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Interviews
Stepping Out of my Comfort Zone: A Woman's Journey to the Top
My name is Mrs Beauty Kujinga, née Nhidza. I am a 35-year-old lady from the Gutu rural area, and I am married to a lovely husband, and we are blessed with one boy and two girls. I grew up in Gutu, and my mother passed away when I was only 10 years old. My father remarried a very kind lady whom I don’t see as a stepmother but my real mother. I am a site manager at a service stat
From Street Child to Motivational Speaker and Mentor
Motivational speaker and mentor Sylvia Khasoa Maina has come a long way since her humble beginnings. Through a series of unfortunate events, she found herself roaming the streets in search of food and shelter by the age of six. Now, she runs a program called Simama Na Dada which seeks to provide assistance to children and youth in need.
From Refugee to Fashion Designer
Tabisha Esperance was born in Goma, DRC in May 1990. When she was a child, Congo was plunged into a devastating civil war which officially ended in 2003, although fighting continued in the eastern part of the country, which led to many of the country's nationals fleeing to other countries. One of them was Esperance.
Fighting till the End: How this News Anchor Cared for Her Special Needs Child as a Single Mother
Since 2014, she has been presenting the news in one of the vernacular languages of Kenya, Kikamba. Being a news anchor has been her dream since completing her education. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get here. And along the way, she lost the most precious gift of all: her child.
Surviving Trauma, a Broken Marriage & Widowhood – How I Turned My Pain Into Power
My Name is Samu Fortunate Zungu-Ludaka. I am a 33 years old widow. I am a mother to my two biological children and one step child from my first marriage. I am passionate about women and their upliftment, which has led me to using my gifts which are speaking and writing to not only highlight their issues but also to add hope and to encourage them.
Midlands Business Woman of the Year Silivia Choruwa Discusses Achieving Success After Losing Almost Everything
She recently won a business award, runs a number of successful small businesses ranging from furniture, clothing and hardware, and her fashion trends are top-notch. When you see her today, you will think all has been rosy and colourful. The Weight She Carries spoke to Silivia Choruwa to hear how it all began.
A Mother's Advice to Others Grieving the Loss of a Child
"I was happy just like any normal woman would be, happy to know l was expecting and on the twenty fifth of November l gave birth to a bouncing baby boy and named him Prince. I loved him wholeheartedly,” Bubele told The Weight She Carries.
Doreen Moraa Talks About Living with HIV/AIDS Since Birth
On August 8, Doreen Moraa will be 27 years old. This birthday will mean a lot to her because it will mark 27 years of living with HIV/AIDS.
In-depth Story: From Heroin, Cocaine, Meth Addiction to a Fulfilled Life – The Nandi Kegode Story
At the age of 16, her life changed drastically when the lifestyle she had become accustomed to quickly faded away. She was confused and angry because now, instead of flying to university in her father’s airplane, she was headed to the U.S. to join the military.
TWSC Interview with Peperusha Binti Founder Sharon Jesscah
During the Shero Runway Empowerment Conference that took place on June 28th, we took a moment for a sit-down interview with Sharon Jesscah Awuor, founder of Peperusha Binti - and organization that donates sanitary towels to girls in rural parts of Kenya who would otherwise miss school due to menstruation.
How This Woman’s Faith Helped Her Fight Stigma and a Serious Health Condition
Tatenda Tanyanyiwa is a 40-year-old mother of an 18-year-old son. She grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and is a gifted human resources practitioner who has gained a lot of experience in the hotel industry.
How I Learned to Embrace My Changing Skin
LaTonia Tillman was a teenage when she first noticed some white spots on her skin. Following a series of tests, she was diagnosed with vitiligo. The news was crushing.
How HIV/AIDS Activist Asha Molock Found Freedom in Disclosing Her HIV Status
At 50, Asha Molock was enjoying a successful career as an educator in the School District of Philadelphia and had found love again. Life was flowing the way it should until a medical diagnosis shook her to her core. She was HIV-positive.
