Womanity - Women in Unity

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Prinitha Pillay, a radiation oncologist whose career bridges frontline humanitarian work and cutting-edge cancer care. From her years with Doctors Without Borders in conflict zones to pioneering patient-centred oncology in South Africa, Dr. Pillay’s journey reflects courage, compassion, and conviction. She shares how turning 40 sparked her transition from infectious disease advocacy to oncology—driven by parallels between the global fight against HIV and the emerging challenge of cancer. Blending medicine and technology, Dr. Pillay explains how artificial intelligence is transforming diagnosis and treatment without replacing the human touch, reminding us that “AI won’t make doctors redundant—it will make doctors who don’t use AI redundant.” In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Pillay underscores the life-saving power of early detection and the importance of self-examination and community outreach.  Continuing with the theme of cancer awareness we discuss cervical cancer a  one of the top 5 invasive cancers affecting women in South Africa and note how important HPV vaccination for girls and boys is as a preventative measure. Her approach to care (integrative, holistic, and deeply empathetic), treats not just the disease but the person behind it. Beyond the clinic, Dr. Pillay’s leadership as former president of Doctors Without Borders South Africa and advocate for human rights in healthcare reveals her drive to fix systemic inequities and strengthen access for all. She also reflects on the lessons of leadership: authenticity, mentorship, collaboration over competition, the courage to redefine norms in male-dominated fields, and prioritise self-care and setting  boundaries to sustain yourself. Some of the key drivers to her success include being purpose driven, navigating by empathy, remaining curious and learning continuously, commitment to caring, and upholding a sense of equality and justice Dr Pillay’s closing words of encouragement for young women are, “Your dreams - any path you choose - is valued and powerful. Embrace your unique voice, seek knowledge relentlessly, and lean on your community for strength. Challenges will come, but compassion can change lives. So keep pushing forward. You have the power to help others while you soar yourself.” Tune in to hear how one woman’s purpose, empathy, and lifelong commitment to learning are transforming both patients’ lives and the future of medicine for the greater good.

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr. Ronwyn van Eeden, a leading South African oncologist whose medical journey has been defined by passion, perseverance, and purpose. From childhood dreams of becoming a doctor to specialising in oncology, a field she believes “chooses you”, Dr. van Eeden reflects on the formative experiences that shaped her career. Her early years in South Africa’s bustling public hospitals, including Baragwanath and Potchefstroom, gave her a fearless foundation and a deep commitment to patient care. She speaks candidly about the gendered challenges of carving out space as a woman and woman of colour in a hierarchical medical environment, sometimes feeling the need to “prove herself twice over” to be taken seriously. Her transition from public to private practice reveals stark contrasts in patient dynamics, access to treatment, and healthcare inequities; offering a rare, honest look at the South African medical landscape. Throughout the conversation, Dr. van Eeden underscores her philosophy of patient-centred care, reframing the cancer journey from one of fear to one of shared decision-making, empowerment, and holistic support. She highlights encouraging advances in breast cancer treatment, noting that early detection and multidisciplinary care have transformed patient outcomes, with many survivors thriving long after diagnosis. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. van Eeden plays an active role in shaping the future of oncology in South Africa. She serves on the executive committees of major professional bodies, including Breast interest group of South Africa (BIGOSA) and the Cardio-Oncology Society of Southern Africa, and contributes to global scholarship as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. Her message to young women aspiring to careers in medicine is powerful: follow your passion, work relentlessly, and never diminish your worth. She reminds listeners that success is built through small, determined steps, and that women should celebrate their daily achievements in a world that often demands perfection. This episode is a rich blend of personal journey, professional insight, and heartfelt encouragement, spotlighting Dr. Ronwyn van Eeden, a woman at the forefront of medical innovation and compassionate care. Tune in for more….

