their own potential, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams with passion and courage. “I think it's important to know that no one is coming to save us and that may sound daunting, but it's also liberating because we're not waiting for anything that's coming to unlock opportunities for us. And so we must go out there and be brave and be courageous even when we are afraid, even when we are afraid of failure. We must do the things that set our souls on fire”, Minister Siviwe Gwarube. Tune in for more…

View Post

October 11, 2024

Minister Siviwe Gwarube – Department of Basic Education – Quality Education

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, who shares her passion and vision for transforming education in South Africa impacting...

1 2 3 4 … 12

Type and hit enter