Finding Purpose After Becoming a Widow
Consolate Muga’s life changed drastically when she became a widow at the age of 38. She had relied on her husband to provide for her and their two teenage children over the years, and now she felt lost and alone.
Defying the Odds: How This Mother and Son Have Survived 40+ Surgeries
What Tia Wilson and her son Gavin have been through is unimaginable and a true testament of faith and strength.
Starting Over: How This Woman Revived Her Childhood Dream After a Failed Marriage
When Annie Liz separated from her ex-husband of ten years, life became very difficult for her. She had three children and no income.
In-depth Story: Learning to Heal After Years of Abuse by my Stepfather
Jasmine Frazier had an enjoyable childhood. Her mother, a single mother of four, made sure holidays were special and created family traditions Frazier remembers fondly.
Finding Peace After a Series of Tragic Losses
Her life had been characterized by heart-rending loss and deep pain that drove her to a mental breakdown.
Kandice Benford Discusses Loving Herself Completely Despite Vitiligo
I am 33 years old. I’m a wife, a sister and I’m a hair stylist. What drives me is being able to spread vitiligo awareness and helping others with self-love and embracing who they are.
Dr. Natasha Williams Opens up About Painful Divorce & Masterclass ‘Reclaiming your Superwoman’
he was well-established in her career as a clinical psychologist, had a thriving private practice and a lovely home. While things were going well for her professionally, she was fighting a private battle at home. One that led to a heartbreaking revelation in 2017.
Beautiful Inside and Out: Felistas Edwards Speaks on Her Marriage and Life After Divorce
Felistas Edwards has a lot going for her. In 2018, the well-known Zimbabwean comedian, gospel artist, entrepreneur and MC received the Top Female Entertainment and Social Media Enterprise Business Leader of the Year Award from the Women’s Heritage Society World Organisation.
Homeless at 13: The Drive Behind This Woman’s Desire to Help Young Girls Living on the Street
Christine Khatima is an ambassador for Days for Girls Nairobi, Kenya. In her role as team leader, she conducts training sessions and travels across the region to educate and assess the need for sanitary pads for girls and young women. Then, she makes the pads using her own materials to meet the need.
Singer/Songwriter Crystal Asige's Story: Losing My Vision
She was drawn to the arts as a child, and her dream was to be a musician and film producer. But in her teenage years, it became difficult to read the blackboard in class. Then, the words on the pages of her books began to get fuzzy. Her vision progressively got worse, and one day, she received a diagnosis that would change her life forever.
In-depth Story: Addiction Expert Caroline Kagia Shares Her Candid Story of Overcoming Alcoholism
When a schoolmate approached her wanting to be her friend, Caroline couldn’t believe her good fortune. She was cool, pretty and popular – everything Caroline felt she wasn’t. Little did Caroline know that this encounter would lead her down a path to addiction that would take her nearly 18 years to recover from.
Woman who Contracted HIV as a Child Bride Now Spreads Hope to Others
Rebecca Auma spends her days mentoring girls and young mothers living with HIV in Migori County, Kenya. She knows all too well the devastation that comes along with such a diagnosis. Even more heartbreaking is how the young women she mentors contracted the virus – child marriage.
A Father’s Sacrifice Inspires Daughter to Fight Fearlessly to End FGM
Christine Alfons has been a fierce activist against gender-based violence and female genital mutilation (FGM) for the past seven years. She is so passionate about these issues she founded an organization called the Safe Engage Foundation, which aims to engage youth in child protection issues and ending FGM.
In-depth Story: Surviving a Life Filled with Tragedy
It is impossible to wrap one’s mind around the horrors Celine Njoki has experienced throughout her life. Though her life has been filled with valley experiences and abuse, she has found the strength and courage to keep pushing forward. For her, pain began very early on.
