Womanity - Women in Unity

Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka Producer
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“Womanity – Women in Unity” is a weekly gender based programme produced by Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka

  1. 6d ago

    Prof Stephanie Cawood – former Director of the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies, University of the Free State – Mandelaism

    This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Stephanie Cawood, an interdisciplinary scholar and former Director of the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the University of the Free State. This conversation journeys into the intersections of African identity, feminism, education, leadership, memory, and social transformation Drawing from her experiences as a founding member and former director of the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies at the University of the Free State, Professor Cawood shares the personal and academic experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to Africa-centred scholarship and gender justice. Originally founded in 2007 as the Centre for Africa Studies, the institution focused on postgraduate research and social justice scholarship relating to Africa’s politics, cultures, histories, and global relationships. Over time, gender studies became increasingly integrated into its work, leading to a formal repositioning of the centre to foreground both African and gender scholarship. A Childhood Spark that Grew into a Scholarly Mission Professor Cawood reflects on how her awareness of gender inequality began in childhood, long before she had the language to explain it. Growing up with a strong pride in being African, she recalls feeling uncomfortable when witnessing women being treated differently and recognising early on that inequality was deeply embedded in society. These formative experiences later evolved into a scholarly journey focused on both Africa Studies and Gender Studies. Two fields she describes as “cognate allies” because both challenge historical prejudices, inequalities, and inherited systems of exclusion. Breaking Academic Silos Through Interdisciplinary Thinking Professor Cawood describes herself as an “interdisciplinarian” and “epistemic traveller”; someone who crosses disciplines, methodologies, and intellectual boundaries in pursuit of deeper understanding. She shares how innovation often emerges when scholars move beyond traditional silos and embrace cross-disciplinary thinking. Professor Cawood explains that understanding how people create meaning in their lives requires insights from multiple fields including culture, memory, heritage, gender, geography, ecology, and politics. This openness to intellectual exploration has shaped her work on sacred sites, ecological memory, and spatial identity, all connected through what she describes as “pragmatic constructivism”, the idea of placing the body back into the environment and understanding human experiences within specific spatial and social contexts Leadership Rooted in Consensus and Humanity Reflecting on her years as director, Professor Cawood discusses her philosophy of leadership, inspired in part by her doctoral research on Nelson Mandela. She speaks about Mandela’s concept of leadership as “a shepherd leading from behind”; a style grounded in consensus-building, collaboration, and bringing people along rather than dominating them. The discussion explores the challenges of leading within academic environments that often remain highly masculine in structure and culture. Rather than adopting authoritarian approaches, Professor Cawood explains how she learned to strategically position ideas, build academic and business cases, and cultivate support for transformative institutional change. Under this leadership approach, the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies became one of the university’s most successful and productive research centres. Reframing Feminism in African Contexts In this conversation, we discuss African feminism and the complexities surrounding the term “feminist.” Defining feminism fundamentally as a belief in equality. However, Professor Cawood also explains why many younger African women remain hesitant to identify as feminists due to perceptions that feminism is Western, anti-men, or disconnected from African traditions and family structures. African feminist thought is diverse. It includes concepts such as womanism, motherism, and stiwanism; African-centred frameworks that emphasise complementarity, social transformation, culture, motherhood, and communal wellbeing. Rather than presenting feminism as a singular ideology, we highlight the richness and plurality of African feminisms, each shaped by different cultural and social realities across the continent. Importantly, Professor Cawood notes that many women already live deeply feminist lives through their actions, resilience, leadership, and agency, even if they do not use the term itself. Education as the Key to Gender Equality Turning toward global gender equality, the discussion references findings from the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, which estimates that economic and political gender parity remain generations away. Professor Cawood identifies education as the single most important intervention for accelerating gender equality, particularly ensuring equal educational access for girls across Africa. At the same time, she acknowledges the immense structural challenges facing the continent, including instability, insecurity, poverty, food insecurity, and conflict in regions such as the Sahel and the DRC. While education has transformative potential, sustainable change requires peace, stability, dignity, and coordinated continental responses. A Message of Integrity, Kindness and Hope Closing the conversation, Professor Cawood offers an inspiring message to girls and women across Africa. In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, she encourages listeners to remain grounded in integrity, kindness, tolerance, and respect; even when confronted by disagreement or adversity. Meaningful change begins when ordinary individuals consistently choose to do the right thing. Tune in for more…