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…

This Heritage Month we replay Vice President Nalumango’s conversation to celebrate women’s leadership and Africa’s rich cultural diversity, reminding us that education, unity, and empowerment are the foundations of our shared future in the continent. This week on Womanity-Women in Unity Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia – Mutale Nalumango, who is also Vice President of Zambia’s ruling party the  United Party for National Development (UPND). Vice President Nalumango shares how her life path has been navigated by the drive to fight all forms of injustice, like social inequity, poverty alleviation, access to justice and empowering women to occupy their rightful spaces. She shares some of her visions for Zambia where unity and peace serve as foundational elements to development and productivity. She also reaffirms that education is the greatest equalizer and reminds those that think education is too expensive to try the cost of ignorance. We discuss women in leadership and mechanisms to better capacitate women, such as mentorship, effective networking, higher education, encouraging women to rise and also aligning men to the gender agenda – to acknowledge that they are beneficiaries of women’s economic participation. Although efforts are underway to progress the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality progress is slow in some areas of the continent. Some of the impediments to women’s progress include inhibiting cultures, religious expectations, social stereotypes and bearing the burden of unpaid domestic work. In the words of Vice President Nalumango, “Women are born as volunteers.” Women need to unite and collectively fight against injustices that discriminate against them. Women cannot let their life choices depend on other people; they have the capability to achieve their ambitions. In closing, Vice President Nalumango says, “Girls, rise up wherever you are, the sky is the limit, you can make it anywhere, everything is open to us in Africa”. Tune in for more…

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks to Simoné Kruger, South Africa’s golden discus thrower, world record holder, 2025 Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability and 2025 Junior Spors Star of the year.   At just 20 years old, Simoné has already etched her name into the history books with gold medal victories at the 2024 Summer Paralympics and the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships for discus in the F38 category. In this inspiring conversation, she reflects on the immense dedication behind these triumphs – from early training sessions with her sister and grandfather, to being coached full-time by her father, and the collective support of her family who fuel her pursuit of excellence. Simoné opens up about the discipline required to compete at the highest level with cerebral palsy, explaining how she has adapted her training to work with her body’s limitations while perfecting a technique that continues to shatter world records. She shares insights into the mental strength it takes to recover from setbacks, the vital role of consistency, and her unwavering faith – encapsulated in her personal motto: “Do your best, and God will do the rest.” Beyond the medals, Simoné speaks candidly about the challenges para-athletes face, including limited sponsorship and financial barriers that prevent many talented young athletes with disabilities from even entering the sporting arena. She advocates passionately for more inclusivity, awareness, and support to unlock opportunities for women in para-sport. Balancing her athletic career with studies in sports science at Stellenbosch University, Simoné is already preparing for life beyond competition; with aspirations in biokinetics, coaching, or even athlete classification, ensuring she remains connected to the world of sport she loves. This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, purpose, and possibility. And while Simoné has already achieved remarkable milestones, her journey is just beginning, there is so much more to come from this exceptional young athlete. Tune in for more…

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr Sarah Babb, she is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science, and co-founder and MD of Stimm. Dr. Babb’s passion for leading change through complexity began during South Africa’s democratic transition, where her involvement in student politics ignited a passion for justice, equality, and systemic change. Drawing on over 25 years of experience across academia, business, and social impact, she reflects on how women continue to navigate leadership in a world that grows ever more complex. Despite representing 50% of the population and 46% of its workforce, too few women are occupying top positions in business. Statistics from a 2023 report of the top 40 JSE listed companies shows that only 10% of CEOs were women, only 25% of executive roles and 35% of board positions are held by women. Dr Babb unpacks the persistent gender gaps that hold women back from executive positions, ranging from entrenched stereotypes of “male” leadership to unpaid care work, to the confidence shaking effects of imposter syndrome. Yet she highlights how women’s natural strengths like empathy, collaboration, and human connection are increasingly vital in workplaces driven by AI, digital transformation, and global disruption. The conversation also illuminates a lesser-discussed gender dimension: neurodivergence in women. Dr. Babb explains how girls and women are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to masking behaviours and diagnostic biases, delaying recognition of conditions such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. Whilst these conditions can challenge affected individuals because they deviate from mainstream expectations, neurodiverse individuals bring unique strengths, sometimes in creativity, deep problem-solving, innovation, and resilience, which can enrich teams and organizations. From her own late ADHD diagnosis to the inspiration of her mother and grandmother, trailblazing women who carved new paths in restrictive times, Dr. Babb’s story is deeply personal and profoundly motivating. She calls on women to continually reinvent themselves, support one another in breaking glass ceilings, and claim their space in building workplaces and societies that are both digitally advanced and humanity-centred. Her closing message to women and girls everywhere is one of determination and hope: “Don’t give up. Keep stepping into the new version of your shiniest, noblest self; because there’s always more.” Tune in for more…