FGM Survivor and Founder of Murua Girls Shares How She Found the Courage to Tell Her Story and Help Others
Three years ago, Seleyian Agnes decided she could no longer be silent while girls as young as 8 were being mutilated in the Masai community she grew up in rural Kenya. It was time to share her story of surviving of female genital mutilation (FGM) and educate her community.
In-depth Story: Woman Forced into Marriage at 16 Now Helps Rescue Others
Thirty-year-old Josephine Miduma has made it her life’s mission to rescue girls who have been forced into child marriages and flee due to abuse or mistreatment. While her training as a social worker gives her enormous insight into societal ill and remedies, her own story has allowed her to be even more effective because she can relate to the girls she saves. At just 16, she was
From Scorn to Bliss: Finding Real Love as a Single Mother
Gospel Artist Ashelly Manzunzu is living her dream. Not only does she have the opportunity to perform for tourists who visit the Disney World Animal Kingdom, she released her first album in 2013 (Zvakazarurwa) and is enjoying the success of two recent singles – Vanogona and Ndiye Mwari.
Author & Entrepreneur Christine Mapondera-Talley Discusses ‘Makanaka’s World’ Entrepreneurship
ial entrepreneur Christine Mapondera-Talley has yet to meet a challenge she backed down from. From venture to venture, her creativity has guided her and catapulted her into a dimension where dreams become reality. If she couldn’t find the tools she needed along the way, she created them.
Founder of ‘Butterfly Girls Project’ Shares Her story of Being Drugged and Raped
Gladwell Wachira was 15 years old when she left her family to live with her uncle and his children. She had just started high school and her parents thought it best since her uncle, who was divorced, lived closer to Wachira’s school.
Woman With No Limbs Shares Journey to Self-Love
Self-Development Life Coach and Speaker Sinikiwe Kademaunga is a confident woman who is passionate about impacting people’s lives through empowerment, motivation and mentoring.
How Bestselling Author & Speaker Monica Kunzekweguta Escaped Becoming a Victim of Child Marriage
Bestselling Author, Certified Life Coach and Speaker Monica Kunzekweguta was born in Zimbabwe and raised by both parents till the age of three when her parents divorced.
Founder of Save Girl Child Empowerment Opens Up About Being Publicly Shamed For Not Undergoing FGM
“Lucy, you are abnormal between your legs,” are the words of a man that stung and reminded Lucy Weisiko of the shaming she experienced as a girl for not undergoing “the cut.”
Africa’s Youngest Woman PhD Holder Musawenkosi Saurombe Discusses Achievements, Challenges and Inspiration
In 2017, Musawenkosi Donia Saurombe made history by becoming the youngest woman with a PhD in Africa, graduating with a doctorate in industrial psychology.
In-depth Story: How This Successful Pastry Chef Learned to Love Herself While Battling Severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Mild Clinical Depression
“I am BRAVE. I am STRONG. I am WORTHY” are the three affirmations South African beauty Awande Mabaso pronounces each morning when she looks in the mirror.
In-depth Story: Brigitte Sossou Perenyi Discusses Captivity and Rescue from Religious Shrine
She was just seven years old when she was taken away from her family and left at a religious shrine dedicated to worshiping deities. This was the sacrifice needed to please the gods and atone for her uncle’s infidelity. She worked from dawn to dusk and lived a difficult life away from her family. Fortunately, she was rescued and now shares her story of hope and survival.
How Apostle Lillian Bwanya Pushed Past Personal Rejection and Founded a Church
Apostle Lillian Bwanya was born in 1968 in an area known as Rutanga, which is in Eastern Zimbabwe.
In-depth Story: Kimberly Coleman’s Inspiring Story of Surviving Sexual Abuse as a Child and Colon Cancer
Twenty years after walking away from a successful modeling career, Kimberly Coleman is back on the scene with a powerful story of survival.
TWSC Woman to Watch: Olive Nwaigbo – How this Fatherless Daughter Found Her Voice and is Inspiring Others to do the Same
Nineteen-year-old Olive Nwaigbo is not the average teenager. The young biochemistry student at the University of Science and Technology in Nigeria, is on a mission to inspire young women to value themselves, believe in themselves, and to own and be in control of their sexuality.