    40 min

  2. May 22

    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 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

    40 min

  3. May 14

    Associate Professor Jane Battersby: Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, University of Cape Town– Food Security

    This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Associate Professor Jane Battersby from the Department of Environmental and Geographical Sciences at the University of Cape Town, whose pioneering work bridges geography, food security, urban development, and social justice. Drawing from decades of academic research, policy engagement, and grassroots collaboration, Associate Professor Battersby offers a cross-cutting perspective on how food systems shape and are shaped by cities, infrastructure, climate change, governance, and gender dynamics. Why Urban Food Systems Matter Food insecurity is an urban issue. Associate Professor Battersby explains that while global conversations often focus on food production, many people experiencing hunger today live in urban and peri-urban spaces. She highlights how access to housing, transport, infrastructure, and services directly affects people’s ability to obtain, prepare, and consume nutritious food. Even when food is physically available, urban conditions can make healthy eating inaccessible. Community Projects Driving Real Change Associate Professor Battersby is involved in several impactful projects that explore how infrastructure, governance, and social systems intersect with food access in low-income communities. For example, Living Off-Grid Food and Infrastructure, AFRI Food Links, Urban Food Futures, Food Systems Countdown Initiative, and Nourished Child Project. The Nourished Child Project is an initiative where community-driven research led to the creation of nutrition ambassador programmes, breastfeeding support initiatives, and partnerships with early childhood development centres. Women, Food Security and Household Survival Associate Professor Battersby explains that women often bear the invisible burden of household food management. In many homes, women sacrifice their own nutrition to ensure children and other family members are fed. Female-headed households are also statistically more vulnerable to food insecurity. However, she emphasises that although women may be victims of systemic inequality in some circumstances, they are also leaders, innovators, and community organisers capable of driving meaningful transformation. She highlights women’s economic participation in informal food systems; the role of mothers and grandmothers in nutrition education; the impact of gender-based violence on household food insecurity; and how women leverage social networks to help families survive Challenging Perceptions About Informal Food Systems Associate Professor Battersby draws attention to the informal food sector, including spaza shops, roadside traders, fresh produce vendors, and informal meat markets. She challenges assumptions that informal food systems are inherently unsafe or inferior. She explains that many informal traders source fresh produce through the same formal supply chains as supermarkets, often delivering food that is fresher, cheaper, and more accessible to communities. Women in Academia and Leadership Associate Professor Battersby shares positive personal experiences of working in a discipline with strong female leadership, but acknowledges that as a young academic in male-dominated meetings, there were occasions that called for confronting assumptions about women’s roles. She highlights balancing professional leadership with caregiving responsibilities, especially for the sandwich generation who attend to the well-being of ageing parents on the one hand and children on the other. She offers valuable advice to women entering leadership spaces: Ensure your voice is heard early in meetings Amplify the contributions of other women Turn underestimated roles into opportunities for influence and leadership. E.g., if you are appointed as the note taker, turn that into power, and take ownership of writing the report Success, Identity and Living Fully As the interview draws to a close, Associate Professor Battersby reflects on the influences that shaped her journey — from attending an all-girls school that normalised women’s leadership to working with vulnerable youth during her gap year, which allowed her to see the world from very different perspectives. She speaks frankly about balancing multiple identities: academic, mother, partner, daughter, activist, and researcher. Rather than seeing these roles as conflicting, she describes them as enriching her understanding of the world and strengthening her work. Her closing message to girls and young women is empowering and affirming: women do not need to reduce themselves to one identity in order to succeed. Their full humanity, lived experiences, and emotional intelligence are powerful assets that enhance your work, allowing you to be innovative and lead a new direction in your space. “So if you’re going to be the note taker, make sure you turn that into power.” Tune in for more…

    40 min

  4. May 8

    Prof Lee-Ann Modley: Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg – Limitless Possibility