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Nobulawo Martha Mbhele, the Deputy Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court. Judge Mbhele’s path to the judiciary was shaped by deeply personal encounters with injustice: the trauma of apartheid police raids during her childhood and the rape and  murder of her cousin, a victim of gender-based violence. These painful experiences ignited her determination to use the law as a tool to restore dignity and give voice to the voiceless. She reflects on her journey, growing up on a farm where her father was a labourer with limited resources, and how being in the right place at the right time can change the course of your life. She relays how in a December school holiday she stood in for her mother doing domestic work and the farmer they worked for had collected the post from town and she and the farmer opened her school report, where she had scored 'As' for all her subjects. The farmer was highly impressed with her results and told her when she matriculated, she must tell him what she wanted to do. When she attained her matric, incidentally at the same time as one of her brothers, her father made the courageous decision of choosing to send his daughter to university despite patriarchal expectations of the day and set her on the path to becoming a lawyer. Supported by her family and community, she rose through challenges to eventually hold one of the highest judicial positions in the country. The conversation explores  Judge Mbhele’s philosophy of leadership in the judiciary, balancing judicial independence with administrative responsibilities, and her recent experience as an Acting Justice at the Supreme Court of Appeal, where she learned the weight of precision and the value of collective judicial wisdom. Judge Mbhele also shares her unwavering passion for access to justice, recounting her years at Legal Aid South Africa and her dedication to ensuring vulnerable communities have fair representation. She addresses the systemic barriers facing women in the legal profession, including skewed briefing patterns and the urgent need to retain female talent in the system.

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Colleen Collis, permanent judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court. Judge Collis takes us on a powerful journey through her life, from her early childhood in apartheid-era Boksburg to her ascent to the High Court bench, revealing how personal experiences of injustice ignited her pursuit of law and her passion for creating a more equal society. Judge Collis reflects on the formative influence of her activist parents and her community’s boycott campaign, “Save Boksburg”, that challenged racial segregation in her hometown by the black community withdrawing their spending power in Boksburg, ultimately resulting in black people having access to recreational amenities and other facilities. These and other experiences cultivated her determination to fight for fairness. She shares memorable moments from her judicial career, including landmark cases: ordering Julius Malema to apologise for hate speech; ruling against government in the “Deadly Air” case on environmental rights; and expanding recognition for cohabiting partners in loss-of-support claims with the Road Accident Fund. Each judgment underscores her commitment to advancing constitutional rights, gender equality, and social justice. Beyond the courtroom, Judge Collis discusses her leadership in the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ), which champions mentorship, outreach programmes for vulnerable communities, and the professional growth of women in the judiciary. Judge Collis has been an active member of professional associations, including the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) and the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA).  She speaks candidly about the importance of actively participating in professional organisations that you join and the benefits of networking, role modelling, and ensuring that more women are not only appointed to the bench but also supported to become leaders within the judiciary. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the delicate balance between professional responsibilities and caregiving roles, the progress made by women in law and society, and the pressing need for female leadership in South Africa judicial division. She offers thoughtful perspectives on this year’s Women’s Month theme of building resilient economies for women, urging policies that enable women’s meaningful participation in business and economic growth. Judge Collis closes with deeply personal reflections on the women who shaped her—her grandmother, mother, sister, and church community—and offers words of encouragement to girls and women across the country: speak up, raise your voice, and never remain silent in the face of injustice. Special thanks to Lusanda Ntuli the Deputy Director: Communications at the Office of the Chief Justice who makes our annual series showcasing female judges possible. Happy women’s month. Tune in for more…

