Tag: WomeninScience

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…

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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...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Lauren Moss, a counselling psychologist in private practice, who closes our Mental Health Awareness series by taking us through the realities, science, and lived human story of trauma. Dr Moss shares how her own journey into psychology began not from a linear career path, but from lived experience. As a sensitive child who grew up curious about people’s inner worlds, she initially thought she would become a journalist and tell stories. Instead, encountering personal trauma in her matric year led her to psychology, where she discovered not only the power of human stories — but the power of holding them. Her early work in the field of sexual assault counselling revealed an uncomfortable truth; that many conventional therapeutic tools were inadequate, and the real healing comes from authentic witnessing, presence, co-creation, and reintegrating a sense of self. She reflects on the founding of Open Disclosure, an organisation built to create safe spaces for survivors to speak, be seen, and be believed. We explore why witnessing matters: the power of having one’s trauma narrative held, validated, and countered with humanity, similar to what South Africa collectively experienced through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Dr Moss unpacks trauma-informed practice through the neurobiology of trauma, explaining freeze as our most dominant human survival response, yet also the most misunderstood. She highlights how shame flourishes in silence, and the role society, and especially other women, play in either reinforcing or releasing shame. Gender equality, she notes, is still pivotal and not yet realised in how women experience mental health, judgement, and vulnerability. The conversation then shifts to access; what women can do when therapy is not financially possible. Dr Moss offers profoundly simple but powerful guidance: journaling to reconnect with self; and seeking or creating spaces where one feels safe and authentic — be it with people, in nature, or in solitude — to rebuild regulation and inner strength. As a supervisor and mentor to young psychologists, she discusses the importance of knowing oneself deeply to be able to hold healing space for others. She closes by sharing her personal success factors, highlighting playfulness, choosing supportive people, and courageously removing herself from relationships that dim her light. Finally, she leaves a message of resonance and empowerment — quoting Marianne Williamson’s famous words (from her poem called Our Deepest Fear) that Mandela echoed — reminding women that shrinking serves no one, and that our fear is not inadequacy, but the magnitude of our power. This episode honours survivorship, honours narrative, and brings trauma into a space of compassion and possibility — reminding women everywhere: you are powerful beyond measure. Tune in for more…

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November 6, 2025

Dr Lauren Moss – Counselling Psychologist – Own Your Story

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Lauren Moss, a counselling psychologist in private practice, who closes our Mental Health Awareness series by taking us through the r...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Giada Del Fabbro, a forensic and clinical psychologist whose career explores the intersection between human emotion, mental health, and the law. This conversation forms part of Womanity’s tribute to World Mental Health Day, highlighting the vital message that “there is no health without mental health Dr. Del Fabbro begins by sharing how her fascination with human behaviour – why people do what they do – led her into the world of psychology. Initially drawn to clinical practice for its focus on healing and resilience, she later expanded into forensic psychology, where the complexities of the human mind meet the formal structures of the courtroom. She describes her work in the legal sphere as being an “interpreter between the human psyche and the legal system,”. While the demand for forensic psychologists in South Africa is high, there remains a shortage of practitioners, particularly in public service. The work is emotionally demanding and intellectually exacting – often requiring a delicate balance between objectivity, compassion, and ethical integrity. Dr. Del Fabbro juggles multiple professional roles — from therapy and medico-legal assessments to teaching and supervision. For Dr. Del Fabbro, this variety is not a burden but a design choice. It allows her to keep her work dynamic and intellectually stimulating. She relies on strict boundary setting and compartmentalisation, ensuring that empathy guides her therapy sessions while analytical precision defines her forensic work. Each role requires a different hat, and maintaining those distinctions helps prevent emotional fatigue and professional burnout. On the broader topic of women’s mental health, Dr. Del Fabbro identifies three recurring challenges she encounters in her practice: the anxiety–perfectionism trap, identity loss, and relational dynamics. To counter these pressures, she encourages women to shift their mindset from doing to being. This means embracing radical self-compassion, replacing inner criticism with kindness, setting non-negotiable boundaries to protect emotional energy, and reconnecting with the body through mindful movement. “Stress is stored physically,” she reminds us, and small acts like stretching, breath work, or dancing can release emotional tension and restore balance. In closing, Dr. Del Fabbro offers an empowering message to all women: “Your voice is your power. Prioritise education and emotional health. Find mentors who see your potential, not your limitations. Be brave, be kind to yourself, and never hesitate to step into your full potential.”

