Tag: Women Empowerment

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Tracy-Lynn Field, who is a leading environmental law scholar and the Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Earth Justice and Stewardship held by the University of the Witwatersrand, with over two decades of experience in climate, water, and environmental justice. She serves on several advisory boards, including the Presidential Climate Change Commission. Her work bridges research, policy, and advocacy, shaping more equitable and sustainable responses to the climate and biodiversity crises. Professor Field reflects on how her journey into environmental justice began in childhood, driven by a profound empathy for animals and a deep awareness of humanity’s interconnectedness with nature. From secretly writing letters to magazines as an 11-year-old about animal welfare to becoming one of South Africa’s foremost environmental legal scholars, she explains how activism, compassion, and a sense of responsibility shaped her life’s work. Understanding Earth Justice and Stewardship Professor Field unpacks the work of the Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Earth Justice and Stewardship, a multidisciplinary initiative focused on climate law, water justice, energy transitions, mining, and environmental governance. She discusses how collaboration across disciplines, particularly between law, geography, engineering, and policy is essential in responding to today’s environmental crises. A major focus of the discussion centres on a groundbreaking five-year research project conducted in partnership with the South African Human Rights Commission, examining the progressive realisation of the constitutional right to water across South Africa. Water Justice, Accountability and the Hidden Reality of Water Access Professor Field highlights one of the realities behind water access in South Africa. While statistics often show that households have taps within close proximity, Professor Field explains that the real issue is whether water actually flows consistently from those taps. She highlights the lack of reliable data on water stoppages and interruptions, arguing that communities, especially women, continue to bear the burden when water systems fail. The discussion reveals how women are disproportionately affected by unreliable water access through increased caregiving responsibilities, physical labour, safety concerns, and emotional stress. The conversation also draws attention to smaller towns and municipalities that are frequently overlooked in national water debates, despite facing severe infrastructure and service delivery challenges. Climate Change Is Already Reshaping Law and Society Professor Field introduces the concept of “climate risk litigation,” arguing that climate litigation in Africa is already happening, but often in forms that global legal databases fail to recognise. Rather than focusing only on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, African climate litigation is increasingly emerging through cases linked to floods, droughts, wildfires, insurance disputes, and climate-related disasters. She shares fascinating insights into her research on wildfire litigation in South Africa, explaining how courts are already adapting legal principles to account for worsening climate risks and environmental instability. The interview highlights how climate change is no longer a future threat but a present reality already influencing governance, infrastructure, insurance systems, ecosystems, and community survival. The Interconnected Nature of Environmental Crises Throughout the discussion, Professor Field repeatedly emphasises the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social systems. She uses the example of rising global copper prices following climate-related disruptions at a mine in Indonesia to illustrate how climate events can trigger global economic ripple effects that impact infrastructure, development, energy transitions, and even theft and criminal activity. She illustrates a systems-thinking perspective on climate change, demonstrating how water, mining, energy, law, economics, biodiversity, and social justice cannot be addressed in isolation. Women, Leadership and Challenging Patriarchal Systems In a deeply honest and reflective segment, Professor Field speaks candidly about navigating patriarchal environments both personally and professionally. She discusses the importance of women trusting their instincts, supporting one another, and refusing to normalise aggressive or dismissive behaviour in professional spaces. She shares a particularly difficult experience involving gendered hostility within a professional project environment, explaining how she confronted the unacceptable behaviour and continued leading with integrity. Her example demonstrates reflection on mentorship, emotional intelligence, resilience, and the importance of women creating supportive ecosystems for future generations of female leaders. Opportunities for Women in Climate Justice and Green Innovation Professor Field expresses great optimism about the opportunities emerging for women and young people in climate adaptation, environmental entrepreneurship, and sustainability innovation. One especially inspiring story features a group of women from Sebokeng who designed machinery to recycle waste polystyrene into energy-saving “Wonder Bags” used for cooking. Their innovation not only reduces waste pollution but also dramatically lowers household gas usage, demonstrating how grassroots women-led innovation can drive both environmental and economic transformation. The discussion highlights how many climate adaptation roles already exist informally within communities and why recognising these as legitimate economic opportunities could transform livelihoods across Africa. South Africa’s Climate Change Act and the Future of Environmental Governance The interview also examines South Africa’s new Climate Change Act and its significance for policy, accountability, and long-term institutional change. Professor Field explains how the legislation establishes important planning obligations for adaptation and mitigation, while also embedding environmental dependency principles into law — recognising that economic systems ultimately depend on healthy ecosystems. She argues that the law represents a critical shift away from development models that prioritize economic growth at the expense of environmental sustainability. Lessons in Leadership, Purpose and Tenacity Towards the close of the conversation, Professor Field reflects on the personal experiences that shaped her success, including her decision to move beyond traditional academic work into environmental activism and advocacy. She emphasises the importance of relationships, mentorship, focused thinking, service, and purpose-driven leadership. She also shares how personal challenges, including her child’s severe health struggles, taught her resilience, tenacity, belief, not letting go and never walking away. “Women of Africa, You Are Divine” Ending on a deeply uplifting note, Professor Field shares inspiration drawn from Miriam Makeba and her song Amaliya, reminding women across Africa to recognize your divinity and to see yourself not just as an intellectual being, but as a spiritual being, an emotional being, an intellectual being. Her final message is both poetic and empowering: “Women of Africa, you are divine.” Tune in for more