Liza Ngenye’s Remarkable Story of Fighting Cancer at the Age of 21
This is part of the message I sent to my dear friend Liza Ngenye in early 2012 when I found out about her cancer diagnosis. Liza and I had been friends since our mid-teens. We attended the same high school in Kenya, and college in the US.
In-depth Story: Founder of SMSKE Uses Experience as a Single Mother to Inspire and Support Other Women
Two years ago, Shiko Kamiri found herself in a situation she had never envisioned for herself. Her 11-year marriage came to an end and she was left to raise her two children on her own.
In-depth Story: Precious Miriam’s Story of Pain, Resilience and Faith
Twenty-seven-year-old Precious Miriam was born into a blended family in Cameroon. Although she had five siblings, she was the only child from her mother and father’s union. She was 9 years old when her father died.
Inspirational Speaker Barbara Kamba-Nyathi Discusses Overcoming Cancer and an Abusive Marriage
Barbara Kamba-Nyathi was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Namibia where she resided for 10 years with her ex-husband.
Founder of Waiting Wombs Trust Shares Personal Experience with Infertility
Eleven years ago, she married her husband and didn’t expect to have any trouble having children. But as the years went by, it became clear that she was having trouble conceiving. Though she had the full support of her husband and family, she felt stigmatized by her community. After years of physical and emotional pain, she decided to use her pain to help others.
In-depth Story: Cola Bennett Shares Inspiring Story of Surviving Multiple Rapes and Losing Her Son
In the midst of insurmountable pain, a ray of sunshine appeared. His name was Kayshaun. Finally, she had a reason to live. If no one else on earth loved her, he did. Life was now bearable because he made sense when life didn’t. Until his birth, love had been a convoluted concept to her, and efforts to find said love had left her a victim of rape four times over.
Zimbabwean-Canadian Doctor and International Speaker Spreads Message of Hope and Faith
Dr. Nothabo Ncube is a bubbly, down to earth woman who is a go-getter. As a doctor of medicine, international speaker and consciousness coach, Ncube’s list of accomplishments include being named Canada 100 Black Women to Watch 2017, participating in Oprah Winfrey’s Lifeclass, being a TEDx speaker, and being featured in Canadian Immigrant Magazine.
Fitness and Wellness Coach Discusses Keys to Positive Body Image and Why Size Isn’t a Factor
Body image is something many women struggle with in a world where “beauty” – defined by mainstream media – is unattainable for many.
In-depth Story: How Francisca Awah Mbuli Escaped Modern Slavery and is Helping Other Women do the Same
When Francisca Awah Mbuli returned to her native of Cameroon from graduate school in Norway six years ago, she had a difficult time finding work. Several years went by, and in 2015, she was approached by someone in her community whom she had grown up with. The man told Francisca about an opportunity to teach English in Kuwait and encouraged her to take the job because she is we
Living a Purposeful Life - Inspiration by Yvonne Mtengwa
Communications strategist Yvonne Mtengwa wears many hats. In addition to her vast knowledge and experience in marketing and public relations, she is the author of a book that encourages women to address conflict within themselves and in their relationships called Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to live authentically through faith, a real estate developer, and the co-founder
Cindel Hollancid discusses Winning 1st Runner Up Title in N.I.G.M.A. Christian Pageant
Source: Facebook On June 20th, the 2nd Annual Ms. National & Independent Gospel Music Association (N.I.G.M.A.) Christian Pageant took place in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. It was a big day for Cindel Hollancid. Back in March, The Weight She Carries had the privilege of interviewing Hollancid, who candidly shared her journey to self-acceptance by choosing to see herself the
In-depth Story: Restaurateur Zweli Moyo Williams Opens up About Surviving Hunger, Civil War and Abuse
Her days were spent longing for something to eat. On some days, a sip of water was a luxury. A civil war had gripped her native of Zimbabwe and separated her from her mother at the tender age of two. For five years, she was abused repeatedly in every way imaginable. But deep within her was a spirit of resilience so strong nothing could extinguish it.