    This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof Lee-Ann Sadè Modley, from the Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg. With a background spanning zoology, environmental management, sustainability, and community engagement, Prof. Modley shares her journey, shaped by perseverance, purpose, faith, her father’s soft persistence, and an unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others. A major driving force throughout her journey was her father, who strongly believed in the transformative power of education. From her very first graduation, he continually encouraged her to pursue a doctorate, instilling in her the belief that education was not only a personal achievement but also a responsibility to uplift others in her community. Effective Solutions Require Stakeholder Buy-In One of the most pivotal moments in Prof. Modley’s career came while conducting water monitoring research in the Kaalspruit River in Tembisa. While scientists were focused on measuring pollution levels, she witnessed a resident casually throwing rubbish into the river. She realised that environmental science alone could never solve environmental problems without engaging the people living within those environments. The experience moved her from being purely laboratory and field-science focused into a more community-centred approach, where understanding human behaviour became just as important as understanding ecosystems. Prof. Modley explains how difficult this transition was for her as a “thoroughbred scientist,” but it ultimately taught her that sustainability depends on trust, participation, and community ownership. Building Trust in Communities Throughout the discussion, Prof. Modley shares insights from her work in communities such as Tembisa, Soweto, Eldorado Park, and rural Limpopo. Her projects focus heavily on water quality, water security, and environmental stewardship, but always through a collaborative lens. She highlights that, contrary to popular assumptions, communities often want to participate in environmental solutions. The challenge lies in building trust and ensuring people feel heard, respected, and included in decision-making processes. Rather than imposing solutions, her approach centres on co-creation, which includes asking communities what they believe will work best in their own environments. Communities are different. For example, in rural Limpopo, communities tend to see themselves as custodians of their water resources, protecting and preserving them collectively. In urban spaces, however, people frequently view environmental management as solely the government’s responsibility. Prof. Modley explains that one of the key challenges is helping communities reclaim a sense of ownership over their local environment. Climate Change Is Personal The conversation reinforces that climate change and environmental degradation are not distant abstract issues, they directly affect people’s homes, health, safety, and futures. Prof. Modley discusses how improper waste disposal and poor environmental practices contribute to flooding, water contamination, and worsening infrastructure problems. She advocates strongly for integrated water resource management, where everyone, from government and scientists to ordinary residents, plays a role in protecting water systems. Even small behavioural shifts, such as proper waste disposal, can collectively create meaningful environmental change. Empowering Girls Through Education and Mentorship Prof. Modley engages in several community initiatives, including the I Am Girls Programme and Eco Scouts. These initiatives aim to empower girls and young children through mentorship, environmental education, and personal development. Driven by her father’s vision of “lifting another girl up,” she invests her time in helping young women from underserved communities believe in broader possibilities for their lives. Her programmes seek to challenge cycles of poverty, substance abuse, and limited opportunities by changing mindsets and exposing girls to education, science, and leadership pathways. Making Science Accessible and Exciting Prof. Modley speaks passionately about changing perceptions around science careers, especially for girls from underrepresented communities. She notes that many learners are discouraged from pursuing science because it is viewed as difficult, inaccessible, or reserved for a select few. She actively works to make science feel exciting, relatable, and achievable by exposing learners to the university environment and demonstrating the diverse possibilities within scientific fields. Her mission is to show girls that science extends far beyond laboratories and microscopes; it can be creative, impactful, and transformative. Women Leading Sustainability Conversations As the discussion turns to gender, Prof. Modley reflects on her career experience. Interestingly, she describes how working in zoology often meant being treated equally to her male peers, which ultimately strengthened her confidence and resilience. Prof. Modley also opens up about balancing an intensive academic career with motherhood, marriage, and community engagement. She credits her strong support system, including her husband, extended family, and faith, for enabling her to pursue her ambitions while maintaining family stability. She believes women are increasingly leading sustainability conversations because of qualities such as empathy, collaboration, community-mindedness, and holistic thinking. Sustainability, she explains, is not only about ecosystems and data; it is also about people, relationships, and care. Her message to women entering the field is to be true to yourself. Women do not need to imitate men to succeed. Instead, their authentic perspectives and leadership styles are essential to building more sustainable futures. A Message of Limitless Possibility Drawing from her own experiences of being underestimated, Prof Modley encourages young women to view barriers and doubt as opportunities to prove what is possible: never allow other people’s limitations or labels to define your future. Tune in for more…

    40 min

  5. Apr 29

    Dr Thea Schoeman – HOD: Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg – Always On