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October 21, 2025

Dr Giada Del Fabbro, a Forensic & Clinical Psychologist – Your Voice is Your Power

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Giada Del Fabbro, a forensic and clinical psychologist whose career explores the intersection between human emotion, mental health, ...

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Chrisna Steyn, lecturer and researcher in plant sciences at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Dr Steyn’s pioneering research focuses on soil-borne pathogens such as rust and sclerotinia, with a particular emphasis on breeding disease-resistant soybean cultivars; this work plays a vital role in safeguarding South Africa’s agriculture and strengthening food security across the continent. Dr Steyn takes us on her journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a scientist whose work directly impacts farmers, communities, and the broader agricultural sector. She explains plant pathology in simple terms, highlights the devastating effects of pathogens like sclerotinia on crops, and shares how her research contributes to breeding solutions that can sustain livelihoods. Beyond the laboratory, Dr Steyn is passionate about community upliftment. She actively supports small-scale farmers through research on legumes and orphan crops and participates in school and community garden projects that empower people to grow their own food sustainably. Her approach blends academic excellence with grassroots impact, ensuring that knowledge translates into real-world benefits. We also explore her experiences as a woman in STEM. From being the only woman in a male-dominated undergraduate class to now working alongside female leaders in agricultural sciences, Dr Steyn reflects on the importance of mentorship, supportive institutional policies, and the balance between career progression and family life. She shares candid insights on resilience, independence, and how setbacks can redirect us toward greater opportunities. Dr Steyn shares her perspective on the evolving role of women in agriculture, as participants, as leaders and drivers of innovation. With stories of women running farms, leading research programs, and scaling small enterprises into thriving businesses, Dr Steyn underscores the transformative power of women’s leadership. Closing the conversation, she offers motivational advice to young women pursuing science: believe in your power, embrace curiosity, and remember that every small step builds the foundation for a bigger tomorrow. This conversation is both a celebration of science and a testament to women’s ability to cultivate change, whether in the lab, the classroom, the farm, or the community. Tune in for more…

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September 25, 2025

Dr. Chrisna Steyn – Plant Sciences – University of the Free State – Resilience

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Chrisna Steyn, lecturer and researcher in plant sciences at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Dr Steyn’s pioneering r...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Priscilla Baker from the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Western Cape. She holds the South African Research Chair for Analytical Systems and Processes for Priority and Emerging Contaminants (ASPPEC) and is co-director of multiple prestigious research platforms including SensorLab and Synergy Lab, and the director of the Nano Micro Manufacturing Facility. This year, she was awarded the 2025 L’Oreal UNESCO Laureate for Africa and the Arab States. The conversation opens with a reflection on one of her early quotes: “Nobody gives you opportunities; they present themselves to you, and it's up to you to see them and seize them.” This sentiment has shaped a career defined by self-initiative, strategic thinking, and a determination to create opportunity not only for herself, but for generations of scientists to come. Early Foundations: From Oceanography to Analytical Chemistry Professor Baker recounts her educational journey, navigating life choices in the latter years of apartheid in South Africa, a time of deep political unrest and educational disruption. She describes how, despite being a “C-average” student, she was accepted into UCT, where she originally studied physical oceanography and pivoted into analytical chemistry. Her story underscores the importance of allowing young people to evolve academically, and of creating space for non-linear career paths in STEM. The Power of Focused Excellence At the core of Professor Baker’s work is a deep belief in pursuing excellence with a niche specialisation. For Prof. Baker, it’s analytical chemistry. This discipline intersects with manufacturing, health, water quality, food safety, and climate science. She emphasizes that her work is not simply about scientific discovery, but about translating science into practical tools that improve people’s lives, particularly in resource-constrained communities. Her philosophy of science is rooted in service, ethics, integrity, and impact. On Winning the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award Receiving the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award (from approximately 500 nominees) was a deeply humbling moment for Professor Baker. She sees the award not as an endpoint but as a platform to inspire others, elevate African science on the global stage, and reaffirm that excellence can come from anywhere when purpose meets preparation. It’s not the trophy itself, she says, but the journey, the sacrifices, and the support of her university, mentors, and family that made the moment so meaningful. Mentorship, Legacy & Women in STEM A passionate mentor, Professor Baker has invested decades in shaping the next generation of scientists. She offers grounded and nuanced advice to young women in STEM: follow your passion, but understand that passions shift over time, and that’s okay. Balance motherhood and ambition, reflect often, and always be building towards a purposeful legacy. She cautions against chasing fame or fast success, reminding listeners that the most enduring achievements are rooted in discipline, patience, and service. She also speaks candidly about the importance of not exploiting gender-based opportunities, but rather stepping into them with accountability and impact. “Make it count,” she says, because how we use these opportunities now will shape what’s possible for generations of women after us. Tune in for more…

