Shelf
Her Story
Lived experience, told in the first person.
TWSC Submission: Healing from devastating pregnancy loss
On the 18th of February 2019, I told the midwife that there was no movement in my womb. She asked me to rush to the hospital. When I arrived, I was asked to take an ultra-scan. It was then that it was confirmed that the baby was no longer alive. I was admitted immediately and induced. I was 34 weeks pregnant.
How Sarah Takawira Rebuilt Her Life After Domestic Abuse
Sarah Takawira is a twin born in a family of six. Although she hails from Chipinge, a small town in Zimbabwe, she now resides in Harare, the capital city. After failing her O Levels, her father told her that she would not be repeating her studies. Instead, she would have to wait to get married.
Laizah Baera: Choosing my Calling Above Everything Else
Laizah Baera is an energetic and excited young woman, aged 33. She has been a pastor with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe for the past 12 years. She shared her story about her journey in the ministry with The Weight She Carries.
How Noluthando Makalima is Conquering the World of Surfing Despite Being Born with Cerebral Palsy
Noluthando Makalima is a force to be reckoned with. The 32-year-old adaptive surfer recently received the Minister’s Recognition of Excellence Award at the Momentum gsport Awards and holds a silver medal from the World Paralympic Championships, held this year in the United States.
Author Dorine Drake Shares How She Decided Years Ago Not to Let HIV or Cancer Defeat Her
Dorine Drake is living her best life. The 52-year-old mother of one has an energetic and infectious spirit and it is evident that she has an inner joy that no one can strip her of.
How This Kenyan DJ with Cerebral Palsy is Pursing Her Passion by DJ'ing with Her Feet
Winfred was born with cerebral palsy, a group of permanent disorders that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. In Wanjiku’s case, her arm movement was affected.
#TBT: Gems from Mary Wanjiku Gichuhi's Story
Today, I'm going to take you back to a story we published back in 2018 on domestic violence. I remember interviewing Mary Wanjiku Gichuhi and being amazed at her strength and courage as she shared the harrowing details of her story.
Meet Niqita Pieterse: A Woman Making Furniture From Recycled Tyres
True to the word that being HIV positive does not mark an end to one’s life but marks a beginning of a changed way of life, Niqita Pieterse has not let her health condition deter her from pursuing her goals and living a normal life. The young lady, who is based in Durban, South Africa, is living with HIV and has been open about it for over a decade. Pieterse, an HIV activist, r
TWSC Series: From Teen Mom to Serial Entrepreneur – LaChelle Jackson’s Meandering Journey to Success - Part 2
Being an entrepreneur is in LaChelle Jackson’s blood. Her father was self-employed and worked in construction while her mother handled the administrative part of the business. Watching her parents work hard to provide for the family fueled LaChelle to be the serial entrepreneur she is today. She is a hairstylist, candy maker, insurance agent…just to name a few.
#TBT: Gems from Crystal Asige's Story
I'll never forget the day I interviewed Crystal Asige. It was in the wee hours of the morning for me, and what struck me the most when I first heard her voice was how friendly she was. She sounded completely at peace and I could hear a sense of joy in her voice.
Body Oil & a Labour of Love: Learning to Accept and Love my Scars After Trauma
The December ‘08/January ‘09 summer holiday was eventful as always: weddings, Christmas and New Years’ functions, and lots of catching up with family and friends. As was tradition, the holiday culminated in a final night out before I and my fellow diaspora students would part ways, returning home 11 months later to do it all again.
Meet Sandra Owusu-Antwi: Founder & CEO of First African-American Luxury Brand Launched in South Korea
Sandra Owusu-Antwi is a Ghanaian-American woman who is the founder and CEO of Mabel Brempong, the first African-American luxury brand to launch in South Korea.