    This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Thea Schoeman, Head of Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies at the University of Johannesburg. Dr Schoeman shares a powerful origin story rooted in intention. As a young student, she made a conscious decision that her work would always have real societal and environmental impact. This guiding principle led her from early research in ecotourism to pioneering work in waste management, a field that was largely under-researched in South Africa at the time, especially by women. Uncovering the Hidden Heroes: The Informal Waste Sector Waste is a major contributor to climate change, ranking third in methane emissions globally. Part of Dr Schoeman’s research delves into waste reclaimers, individuals who play a vital role in South Africa’s recycling ecosystem. She highlights: The economic and social challenges faced by waste pickers Their role as the “true recyclers” in society and the contribution they make to waste management The urgent need for recognition, fair compensation, and integration into formal waste systems Breaking Barriers: A Woman in Science Reflecting on her early career, Dr Schoeman candidly shares experiences of gender bias, including being told that waste research was “not suitable for women.” However, the landscape has shifted: Women now play a leading role in waste and environmental research Strong networks of female professionals provide mentorship and collaboration Representation is helping to reshape perceptions and open doors for future generations Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, recognition, and community support in building confidence and leadership. The episode shines a light on the rapidly growing green economy, presenting vast opportunities for women across disciplines. Leadership with Purpose: Building Inclusive Academic Spaces As a leader, Dr Schoeman embraces a transformational leadership style, focused on: Inspiring and motivating her team Creating a supportive and inclusive environment Prioritising mentorship for young academics She also highlights the complex realities students face in South Africa, encompassing financial, social, and emotional challenges, and the importance of holistic support systems. From mentoring programmes to psychological services, her department actively works to ensure that no student is left behind. Dr Schoeman doesn’t personally subscribe to conventional ideas of work-life balance, describing herself as deeply passionate and fully immersed in her work. She has a genuine love for what she does, a strong sense of purpose and curiosity and is committed to continuous learning and growth. Dr Schoeman’s closing words remind us that there is space for women in every field, especially in shaping a sustainable future. Tune in for more…

    39 min

  6. Apr 24

    Dr Niké Wesch – Urban and Regional Planning at North West University – Climate Change

    This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Niké Wesch, Senior Lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning at North-West University. She shares her journey, research, and vision for building more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. Her work sits at the intersection of climate science, urban planning, and social transformation, bringing a uniquely integrated perspective to the challenges facing modern cities. A Career Path that Blends Creativity and Logic Dr. Wesch initially considered a path in graphic design, however, she discovered planning through a suggestion that aligned with both her creative instincts and analytical strengths. Part of her appeal for the field is driven by the ability to combine creativity and logic, a duality that continues to inspire her work today. A defining feature of Dr. Wesch’s work is the integration of multiple disciplines. Urban planning, as she describes it, draws from economics, sociology, geography, and environmental science, allowing for a holistic understanding of cities as complex, living systems. This interdisciplinary lens enables more effective and innovative solutions to urban challenges. Research Focus: Climate Change, Air Quality, and Urban Resilience As Chair of the Climate Change and Air Quality Impacts sub-programme, Dr. Wesch is deeply engaged in understanding how environmental factors affect urban life. Her research explores: The impact of climate change on cities Air quality and public health Sustainable urban mobility Data-driven urban analytics Her work contributes to designing cities that are not only environmentally sustainable but also equitable and liveable. Transformative urbanism reimagines cities to improve quality of life for all residents. Dr Wesch emphasises the importance of evidence-based planning and the role of data in shaping policies that address inequality, mobility challenges, and environmental risks. Inspiration and Advice for the Next Generation Optimal urban planning takes context into account and addresses the needs of the community it is designed to serve. Dr Wesch remarks that transport is one of our biggest contributors to urban emissions, which affects air quality, and contributes to climate change. Women specifically are more likely to rely on public transport and non-motorized transport and to make complex trip chains as part of their care responsibilities and also experience safety concerns. So inclusive mobility planning is critical for both climate justice, but also for women in particular. Dr. Wesch highlights the role of women in shaping urban futures and shares a range of upcoming opportunities for young women considering careers in urban planning or environmental science. The world is full of opportunties, and her closing message is “You should just go ahead and take up every opportunity that you can” Tune in for more…