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August 8, 2025

Professor Priscilla Baker – Analytical Chemistry – University of the Western Cape – Opportunities

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Priscilla Baker from the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Western Cape. She holds the South African R...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong, a leading molecular plant breeder and the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of the Free State. With over 16 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and crop science, Professor Minnaar-Ontong shares how her journey into plant breeding was sparked by an unexpected aptitude test that redirected her from medicine to agriculture; an industry she has since transformed through science and leadership. Professor Minnaar-Ontong demystifies the world of molecular breeding, explaining how it differs from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how it accelerates the development of resilient, disease-resistant crops. Her research is a critical response to South Africa’s rising food insecurity, and her efforts contribute to lower production costs, healthier soils, and more sustainable food systems. She discusses the role of universities in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and promoting food sovereignty. More than scientific breakthroughs, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong is proudest of her impact on people. She shares stories of former students now working globally in agriculture, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship. For her, the true legacy of academia lies in building confident, capable scientists who can solve real-world problems. Prof. Minnaar-Ontong opens up about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, confronting stereotypes in the field, sometimes literally, like being mistaken for a secretary on a research visit—and how she used those moments to prove her expertise. She emphasises  the importance of mentorship, resilience, and speaking up with confidence. She reflects on the power of inclusive academic platforms like WISE (Women Influencing Scholarship and Education) that supports other women to rise, balance careers and family life, and step confidently into leadership roles. As the mother of two daughters and a mentor to many, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong’s vision for African women in science is clear: leadership, visibility, and empowerment. Her closing message is filled with encouragement: "You don’t need magic to change the world; you are already equipped with all the power need within yourself." Tune in for more...

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July 31, 2025

Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong – Head of Plant Sciences – University of the Free State – Sustainability

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong, a leading molecular plant breeder and the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of the Free State. With ov...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Precious Sedumedi, a clinical psychologist whose work has traversed public health, the correctional services, the police services and now private practice. Dr Sedumedi shares her journey from aspiring psychiatrist to psychologist, a path shaped not just by academic shifts, but by a spiritual awakening and personal healing. One of the most rewarding aspects of Dr. Sedumedi’s work is seeing clients discover and understand themselves, particularly those who lacked self-esteem. She likens a lack of self-confidence to being "a living dead person". Dr. Sedumedi discussed her personal journey of building self-esteem. She highlighted the impact of issues around race, racism, and upbringing on self-perception. Embracing her own skin and observing other Black women embracing theirs, along with a form of role therapy by emulating strong Black women like Basetsana Kumalo and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, helped her find comfort in her own identity. She also spoke about internalizing a stereotypical view of blackness as "impure" and whiteness as "pure," and how challenging this construct led to her accepting her own beauty.  Her key ingredients for success include allowing oneself to dream (realistically), taking risks, and associating with people who are deep thinkers and offer meaningful conversations, stimulation, and motivation. Dr. Sedumedi’s advice to aspiring psychologists is not to put too much pressure on themselves to know their career path early on, but to allow themselves to explore and research. For young women facing external expectations about career choices, Dr. Sedumedi strongly advocates for living for oneself rather than trying to please others, as this can lead to resentment. She encourages finding one's voice and exercising it respectfully. Dr. Sedumedi's final message to women and girls is to believe in themselves and see themselves as good enough and adequate, as this self-belief is crucial for achieving anything within their capabilities. Tune in for more...

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July 18, 2025

Dr. Precious Sedumedi – Clinical Psychologist – Believe in Yourself

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Precious Sedumedi, a clinical psychologist whose work has traversed public health, the correctional services, the police services and now private practice....