Motivational Speaker and Mental Health Advocate Survives Domestic Violence, Flees Kenya to Start Over
Mary with friend and mentor Raphael Obonyo, policy specialist and youth advocate In 2017, Mary Wanjiku Gichuhi was completing her PhD at the University of Nairobi, was a well-known mental health advocate, and founder of Depression and Stress Society, an organization that was actively creating awareness on mental health. She worked with youth at different universities, leaders f
In-depth Story – Fighting Lupus: Olivia Clarke's Battle to Save the Life of Her Unborn Child
After months of not knowing what was happening to her body, she got onto a plane and flew thousands of miles, hoping to finally get a diagnosis. What had started out as some skin discolouration had turned into painful and burning skin that left scars all over her body. Over the months, the pain had seeped through to her joints and affected her ability to walk some days. This wa
Erica Elita Edwards Dishes on New Talk Show, Overcoming Challenges and Living with Sarcoidosis
In 2016, Erica Edwards packed up all her belongings and embarked on the 5-hour drive to Toronto, Canada, with two of her children.
Disability is Not Inability - Prudence Mabhena's Journey to the Stage
Source: Prudence Mabhena Prudence Mabhena was born in the resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in 1989. She was born with arthrogryposis, a condition characterized by joint contractures. In Mabhena’s case, her arms and legs were severely twisted and stunted. "When I was born, it brought shock to my family, especially my paternal family,” Mabhena told The Weight She Carries.
HR Expert Dishes on How to 'Employ Your Gift' and Operate in Your Purpose
Having hired and trained over 800 people over the course of her career, she knows exactly what it takes to successfully connect people with opportunities and equip them with the tools they need to excel professionally. But she does more than simply foster successful employment; she helps people walk into their purpose. Vonciel M. English, founder and owner of Perfect English De
Brenda Mudzimu's Journey From Being Labelled ‘A Curse’ to Creating a Platform to Celebrate Women with Albinism
June 13th marks International Albinism Awareness Day. To some it was just an ordinary day, but The Weight She Carries took this opportunity to interview a successful woman living with Albinism, Brenda Mudzimu.
Bold and Beautiful: A Woman's Triumph in Carrying Her Scars
She grew up with dreams like any other girl: to study abroad and have her prince charming sweep her off her feet. She didn’t know her life would take a drastic turn a few years down the line.
In-depth story: Chandi Rae Bozeman – How This Two-time Survivor Found Freedom in Turning Her Pain into Purpose, and Can Help You Do the Same
She was 14 and returning to her home country after living abroad for years. Life in Germany as an Army Brat had been filled with adventure as she mingled with people from diverse cultures. Moving every few years was normal for her family. But her normal was interrupted when she returned to her home city. Nothing could have prepared her for what would take place over the course
In-depth Story: Tonier Cain – How Treating Her Trauma Ended a 19-year Addiction and Transformed Her Life
Fourteen years ago, she lay on the cold floor of a prison cell at the end of her rope. Her surroundings were familiar to her because for 19 years, home had either been underneath a bridge or in a prison cell. In fact, this marked the 83rd time she had been arrested. Her situation was so grave she would never live a normal life, they said, not after nearly 20 years of addiction.
From Dust to Success: A Village Girl’s Story from Devastation to Triumph
She was a happy teenager with big dreams. One fateful day, the trajectory of her life changed when she received devastating news about her father. With no source of income, her family struggled to make ends meet, and the future seemed bleak. But she refused to let her dream die.