    36 min

  7. Apr 10

    South African Ambassador – Ruby Marks – Tenacity

    This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with South African Ambassador Robina (Ruby) Marks, who has served as Ambassador to Thailand, Sri Lanka (with accreditation to Nepal, Maldives, and Bangladesh) and Benin. Her story is multifaceted. She shows how circumstances (political and social constructs), history, identity, and values intersect to forge a life of impact. She also reflects on the ability to reframe even the direst situations as learning experiences, “Things don’t happen to you; they happen for you.” A Childhood Shaped by Inequality Born during apartheid South Africa, Ambassador Marks grew up on the margins of privilege as the daughter of a domestic worker in Cape Town. Her early experiences, playing in the backspaces of homes where opportunity was reserved for whites, sparked a deep awareness of inequality and ignited a belief that a different future was possible. By the age of 13, her activism had begun, influenced not only by personal circumstances but by the broader socio-political landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. Key historical moments, from student uprisings to the rise of liberation movements, became the backdrop against which her political consciousness developed. Activism Reimagined in a Democratic South Africa With the advent of democracy in 1994, Ambassador Marks describes a profound shift, from resistance to responsibility. Activism was no longer about protest alone, but about translating ideals into policy and tangible change. She played a pioneering role as the first Chief Director for Gender at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation, ensuring that the fight for gender equality continued within institutional frameworks. Her journey highlights the importance of adapting activism to new contexts while staying rooted in core values. Values as a Compass for Leadership Ambassador Marks shares how, in the absence of positive role models in her community, she identified values in people that stood out for her and made her own composite. She attributes her resilience and direction to deeply ingrained values shaped by influential figures such as Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, alongside strong women leaders and her mother. These values, integrity, humility, and justice, became her guiding force, enabling her to navigate transitions and redefine her role across different phases of her life. Even in diplomacy, she emphasises that representing a country begins with representing its moral fabric An Unexpected Path into Diplomacy Becoming an ambassador was never part of Ambassador Marks’ original plan. Growing up in apartheid South Africa, such a career seemed unimaginable. Yet her work in gender advocacy opened doors, eventually leading her to represent South Africa across Asia and Africa. She describes diplomacy as an extension of activism, one that requires balancing national interests with ethical responsibility. The role demanded not only technical expertise but a strong sense of identity, as “when people meet you, they meet your country.” Diplomatic Impact Across Continents Ambassador Marks shares powerful examples of her impact: Thailand: Successfully negotiated the lifting of a citrus import ban, unlocking millions in trade and improving livelihoods for South African farm workers. Sri Lanka: Contributed to reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts in a post-conflict society, while navigating the realities of diplomatic risk during periods of unrest. Benin: Facilitated an academic partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in hundreds of graduates in agricultural sciences; strengthening both education and food security. These milestones reflect a consistent theme: diplomacy as a tool for economic empowerment, social cohesion, and long-term development. The Power of Soft Diplomacy and Storytelling Beyond formal diplomacy, Ambassador Marks has used storytelling as a transformative tool. She authored children’s books in local languages, both in Sri Lanka and Benin, to promote cultural identity, pride, historical awareness, and gender empowerment. Her book Girls We Can, inspired by the historic women warriors of Benin, aims to inspire young girls while challenging societal norms. Through language and narrative, she champions dignity, inclusion, and pride in one’s heritage. Lessons for the Next Generation Ambassador Marks offers deeply practical and philosophical advice for young women: Build self-belief: Confidence is foundational to pursuing any path. Say no strategically: Discipline and focus require rejecting distractions. Embrace fear: Opportunities for growth often lie in uncomfortable spaces. Define your own success: Success is personal and multifaceted. Be self-reliant: No one is coming to “rescue” you. Ownership of your journey is essential. She also highlights the importance of “falling forward”, transforming failures and hardships into lessons that propel growth. Turning Adversity into Strength One of the most profound reflections comes from her experience of detention during apartheid. Rather than allowing it to define her negatively, she reframed it as a source of resilience and self-discovery. Her philosophy is clear: nothing in life is wasted if you are willing to learn from it. Even the most difficult experiences can become catalysts for strength and purpose A Message of Possibility Closing the conversation, Ambassador Marks leaves us with a powerful reminder: you belong in spaces that may have historically excluded you. And once there, your responsibility is to open the door for others. Her journey, from the Cape Flats to global diplomacy and more, stands as living proof that transformation is possible, not only for individuals, but for societies. Tune in for more…