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Esther Steyn, permanent judge of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, acting judge of the Electoral Court, and acting judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal. Judge Steyn’s legal journey began with a Department of Justice scholarship straight out of school. A path inspired by a deeply personal childhood experience of witnessing her father’s humiliation due to poverty. That moment sparked her lifelong mission to understand people’s rights and use the law to protect them. Many years later a childhood friend reminded her that when they were ten years old that she had said, “One day, I will be a judge in this country.” She reflects on her time in academia at the Universities of Cape Town and Western Cape, where she worked and studied simultaneously. Her writings championed victims’ rights long before South Africa had a Victims’ Charter. Her determination to uphold the right to liberty saw her challenging aspects of bail legislation, highlighting the fine balance between public safety and individual freedoms. Judge Steyn shares candid accounts of gender discrimination in the early years of her career, including overtly sexist remarks from senior colleagues, and how she chose to rise above them through excellence and perseverance. She contrasts those times with today’s judiciary, where policies like the sexual harassment code championed by the current female Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya, offer far greater protections for women. The conversation delves into high-profile and impactful cases she has presided over, from a landmark Facebook service judgment to the complex State v Zuma proceedings. She recounts her pivotal role in South Africa’s first Presidential Commission on Corruption, the Jali Commission, which exposed systemic corruption in Correctional Services, addressed prisoner abuse, and proposed reforms that, she laments, remain largely unimplemented. Beyond the courtroom, Judge Steyn is passionate about mentorship and training, having guided many young women into judicial roles, emphasising that their achievements are their own. She believes in “pulling others up” and sees empowering the next generation as a vital way to strengthen the judiciary and society. As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, she offers inspiration for women and girls to persist in their studies, work hard, and never abandon their dreams out of fear of failure. Her message is clear: “If you start something, finish it – and remember, the only thing that makes your dream impossible is your fear of not achieving it.” Tune in for more…

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…

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...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Helen Nabwera, a paediatrician, physician-scientist, and global health leader whose work bridges clinical care, community empowerment, and pioneering research in maternal and child health. Currently based at Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya, she works in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Centre of Excellence for Women and Child Health, the Co-PI PRETERM Africa Study, and is a Physician Scientist and MRC/FCDO African Research Leader. Dr. Nabwera shares her personal journey from growing up in rural western Kenya, where exposure to childhood illness and community hardship shaped her calling, to becoming a leading advocate for vulnerable newborns and a mentor to emerging researchers across Africa and beyond. She takes us through the heart of her work in preterm birth and early childhood development, highlighting the systemic and psychosocial factors that affect maternal and infant health in low-resource settings. Hear about her groundbreaking research on mother-to-mother peer support for families with low birth weight babies, and the vital role of nutrition in long-term child survival and development. She emphasizes that sustainable child health cannot be achieved through clinical care alone; it requires integrated community action, maternal wellbeing, and addressing societal misconceptions. We also explore Dr. Nabwera’s experience navigating the complexities of career, motherhood, cultural expectations, and leadership as a woman in science. She offers honest reflections on guilt, balance, and the importance of asking for help, while also advocating for structural changes in academic and research spaces to better support women’s advancement. Her thoughts on the role of culture, family, and resilience reveal a leader grounded in compassion and driven by purpose. Dr. Nabwera also pays tribute to key women in her life including her mother and fellow trailblazing scientists who inspired her journey and now fuel her mission to support the next generation. She leaves us with a powerful message to young women across the continent: “Find your inner peace—your dreams will emerge from there. An then you know you're going to get to where you need to get.” Whether you are in medicine, science, education, or simply navigating your path, this conversation with Dr. Nabwera is a moving testament to courage, humility, and impact. Tune in for more…

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...

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

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…

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Mosadi Mahoko, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon breaking both medical and societal boundaries. As the first Black female plastic surgeon to qualify from Stellenbosch University, and a recipient of the prestigious Jack Penn Medal for the top national exam results in plastic surgery, Dr. Mahoko exemplifies excellence, resilience, inspiration and service. While health and medicine appear to run in her family, with both parents being nurses and her late mother, Professor Sophie Mahoko, serving as Dean of the School of Health Sciences at the University of Venda, Dr. Mahoko highlights that her path was driven by exposure and interest rather than solely genetics. A self-described "sickly child," her early experiences in hospitals sparked a curiosity about healing and the human body. She initially gravitated towards orthopedic surgery due to its visible impact on patient function. However, a pivotal shift, partly driven by rejections from orthopedic surgery training programs, led her to plastic surgery. She emphasizes that this was not influenced by the "glamour of Beverly Hills 90210" but a desire to provide tangible services and improve quality of life for individuals. This personal anecdote of navigating professional setbacks and pivoting to a new specialization offers a powerful message about resilience and finding alignment with one's core principles. The interview sheds light on into the life-saving and life-changing aspects of her work, from reconstructing faces after trauma or cancer, to her greatest passion: cleft lip and palate surgery. Dr. Mahoko takes us into the multidisciplinary world of paediatric facial surgeries, describing the team-based approach that includes speech therapists, social workers, geneticists, and anaesthetists - all working to restore function, confidence, and dignity to children and families. She collaborates with organizations like the Smile Foundation, an NGO that fundraises to enable these crucial operations. She recounts a standout case of a nine-year-old girl with a jaw tumor, where complex microsurgery using bone from the child’s leg restored her facial structure and reintegrated her into school and society; a powerful example of medicine’s ability to transform lives. As a trailblazer, Dr. Mahoko reflects on the pressures of being a Black woman in a male-dominated field, and the deep responsibility of inspiring others. Her journey includes pivotal decisions, personal sacrifice, and overcoming rejection, all grounded in a value system shaped by her late mother’s unwavering standards of excellence. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, seeking support from her "tribe" of friends and family, and engaging in therapeutic activities like cooking to cope with overwhelming moments Concluding the interview in Youth Month, Dr. Mahoko shares an inspiring message for girls and young women: to "take charge of this world." She encourages them to be fearless, kind, honourable, and intentional in creating the world they envision, acknowledging that while it won't be easy, they are the ones who will carry the future. Tune in for more