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May 22, 2026

Professor Tracy-Lynn Field: Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Earth Justice and Stewardship, University of Witwatersrand

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Tracy-Lynn Field, who is a leading environmental law scholar and the Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Earth Justice and Stewardship held by the Univer...

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...

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…

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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...

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Lesley Wood, an acclaimed researcher and educator from North-West University in South Africa. Professor Wood is a pioneer of Participatory Action Learning and Action Research (PALAR)—a methodology that challenges hierarchical academic traditions and champions a more inclusive, collaborative, and justice-oriented approach to education and research. At the heart of Professor Wood’s work is a bold reimagining of research: not as a process on communities, but one conducted with them. Rooted in her early career as a social worker during South Africa’s HIV/AIDS crisis, her research prioritizes the lived experiences of the marginalized, particularly black women and youth who are often excluded from traditional decision-making spaces. She argues that those closest to the problem are also closest to the solution—a philosophy that has informed her career-long dedication to building community capacity from the ground up. Throughout the interview, Professor Wood unpacks how PALAR differs from conventional research by enabling participants to co-create knowledge, take ownership of their development, and influence real-world outcomes, from improving educational practices in under-resourced schools to informing national early childhood development policy. In the South African and broader African context—shaped by historical inequalities, systemic gender-based violence, and intergenerational trauma—PALAR becomes not just a research tool, but a vehicle for healing, empowerment, and transformation. Professor Wood mentions research on women, particularly informal early childhood educators and youth not in employment, education, or training (NEETs). She shares examples of how women, when given safe spaces to speak, reflect, and act collectively, can transform their self-belief into tangible ventures—like small businesses, tutoring centres, or even returning to university. This, she notes, not only helps uplift communities but also disrupts cycles of poverty and disempowerment. Professor Wood also reflects on gender and leadership in academia, noting an increase in women occupying senior positions, though not without facing barriers. She encourages women to view themselves not just as women, but as capable professionals—to take risks, follow their passions, and lean into opportunities, even if they feel underprepared. Her own path into academia, which began later in life while raising children as a single mother, is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and lifelong learning. The conversation further touches on the challenges of the digital divide, especially in rural African contexts, and the importance of digital literacy as a skill for youth and community development. Professor Wood emphasizes the need for contextualised, locally relevant technologies and capacity-building. Through PALAR, Professor Wood calls for a radical rethinking of education—not as a top-down delivery of knowledge but as a collective, ethical, and culturally rooted process. Her approach embodies African philosophies of ubuntu, relationality, and shared growth, offering valuable lessons for the global academic community. Tune in for more….