Made in Africa: How This Woman is Taking Pride in Her Heritage and Celebrating African Artistry
When she decided to pursue her dream of starting a business, she knew exactly what she wanted to do. She wanted to honour her heritage and tap into a market teeming with natural resources and raw talent – Africa. But she needed to figure out how to connect the dots. For the past six months, she has done just that and has a successful line of African products that celebrate her
A Fighter’s Story: Feeling Whole Again After a Life Filled With Abuse
Memory Thandiwe Ndebele is a 32-year-old humble and bubbly woman. Just meeting her, you can tell she is a warm and big-hearted person. Nothing about her personality shows the dreadful situations she has had to face. Her second name, Thandiwe, meaning “Beloved” in Ndebele – one of Zimbabwe’s native languages – is very ironic to me after all she has been through. She is definitel
Born with a Fight: How This Remarkable Woman Refused to Allow Her Disability to Get the Best of Her
Born three months early and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, doctors didn’t expect much for her. She would have a difficult life and achieve very little, they concluded. They were wrong. She has surpassed all the expectations placed upon her. Having achieved academic and professional success, she is now using her experience and expertise to encourage and empower other people livi
Chamicka Pollock Discusses Keys to Professional and Financial Success
Nearly 20 years ago, she walked into a local Wells Fargo branch for an interview, dressed in one of her mother’s suits, and hoping to be hired as a personal banker. This was a big deal for a teenager, especially one who had been judged and discounted. But she believed in herself. Now, 19 years later, she is the bank’s Vice President – Regional Bank District Manager for Orange C
Defying the Odds: A Woman’s Story of Enormous Grief and Learning How to Speak Again
Following a series of deaths of significant people in her life over a span of seven years, the pain became unbearable and led her down a path that would cause doctors to declare that she would never be able to speak again. But she fought to prove them wrong. And now, she is on a path to becoming an inspirational speaker.
Turning Away From Conventional Sanitary Napkins Changed This Woman’s Life
After years of enduring a heavy and intense menstrual cycle, toxic shock syndrome and endometriosis, she decided to take a closer look at the sanitary products she was using and discovered that the chemicals used in those products were wreaking havoc on her body. Janelda Cowan started her menstrual cycle shortly after she turned 10. From its onset, her period took over her life
How This Young Woman Living With Sickle Cell Disease Is Helping Countless Others
Not only has she dealt with debilitating pain all her life, she has lost numerous friends along the way. Now, she’s using her voice to speak up for many who are still trying to find their own voice. Her pain is unbearable on most days, but she is determined to continue touching the lives of those living with sickle cell disease. Jesscah Sharon Odhiambo was diagnosed with sickle
In-depth Story: Cindel Hollancid – Going for the Crown
Every time she saw a modelling ad in the paper or on a billboard, her heart skipped a beat. The excitement, however, was always short-lived. After years of disappointment, an opportunity with her name written all over it fell into her lap one Saturday evening. This was more than just a pageant…it was an invitation to begin peeling away layers of insecurities that had left her b
In-depth story: Dr. Praise Matemavi - From Teen Mom to Transplant Surgeon
An unplanned pregnancy at the age of 18 threatened to derail her dream of one day becoming a surgeon, but she wouldn’t let it. Though she had every reason to give up, failure was not an option. As a single mother of two, she put herself through medical school and was the only woman in her residency class. She fought her way to the top in a male-dominated field despite hearing d
How This Successful Entrepreneur Is Letting Her Passion Lead The Way
What started out as selling snacks as a child has evolved into a knack for managing multiple brands and making major boss moves. With two successful companies under her belt, her formula for success is simple yet effective: Turn your passion into money. In the 11 years since completing high school, Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse has made a name for herself as a successful businesswo
In-depth Story - Berlange Presilus: How This Fashion Model Learned to Embrace Her Rare Syndrome And is Now Putting Her Best Foot Forward
No one knew what was wrong. For years, doctor after doctor had thrown their hands up in defeat. They had never encountered such a mysterious condition in all their years of experience. Finally, after years of suffering a private battle that had left her physically and emotionally scarred, she found one doctor who said the words she had longed to hear her entire life: “I can hel