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...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Despina Demopoulos, a leading paediatric intensivist and Head of Paediatrics and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre. Dr. Demopoulos shared insights into her career, personal experiences, and vision for paediatric healthcare in South Africa. Her extensive career has included major hospitals in South Africa and the UK, such as Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital and Queen Mary's Hospital for Sick Children in London. Dr. Demopoulos also chairs the South African Paediatric Association and is actively involved in the South African Transplant Society. Dr. Demopoulos was drawn to paediatric intensive care during her internship and specialization, particularly after an impactful rotation in the ICU at Baragwanath Hospital where she realized the immense potential to save children's lives. She pursued a fellowship in paediatric ICU, a field she describes as an "absolutely amazing career". Opening new paediatric units is a complex endeavour due to very limited resources in the country. Despite the challenges, she has been instrumental in establishing paediatric ICU beds in private hospitals, Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, and Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, driven by the significant need for specialized care for sick children in South Africa and Africa. She also emphasized the importance of supporting general paediatricians in remote areas through workshops, training, and direct advice. One of her most memorable cases involved a one-year-old boy who, after oesophagus surgery, contracted a severe virus. Standard life support failed, leading to the use of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), a high-risk bypass procedure for the lungs and heart. Against the odds, and with the support of his "amazing parents," the child survived and recovered, a testament to advancements in medical care that would have been impossible just two years prior. Dr. Demopoulos highlighted significant advancements in her clinical interests: Transplant: Progress in living donor transplants, particularly liver donations from related donors, has been groundbreaking in South Africa and Africa, where this skill is unique. She aims to advance social equality in access to these transplants, ensuring all children, regardless of insurance status, can benefit. Sepsis: New global guidelines have improved the detection of sepsis in children. She stresses the importance of educating doctors to recognize signs of sepsis and listen to parents, who often know when their children are unwell. Pain Management: Dr. Demopoulos is passionate about ensuring no child suffers pain. Her units utilize evidence-based scoring systems, considering vital signs, facial expressions, and interaction with parents, to assess pain, especially in children who cannot vocalize it. Management includes both medical and non-medical approaches like distraction. She emphasized the holistic approach in paediatric ICU, treating not just the child but also supporting the entire family. A significant portion of the interview focused on her dedication to teaching and addressing educational inequalities across the country. As chairperson of the South African Paediatric Association (SAPA), she has worked to establish protected teaching time and electronic resource sharing to bridge the gap between well-resourced universities and rural areas. SAPA has also launched a junior mentorship program to connect experienced paediatricians with junior doctors, recognizing the critical need for passionate mentors, particularly for women in medicine. Dr. Demopoulos offered candid advice to young doctors, especially women, considering paediatrics or paediatric intensive care. She stressed the importance of passion, as the field is emotionally demanding and requires dedication, often involving late-night calls. She openly discusses the challenges of balancing family life,