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May 8, 2025

Prof. Lesley Wood – North West University – Pioneering PALAR

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Lesley Wood, an acclaimed researcher and educator from North-West University in South Africa. Professor Wood is a pioneer of Participatory Actio...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Natalie Africa, a leading advocate for women’s economic empowerment and Interim Director for Economic Opportunity at the Gates Foundation. The conversation offers listeners a deep dive into how economic transformation on the African continent can be accelerated through inclusive financial systems, agricultural innovation, and the dismantling of institutional and cultural barriers to women's progress. The Gates Foundation’s Role in Africa Ms Africa reflects on her five-year journey at the Foundation, starting in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares how the crisis deepened her understanding of the Foundation's agility and its extensive networks, particularly in health. Since then, the Foundation has significantly expanded its presence on the continent to work closer with partners, tripling its staff in Africa and opening new offices to better respond to development challenges. Economic Opportunity and Women’s Empowerment Now leading the Economic Opportunity division, Ms Africa explains the Gates Foundation’s integrated approach to development. Her portfolio spans agricultural development, digital public infrastructure, financial inclusion, and women’s economic empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of breaking silos - such as linking agricultural projects more intentionally with women's economic participation and financial access. For more than a decade the Gates Foundation has supported the Women’s Empowerment In Agriculture Index https://www.ifpri.org/project/weai/ , which is a tool that gives a comprehensive understanding of real issues and how to address them Barriers to Financial Independence for African Women The conversation delves into the major barriers facing women - legal constraints, cultural norms, and patriarchal systems. While South Africa and other countries have revised discriminatory laws, Ms Africa stresses that cultural change often lags behind legal reform. Women remain disadvantaged in accessing land, capital, skills, and equal pay. Even where women contribute significant unpaid labour, their economic value often goes unrecognized, women are still not paid on equal terms to men. Despite legislative changes, culture still needs to reform for gender equality to take effect in society. Historically we come from a patriarchal history, where the means of economic production like land, property, capital and skills are still limited for women. Systemic Approaches to Policy and Institutional Change The Gates Foundation does not implement projects directly but works through partners, including UN Women, academic institutions, and advocacy groups. Ms Africa outlines the Foundation’s support for governments adopting national women’s economic empowerment policies, reforming agricultural laws, and improving access to credit—especially for women-led small enterprises. She highlights collaborations with central banks and ministries of finance to lower the cost of capital and foster financial inclusion. We discuss how technology enables economic inclusion and advancement. For instance how climate smart technologies such as solar powered milling equipment and irrigation systems not only contribute to production efficiencies but also more nutrient rich foods cultivated by women. We also hypothesise how a digital ID and appropriate data collection could radically benefit women in accessing facilities. Natalie Africa’s insights underscore the urgent need for a multi-layered approach to women’s economic empowerment. Legal reform, policy innovation, cultural transformation, and institutional inclusion must go hand-in-hand. As African economies recover and rebuild post-pandemic, women must be placed at the centre of economic opportunity and prosperity. Tune in for more…

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April 5, 2025

Natalie Africa – Interim Director, Economic Opportunity, Africa Team, Gates Foundation – Collaboration

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Natalie Africa, a leading advocate for women’s economic empowerment and is Interim Director, Economic Opportunity, Africa Team, Gates Found...

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.

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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.

