5 Reasons The Future Is Female

Written By: Nelly Kgoadi

“Behind every man is a strong woman we often hear.” For decade, centuries in fact, women have stood on the sidelines, without a voice and restricted to being in the home. The time for that is over.

Here are 5 reason we think the future is bright and rocked by women!

Esther Mahlangu

She is always dressed in her traditional Ndebele regalia. When you see Esther and her designs you see colour, authenticity, boldness, pride in her heritage and an unending passion. Painting since the age of 10 and under the watchful eye of her mother and grandmother, Esther became a skillful and talented painter. She is loved by locals and praised internationally for her art. Her cultural legacy is one to be admired. At 82, she received an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg. You can call her Dr. Esther Mahlangu now.

Gabriella Mogale and Ripfumelo Nkomo

Gabriella Mogale, a matriculant from a school in Port Elizabeth designed a fire-proof shack that was inspired by the fires that ravaged Knysna last year. But the invention is inexpensive and those in informal settlements can make it themselves.

Ripfumelo Nkomo (16) published her first book at the tender age of 15, Indulge in the Profound. Inspired by the limited literature for girls, she decided to pen a book about the issues she faced as a young black girl.

Nomzamo Mbatha

Actress, MC and fashion icon, talented Nomzamo recently graduated from the University of Cape Town with a degree in Accounting. Having dropped out years ago due to lack of funding, she pursued a career in front of the camera and soon became one of Mzansi’s most beloved stars. Her fame did not deter her from fulfilling her goal of completing her studies.

Dr. Ncumisa Jilata

At 29, Mthatha-born Dr. Ncumisa Jilata graduated in 2017 to become Africa’s youngest neurosurgeon. She is also one of only five black and female surgeons on this field in the country. Her achievement was specially recognized by then Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. For those in her community back home in the Eastern Cape, she is indeed an inspiration. A strong reminder that there are no walls you cannot climb and no goal that can’t be achieved.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

She was more than the wife of former statesman Nelson Mandela. She was a struggle hero. She was considered an enemy of the state. An unrelenting and powerful voice against the opposition. She survived the cruelties the apartheid government could unleash on a human being. Stripped of her dignity, she was imprisoned, isolated, banished from her home, taken away from her children and tortured. Mama Winnie was the voice of the people, the mother of the nation.

She died at age 81, leaving behind an army of women to continue their fight. But she did not just die; she multiplied.

It is our time to break those barriers. To do that which they said we cannot do. To show the world that women are a strong force to be reckoned with. It is time we as women, rise up to take our rightful place in making history, changing the world and leaving a lasting legacy. One woman at a time.