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Jennifer Veitch a physical oceanographer at the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON) who heads up the SOMISANA (A Sustainable Ocean Modelling Initiative: a South African Approach) Initiative. This conversation spans the scientific, societal, and personal dimensions of oceanography: exploring the crucial role of women in science, the challenges of climate change, and the importance of inclusive, co-designed environmental solutions. This episode of Womanity coincides with World Oceans Day, which is celebrated on 8 June. "Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us" is the theme for World Oceans Day 2025. Understanding the Ocean Through Models At the heart of Dr. Veitch’s work is the use of sophisticated ocean models, computational tools that simulate the behaviour of the sea in ways that satellites and in-situ instruments alone cannot capture. These models serve dual purposes: they offer both operational forecasts (such as five-day predictions of ocean conditions to support maritime stakeholders) and long-term projections that help track historical and future changes in ocean currents, ecosystems, and climate. This information is pivotal in scenarios like oil spill response, marine resource management, search-and-rescue missions, and safeguarding endangered species such as seabirds in Algoa Bay. Real-World Impact: From Oil Spills to Policy Dr. Veitch unpacks how ocean forecasting was crucial in identifying the probable source of an unknown oil slick discovered on South Africa’s West Coast, illustrating the high-impact, real-world applications of her team’s work. These capabilities not only aid emergency responses but also help strengthen marine environmental governance and accountability. Bridging Science and Society A major theme in the interview is the essential interplay between science and society. Dr. Veitch speaks candidly about the need to improve science communication, particularly with non-specialist audiences like policymakers and coastal communities. She emphasizes the importance of integrating local and indigenous knowledge systems into formal scientific frameworks, arguing that such approaches are not only more equitable but also more effective. Through ongoing community engagement along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, SOMI researchers are working to align local lived experiences of climate change with scientific predictions, though she acknowledges that building trust in historically marginalized communities, especially fishing communities impacted by regulatory constraints, remains a challenge. Raising the Global South’s Voice in Global Science Dr. Veitch also reflects on her global scientific leadership roles, including her involvement with CLIVAR (Climate and Ocean: Variability, Predictability and Change) and the UN-endorsed Ocean Prediction Decade Collaborative Centre. These platforms amplify African voices and foster cross-hemisphere collaboration, data sharing, and interoperability in ocean modelling. She stresses the critical importance of representation from the Global South in these forums—so that science reflects diverse geographies, economic contexts, and environmental vulnerabilities. Nurturing the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists On a more personal note, Dr. Veitch shares her commitment to mentorship and capacity development, highlighting her pride in mentoring Dr. Mahasbo Ragoasha. Dr. Ragoasha’s journey, from rural mountain origins in Limpopo to scientific excellence and leadership at the University of Cape Town, is a moving testament to resilience, opportunity, and representation in science. Confronting Gender Bias and Breaking Barriers The discussion doesn’t shy away from the gendered challenges that women in oceanography still face. Dr. Veitch recounts early career experiences where her voice was ignored in meetings and how she was undermined as merely an "employment equity hire.

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Candice Royal, a paediatrician and allergy specialist, who shares her compelling journey through medicine, motherhood, and meaning. Dr. Royal reflects on her early desire to become a paediatrician, a dream seeded in childhood and fulfilled through hard work, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping children thrive. She details the unexpected path that led her into the emerging field of allergology, where she now plays a vital role in treating some of the most common and overlooked chronic conditions affecting children today, for example, allergies and eczema, particularly within the South African context. Dr. Royal gives us insight into her dual working worlds. Her private practice, which she intentionally designed to be a nurturing and empowering space for families, and her work in the public sector at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, where she reconnects with the purpose of medicine in its purest form. Her reflections on building a practice from the ground up, one that is as emotionally supportive as it is medically sound, provide insights into compassionate healthcare entrepreneurship. We explore how gender dynamics have shaped her medical journey, especially the pressures and biases she faced as a mother while training to become a specialist. Dr. Royal speaks candidly about overcoming doubts, often self-imposed, and encourages women to support each other rather than compete, especially in male-dominated sectors. Her story is a bold testament to the belief that women can be doctors, business owners, mothers, athletes - and excel at all of it. In her role with the Allergy Foundation of South Africa, Dr. Royal also champions access to accurate, evidence-based information to combat medical misinformation, especially around childhood allergies. She discusses how women, particularly mothers, are at the frontline of their children's health and need more systemic support to fulfil that role effectively. Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Royal shares personal anecdotes, from training for Comrades Marathons to raising her children. She illustrates how life, like medicine, is best navigated with perseverance, passion, and a sense of purpose. Dr. Royal weaves a powerful message: pursue your passions relentlessly, build supportive networks, embrace imperfection, and believe in the possibility of balancing a life of impact and joy. Tune in for more…