    40 min

  8. Apr 3

    Professor Bernadine Benson: SAPS, College of Law, UNISA – Faith

    This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Professor Bernadine Benson about her professional journey, spanning nearly two decades in policing and a transformative transition into academia. Her story is one of resilience, identity, and continuous evolution, shaped by hardship, purpose and faith. A Childhood of Instability and the Drive to Excel Born into a working-class family with an English mother and Afrikaans father, Prof Benson’s early life was marked by constant movement and instability, attending seven different primary schools. This environment fostered both loneliness and a fierce internal drive, pushing her toward academic and athletic excellence as a means of coping and self-definition. Her entry into the South African Police Service at just 17 years old was a calling rooted in a desire to succeed. A Career in Policing: Discipline, Identity, and Power Prof Benson’s policing career was defined by discipline, structure, and achievement. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, she thrived in a system built on hierarchy and command. Yet, this environment also shaped a rigid worldview, one that prioritised performance over empathy and authority over reflection. Her identity became deeply intertwined with her rank and role, which symbolised both power and belonging. The Turning Point: Letting Go of Identity A pivotal moment came when Prof Benson realised that her sense of self was rooted in her professional identity rather than internal values. This realisation catalysed her transition from policing into academia at UNISA, a move marked by uncertainty, fear, and profound personal growth. In leaving behind authority, she began developing emotional and spiritual intelligence, learning to lead with compassion rather than command. Learning to Listen: Emotional Intelligence and Transformation Prof Benson describes her evolution as one shaped by “hard knocks” and critical self-reflection. Exposure to new ideas, particularly through transformation and decoloniality dialogues, challenged her deeply ingrained beliefs and cultural “default settings.” These experiences forced her to confront uncomfortable truths about bias, identity, and how her actions impacted others, ultimately reshaping her leadership style into one centred in empathy, listening, and openness. Navigating Male-Dominated Spaces Throughout her career, Prof Benson faced significant challenges as a woman in male-dominated environments. She speaks candidly about patriarchal dynamics, tokenism, and the pressure placed on women to perform in roles they may not yet be supported to succeed in. Her strategy for survival and influence evolved: learning to “read the room,” adapt communication styles, and reframe ideas to gain traction without compromising integrity. Uncovering Hidden Crimes: Art Theft and Heritage Protection One of the most fascinating aspects of her career is her work in art and heritage crime investigations. Prof Benson highlights the often-overlooked scale of these crimes, noting that high-profile heists are just the “tip of the iceberg.” She exposes systemic weaknesses—poor inventory systems, undertrained staff, and lack of funding—that make cultural institutions vulnerable. Importantly, she reframes these crimes as societal losses, not victimless acts, as they erode collective heritage and identity. The Future of Policing: Technology Meets Theory Turning to the future, Prof Benson explores the role of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in law enforcement. While acknowledging the potential of tools like voice analysis and AI, she cautions against uncritical adoption, highlighting the dangers of pseudoscience and poorly implemented systems. She advocates strongly for intelligence-driven policing grounded in criminological theory—arguing that without foundational knowledge, even the most advanced technologies will fail to deliver meaningful impact. A Crisis of Values: Society, Policing, and Ubuntu A recurring theme in the conversation is the erosion of moral values in society. Prof Benson connects systemic issues in policing to broader societal challenges, including corruption, lack of accountability, and weakened ethical foundations. She calls for a return to fundamental principles, starting with early education, and emphasises the importance of Ubuntu not just as a concept, but as a lived practice. The Personal Foundations of Success Beyond her professional achievements, Prof Benson attributes her success to deeply personal influences: her faith, a resilient mother, a supportive marriage, and mentors who guided her growth. These relationships provided stability and grounding, enabling her to navigate uncertainty and remain committed to lifelong learning. A Philosophy for Life and Leadership Prof Benson leaves us with a philosophy that inspires self confidence: Never stop learning Embrace discomfort and challenge your beliefs Receive criticism with reflection, not defensiveness Measure success not by titles, but by humanity She describes herself as a “potter,” shaping the lives of those she encounters. A metaphor that underscores the responsibility of leadership and the impact of everyday interactions. Tune in for more…

    40 min
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“Womanity – Women in Unity” is a weekly gender based programme produced by Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka

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