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr June Fabian, Director of Clinical Research at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, whose journey from pharmacist to nephrologist and researcher exemplifies determination, passion, and a fierce commitment to advancing kidney health across Africa. From Pharmacy to Medicine Dr. Fabian reflects on the obstacles she overcame, from financial hardship and familial resistance to self‑doubt to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She shares how her grounding in pharmacy first ignited her love for research, and how that early laboratory experience sharpened her resolve to bring hands‑on clinical care to patients with complex conditions Dreams, Determination and Agency Listeners will hear Dr. Fabian’s insights on nurturing ambition in the face of discouragement: the value of identifying non‑negotiables, leaning on a supportive circle, and finding creative routes when traditional pathways seem blocked. She offers practical advice on overcoming self‑sabotage, choosing environments that empower you, and the transformative power of when someone has helped you that your thanks could be to help another and “pay it forward”. Navigating Gender Dynamics In a candid discussion of gender in male‑dominated spaces, Dr. Fabian recounts both blatant and subtle biases she’s encountered, from dismissive comments in clinical wards to the unspoken expectation that women handle administrative tasks. She explains how she has reshaped her leadership style to challenge territoriality, foster inclusive mentorship, and advocate for tailored career‑development support for early‑career women. Kidney Disease in Africa: Silent, Deadly, Misunderstood Dr. Fabian unpacks why kidney disease remains under the radar, including confusion over its causes in African contexts, limited funding, and the high cost of treatment that may deter screening. She highlights new therapies that can delay disease progression and argues for integrating simple, low‑cost kidney screening into routine care for high‑risk groups (hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and pregnancy‑related conditions), even in resource‑constrained clinics. Gendered Nuances of Renal Health Delving deeper, she explores how physiological factors (e.g., pregnancy‑related hypertension and diagnostic formulas based on muscle mass) and socioeconomic barriers (access to dialysis and transplant) uniquely affect women. Dr. Fabian urges healthcare workers to use every patient interaction as an opportunity for health education. Sustaining the Self Behind the Scientist Drawing on her own burnout during the HIV epidemic’s peak, Dr. Fabian discusses the importance of firm boundaries, “quiet time” habits (her adaptation of the 5 AM Club), and a self‑care toolkit that preserves long‑term resilience. She shares how learning to slow down, rather than quit, has been crucial to sustaining both personal wellbeing and professional momentum. Words of Encouragement As the conversation closes, Dr. Fabian delivers a rallying cry to girls and women everywhere: hold fast to your dreams, don’t let anyone shut you down. Work out how to achieve your dreams and you can do it. Tune in for more

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July 10, 2025

Dr. June Fabian – Director of Clinical Research at Wits DGMC – Personalisation

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr June Fabian, Director of Clinical Research at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, whose journey from pharmacist to nephrologist and researcher exemplifies ...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Susan Akinyi Otieno, a geneticist and plant breeder at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).  As the head of the potato breeding program Dr. Otieno brings over two decades of experience as a pioneer in clean potato seed production and a passionate advocate for food security, sustainable agriculture, and smallholder empowerment. Dr. Otieno's dedication to potato breeding stems from her passion for addressing food security issues in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Kenya where the potato is the second most important crop after maize, supporting over 1.3 million farmers. She highlights the potato's role as a short-season crop, enabling multiple harvests annually and significantly contributing to food security and economic stability for smallholder farmers. Dr. Otieno shares impactful stories of her work with women farmers, particularly in developing disease-resistant potato varieties that reduce the need for costly and hazardous fungicide spraying, thereby saving time and resources for women. She also highlights varieties with short cooking times, which conserve energy and time for resource-poor farmers who often rely on firewood. She explains the rigorous, multi-year process of potato breeding, which can take up to twelve years for conventional methods, and how farmer feedback is crucial in selecting desirable traits like disease tolerance, high yield, and quick cooking time. The interview delves into Dr. Otieno's diverse academic journey, spanning institutions in Kenya, Germany, and the United States, where she earned her PhD in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology from Michigan State University. She candidly discusses the challenges faced by women in academia, including navigating pregnancy and family responsibilities while pursuing higher education. Dr. Otieno emphasizes the crucial role of her supportive husband and family in enabling her to balance her career and family life, underscoring the sacrifices women often make for professional growth. As a female leader in STEM, Dr. Otieno offers valuable advice to young African women aspiring to enter agricultural research. She debunks the misconception that agriculture is solely manual labour, highlighting the diverse career paths available within STEM fields, such as biology, entomology, pathology, horticulture, and molecular biology. She stresses the importance of science education for developing sustainable agricultural practices, increasing productivity, and adapting to climate change. Dr. Otieno strongly advocates for women's empowerment, asserting that an empowered woman can break the cycle of poverty by providing resources for her children's education and improving the entire community. She acknowledges Kenya is progressively making strides towards gender equality, citing legislative affirmative action and an increasing number of women in leadership positions within institutions like KALRO. She pays tribute to trailblazing Kenyan women who have inspired her, specifically mentioning the late Professor Wangari Maathai for her courageous environmental activism and Justice Njoki Ndungu for her relentless advocacy for gender equality, including paid maternity and paternity leave and political participation for women. Concluding the interview, Dr. Otieno attributes her success to determination, hard work, discipline, perseverance, and faith. She credits her late mother for instilling in her the belief that education and hard work are the keys to a better life, sharing that if you work hard enough, “Your credentials will talk on your behalf”. Her words of wisdom for women emphasize consistency, discipline, perseverance, and passion as essential elements for achieving any set goal. Tune in for more…

