Inspiration | Womanity

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

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June 19, 2026

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

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

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Sarah Pedretti, Principal Scientific Officer at the University of Cape Town Lung Institute. Dr Pedretti traces her academic path from France and Switzerland to South Africa, highlighting how international collaboration, mentorship, and intellectual curiosity led her to Cape Town. What began as a one-year postdoctoral opportunity evolved into a long-term commitment to African health research. Collaboration Over Competition: How Science Truly Advances Dr Pedretti challenges the myth of the lone scientist, explaining that modern research depends on collaboration across borders, disciplines, and institutions. She reflects on the importance of global conferences, shared data, and collective problem-solving—especially in a world where funding is scarce and duplication of research wastes precious resources. Inside the UCT Lung Institute: Research from Patient to Cell At the UCT Lung Institute, research is deeply integrated with patient care. Dr Pedretti explains how clinical consultations, paediatric allergy services, and clinical trials feed directly into laboratory science. Her work spans the entire value chain—from real patients and clinical symptoms to cellular mechanisms—ensuring that research outcomes remain grounded in lived health realities. Why Allergies Are on the Rise With nearly one-third of South Africans expected to experience an allergic condition in their lifetime, Dr Pedretti unpacks why allergies are increasing. Environmental factors such as pollution and urbanisation intersect with improved awareness and diagnosis. Alarmingly, up to 40% of allergy sufferers are children, making this a growing public health concern. The Hidden Danger: Allergic Reactions to Medication A major focus of Dr Pedretti’s research is drug-induced allergic reactions—particularly to hypertension, HIV, and TB medications. These reactions are often overlooked because patients assume prescribed medicine cannot be the source of harm. Her work aims to identify genetic and biological markers that could one day predict adverse reactions before treatment begins, potentially saving lives. Women, Hormones, and Immunity The conversation explores why women are more prone to allergic and immune-mediated conditions after puberty. Hormonal changes linked to menstruation and menopause can intensify symptoms, underscoring the need for gender-sensitive research and treatment approaches in immunology and allergy care. A Critical Skills Shortage: Where Are the Allergists? Despite rising allergy prevalence, South Africa has only 14 trained allergists—most of them based in Cape Town. Dr Pedretti highlights this severe shortage and reflects on why allergy remains an under-recognised medical specialty, despite its growing burden on public health systems. Funding, Gender, and the Real Barriers in Science Contrary to common assumptions, Dr Pedretti notes that gender itself has not been her primary barrier. Instead, funding constraints remain the biggest challenge in scientific careers. She discusses navigating local and international funding bodies, philanthropic foundations, and industry partnerships—emphasising adaptability and openness as survival skills in research. Science with Purpose: From Rooibos to Genomics Among her most fascinating projects is research into rooibos tea, inspired by a local remedy. Early laboratory findings suggest rooibos may reduce allergic responses, leading to clinical trials that could validate indigenous knowledge through scientific evidence. Her broader vision is clear: science must lead to real-world solutions, whether through diagnostics, prevention, or personalised medicine. Education as Empowerment Dr Pedretti reflects deeply on the role of education in shaping her career and worldview. She credits accessible education systems, lifelong learning, and critical thinking as foundations for innovation—and stresses how unequal access to education continues to limit potential, particularly for women in Africa. Success, Integrity, and Passion For Dr Pedretti, success is built on work ethic, honesty, and resilience. She speaks candidly about long hours, failed experiments, and the importance of publishing negative results. Above all, she believes passion—for science, for patients, for impact—is non-negotiable in a demanding field. Standing on the Shoulders of Strong Women The episode wraps up with moving reflections on the women who shaped her journey—her mother, a pharmacist; her postdoctoral supervisor; and the many women leaders she has encountered at UCT. Their example proves that excellence in science and leadership can coexist with family, humanity, and mentorship. Dr Pedretti closes with a powerful call to action: Trust your curiosity. Build your skills. Seek mentors. Don’t wait for permission to lead. The world needs your voice, your ideas, and your vision. Tune in for more…

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February 26, 2026

Dr. Sarah Pedretti – UCT Lung Institute – Limitless

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Sarah Pedretti, Principal Scientific Officer at the University of Cape Town Lung Institute. Dr Pedretti traces her academic path from France and Switzerlan...

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

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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...

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

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Dr. Sarah Pedretti – UCT Lung Institute – Limitless

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Reflections From 2025: Women Leading The Future

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Tag: Inspiration

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

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Dr. Sarah Pedretti – UCT Lung Institute – Limitless

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Reflections From 2025: Women Leading The Future

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