When international news began to be flooded with reports of a rising number of coronavirus infections at the beginning of this year, the virus seemed to me like a distant threat that was unlikely to reach Africa. In retrospect, I realize that was very naïve! South Africa recorded its first case of COVID-19 on March…
What does womanhood mean to you? Lessons of greatness from the past
Have you ever heard the phrases “those who don’t know history are bound to repeat it” or “It’s important to know history so that you learn from it”? As young women in South Africa, we have a great example of history to learn from. On August 9 1956, in what came to be known as…
Surround yourself with people that will help you grow
After my daughter was born, I was depressed and scared because of the stories I have heard about being a single parent. Even though I had managed to carry my daughter for nine months, I was worried about how I would raise her, and at some point I even tried to commit suicide. I never…
New Year, New Me, New Purse!
It is the end of January. Does that mean you are too late to squeeze one more resolution for the new year? I don’t think so. The beginning of each year is the perfect time to set goals, make changes, have a fresh start, let go of bad habits, get that skin glow, lose weight…
Understanding unplanned pregnancies
Maybe you know or have heard of a teenager who became pregnant unintentionally. Or perhaps you have had this experience? It is certainly quite common – in 2017 nearly 123 000 babies were registered in South Africa by mothers in their teens and more than 3 000 of these were born to girls aged 10 to…
A tribute to women in the HIV/AIDS space
Yet another year passes where we celebrate and honour women of 1956 for their bravery in South Africa. On 09 August 1956 over 20 000 women of all races and ages from all walks of life marched to the Union Building in Pretoria to protest against the pass laws that restricted free movement. The pass laws…
Power. Progress. Change.
That was the theme of this year’s Women Deliver conference which convened from 3 to 6 June 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. Arriving at the venue and seeing the bright, big, bold banners citing the theme made me feel powerful. I joined 8000 other people, all of us coming from all corners of the world, representing…
Africa woman… oh how I adore thee
As #AfricaMonth2018 concluded, I find myself contemplating my identity and future as an African woman. I am glad that we have made some progress on the continent to improve the lives of women but I am also anxious to experience accelerated change in how women are protected, educated, and included equitably in business, politics and…