HER | Story: Shaping and inspiring impact and storytelling across Africa
Dr. Gcina Mhlophe by Cahali Joao / 2024 NEWF Congress
68 years ago more than 20 000 brave women carved big shoes for us to fill when they marched to the Union building in South Africa, in protest of pass laws for women. While NEWF is fiercely Pan-African, as an organisation founded and based in South Africa, we were deeply honoured to observe Women’s Day on the Friday the 9th of August 2024.
To us, paying tribute to these women is not just paying tribute to their momentous contribution to the freedom and dignity of South African women in the Apartheid era - but also presents a case study on how African women have led boldly; while maintaining compassion, empathy and a multifaceted sense of duty and purpose. And, to add to that legacy, they are passing the baton to a new generation of leaders
When we consider the women who have shaped so many of us as storytellers and leaders in conservation and beyond, each of us reflects on unique experiences and figures found along our path. For NEWF Dr. Gcina Mhlophe, Thando Shozi and the late Takalani Mulaudzi may come to mind as longstanding matriarchs and thought leaders. But we also think of female leaders and visionaries across Africa (past and present) who have shaped conservation and storytelling - and inspire us to constantly mould and redefine what it means to be a dynamic, influential, African woman.
Wambui Waweru and Olwethu Yolanda Ncokotwana by Qiniso Dladla / NEWF - eKhaya Storytelling, Research and Dive Centre Inauguration.
The diverse, multitalented fellows from our community are among the women across the continent showing up as the leaders, change-makers, and community cornerstones we have needed in our time. As the climate crisis intensifies, and intersectional social justice and impact movements rise to challenge the ways of the world; these women are meeting each challenge with passion, determination, and insurmountable fortitude - advocating for our access, expertise, and right to choose, the equity to lead, and to simply show up as ourselves while reimagining a better, more inclusive future for all people.
We will be sharing just a fraction of these stories here throughout August; with the intention of spotlighting some of the women in our community who are making an impact as leaders, innovators, creatives, climate warriors, and mental health advocates.
Watch this space!
Aika
KIREI
Animator, Filmmaker
📍Tanzania
Ashunganya Precious NCHAFAC
Storyteller
📍Cameroon
Bongeka
MAKABENI
Photographer
📍South Africa
Chisomo Kay
KAWAGA
Cinematographer
📍Malawi
Megan-Rose
FRANCIS
Storyteller
📍South Africa
Nancy
IRABA
Marine Scientist
📍Tanzania
Omelga
MTHIYANE
Storyteller,
📍South Africa
Pragna
PARSOTAM-KOK
Storyteller
📍South Africa
Tembisa
JORDAAN
Marine Biologist
📍South Africa
Wambui
WAWERU
Storyteller
📍Kenya