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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 is in conversation with Dr. Ilze van der Merwe, a counselling psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa. As the head of a multidisciplinary private practice, Dr. van der Merwe works across psychological, therapeutic, and forensic fields, specializing in family mediation, parent coordination, and mental health interventions. Our conversation explores the complexities of relationships, the emotional impact of divorce, gender differences in conflict resolution, and strategies for emotional resilience and empowerment. 🔹 The Role of a Counselling Psychologist Dr. van der Merwe begins by distinguishing the field of counselling psychology from clinical psychology. While clinical psychologists often work in institutional settings dealing with severe pathologies, counselling psychologists primarily focus on outpatient care, helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, including career struggles, relationship difficulties, depression, and anxiety. Her approach emphasizes diagnosis, intervention, and treatment planning to alleviate psychological distress. 🔹 Building a Multidisciplinary Practice At her practice, Dr. van der Merwe offers a broad spectrum of services. She highlights her specialization in mood disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, which have become increasingly prevalent due to societal and environmental stressors. She also works extensively with couples, helping them navigate relationship distress. Additionally, her forensic work within family law involves conducting care and contact assessments for high-conflict divorces, ensuring that the best interests of children are prioritized. 🔹 Navigating Conflict Resolution and Gender Differences One of the most insightful parts of the conversation explores how men and women approach conflict differently. Traditional gender roles often shape negotiation styles, and women in high-conflict divorces sometimes struggle with asserting their needs. Dr. van der Merwe underscores the importance of mediators in creating a balanced environment where both parties are given the space to express themselves fairly. 🔹 The Psychological Toll of Divorce Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s an emotional journey. Dr. van der Merwe emphasizes that healing takes time, and women leaving disempowering relationships often face fears of loneliness, financial insecurity, and self-doubt. The loss of identity post-divorce can be exacerbated by societal norms that marginalize divorced women. She offers strategies to rebuild confidence and emotional resilience, encouraging women to see divorce as a transition rather than a failure. 🔹 The Legal System and Custody Battles Women in custody disputes often face significant economic and emotional challenges. Dr. van der Merwe sheds light on financial abuse and the ongoing struggles women face in securing legal representation. While the legal system has made strides in ensuring gender equity—through maintenance enforcement and domestic violence protections—there are still gaps in implementation. She stresses the need for stronger legal support and resources to help women navigate these battles. 🔹 Protecting Yourself Before Marriage With the benefit of hindsight, many women realize the importance of financial and legal preparation before entering into marriage. Dr. van der Merwe advises women to consider prenuptial agreements as tools of empowerment, ensuring financial security and autonomy. She notes that resistance to these contracts often stems from emotional discomfort, but framing them as practical and protective measures can help shift perceptions. 🔹 The Myth of Work-Life Balance Many women feel pressure to “have it all,” balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. Dr. van der Merwe acknowledges that true balance is elusive, advocating instead for prioritization and delegation. She highlights the need to say “no” more often, set boundaries, and recognize that attempting to excel in all areas simultaneously often leads to burnout. 🔹 Personal Journey and Lessons Learned Reflecting on her own life, Dr. van der Merwe attributes her success to a strong family foundation, access to education, and personal resilience. She shares how pivotal moments, such as pursuing higher education and overcoming personal obstacles, have shaped her path. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that perseverance and self-belief are key ingredients for success. 🔹 Final Words of Inspiration As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. van der Merwe leaves listeners with a powerful message: women’s strength lies not just within themselves, but also in the support and mentorship of other women. She encourages women to seek out educational opportunities, cultivate resilience, and uplift each other through community and sisterhood.

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February 14, 2025

Dr Ilze van der Merwe – Counselling Psychologist – Empowered Resilience

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka is in conversation with Dr. Ilze van der Merwe, a counselling psychologist based in Cape Town, South Africa. As the head of a multidisciplinary private pr...

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Val Nichas, the CEO of the Spur Corporation. Part of her motivation for accepting this role was the challenge of transformation and taking on a role in corporate which has greater purpose. Under her leadership the Spur Corporation became a purpose-led organisation, whose purpose is, “Leading for the Greater Good”. Transformation is about making things better and part of that process includes equality, diversity and inclusion to positively impact the business and communities that it serves. Ms Nichas discusses how leadership strategies go beyond business strategies, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing challenges, gathering facts, and collaborating to find creative solutions. With a visionary mindset, she has evolved Spur’s business model to adapt to changing times while focusing on long-term planning and community impact. Under her leadership, the group has grown to over 700 restaurants with headline earnings in 2024 increasing by 11% year on year. Each new franchise restaurant employs 42 people, demonstrating the multiplier effect of healthy brands on society. 53% of the corporate company and restaurant employees are female. The group has initiatives in place that consider women’s wellness, coaching development, learnership programmes and has a 3.2 work day arrangement where employees work out of the office for three days a week and from home for two. Ms Nichas reflects on how soft skills have become more important in the business world to create sustainable meaningful change. Her success stems from hard work, faith in her team, a strong spiritual foundation and applying lessons learned from growing up in her parents Café, where customer service made all the difference. Listeners will be inspired by Val Nichas’ insights into leading with a vision that has a plan of action, her belief in Africa’s abundant opportunities, and her advice to lead with love and intent. She reminds us that success is rooted in doing good, serving others, and believing in our own worth. Tune in for more...

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September 19, 2024

CEO Spur Corporation – Val Nichas – Visionary Leadership

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Val Nichas, the CEO of the Spur Corporation. Part of her motivation for accepting this role was the challenge of transformation and taking on a role...

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