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July 3, 2025

Dr. Susan Otieno – Geneticist – Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization – Diligence

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Susan Akinyi Otieno, a geneticist and plant breeder at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).  As the head of the potato b...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Nomali Ngobese from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Northwest University, an agricultural botanist specializing in crop physiology, agronomy, and sustainable food systems. She shares her journey and drive for social impact into South Africa’s agricultural sector. Prof. Ngobese's research includes optimizing post-harvest processes for both staple and underutilized crops, aiming to enhance food security and support climate-resilient agriculture. Her path into agricultural botany was not predetermined; she initially pursued biological sciences driven by a curiosity about plant cells and their manipulation. Her pivot from biological sciences into agricultural science was motivated by South Africa's agricultural transformation and the opportunities for economic growth, where she sought to contribute her knowledge of biodiversity to the sector. Her work has since expanded to include agro-processing and extending the shelf life of crops. More recently, she has focused on building food sovereignty within South Africa, defining it simply as "owning what we eat, how it's produced, prepared, sold, and marketed". She views her work not just as academic but as a philosophical approach to addressing social challenges like food insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. Prof. Ngobese emphasizes that each day is an opportunity to learn and make an impact. As an academic, she believes in a two-way learning process, engaging with students and communities to improve her teaching and societal contributions. Addressing the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated agricultural field, Prof. Ngobese highlighted historical limitations due to traditional and cultural roles, leading to exclusion, underestimation, and a perceived lack of skills or exposure. To dismantle these negative stereotypes, she proposes interventions focused on young women and girls. These include changing narratives about women's roles, showcasing diverse successful women, providing mentorship, offering financial support, and facilitating exposure through internships and workplace visits. Building safe and supportive spaces for women already in professional settings is also crucial for their persistence and success. Northwest University engages in various outreach programs, such as an annual open day organized by the Vice Chancellor, which travels to rural communities to provide information about university programs and careers, bridging the gap for those with limited resources or access to information. Prof. Ngobese integrates community outreach into her teaching and research by conducting practicals and research projects on small-scale farming sites, fostering a mutual learning environment between students, farmers, and researchers. Her research into indigenous plants, like monkey oranges and wild mangoes, stems from her earlier work in plant conservation and a recognition of South Africa's rich, yet undercapitalized, biodiversity. She aims to create value chains for these indigenous species by scientifically proving their nutritional contribution, thereby challenging the perception of them as "food for the poor" and encouraging commercialization in the food industry. One of her most surprising discoveries has been the wide range of uses rural communities have for these plants, often as effective traditional remedies. Prof. Ngobese attributes her success to resilience born out of necessity, having grown up in poverty and learning discipline and hard work from her grandmother, who provided for them through agricultural means. Education, she states, has been central to her transformation from someone struggling to make ends meet to an impactful contributor to society who empowers others. Prof. Ngobese’s closing message to girls across the continent is, "Your voice matters, your story matters, and your presence in science matters... when you go on and pursue your dreams know that it's not a favour, it's a necessity. You are not just the future, you are the now, as you are going through life. And your journey, you're actually creating history". Tune in for more...

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June 19, 2025

Prof Nomali Ngobese – Agricultural Botanist: Northwest University – Social Impact

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Nomali Ngobese from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Northwest University, an agricultural botanist specializing in crop physiology...

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