Contributor
Phoebie Shamiso Chigonde
54 stories
Confidence in Every Shade: Nancy Brittney’s Mission to Include Every Woman
From pageantry to beauty innovator, Nancy Brittney launches cosmetics line with 26 foundation shades focused on inclusivity and empowering women with albinism.
How My Curiosity and Empathy Paved the Way to Personal & Professional Success
My friends, my mom, and my sisters used to tell me I was “too caring.” They’d say, “It’s okay to care, but don’t go overboard, or you’ll end up hurt.” And they were right, in some ways. I have had my heart broken by friends, by boyfriends—but still, that instinct to care never left me.
Re-Defining Beauty as A Model with Albinism
Living with albinism? Nancy Brittney discusses albinism in the beauty industry and how she found love and learned to embrace her unique beauty.
The Rose Gift Foundation Co-founding Director Patience Tarumbwa to Speak at Upcoming Empowerment Seminar this Weekend
Period poverty remains one of the major setbacks in girl-child emancipation in Zimbabwe. A study by SNV Zimbabwe shows that 72% of adolescent schoolgirls do not use sanitary products simply because they cannot afford them. It further states that 62% of schoolgirls are forced to miss school every month due to the lack of sanitary wear.
Filmmaker Amanda Ranganawa Talks Latest Film 'Depth of Emotions'
Lights, Camera, Action! That's all I can say to sum up Amanda Ranganawa's everyday life. The young filmmaker has written over 15 scripts, some of which have already been sold and produced. Others are yet to make it to the big screen.
Righteous Chawane Takes on Fashion World as SITA Head of Delegation for South Africa
Whenever we are faced with a trying situation, we have two options: crumble and give in or rise up and turn our pain into positivity. Righteous Chawane is a woman who chooses to do the latter.
Everyday Sheros: Raising Two Children with Albinism & Supporting Countless Others
Most of us have come across sad, unbelievable stories surrounding albinism more than once in our lives. From babies being killed soon after death, to ritual killings and children being hidden in their homes.
My Mental Health Journey as a Caregiver
As a journalist and radio personality, it's much easier for me to take a recorder or pen and interview a source. It's much simpler to hear someone's story and imagine being in their shoes. One of the hardest things I have had to do is write about myself. It’s just difficult to admit you have a problem and you need a solution for it.
Celebrating Jay-Anne Johnson
Growing up, I used to watch graduation ceremonies at local universities, which were screened live on TV, officiated by the president. I could not help but notice that the majority of graduates were males. Women were seen in small number, mainly for degrees in education. The sciences appeared to be only for the young men.
Love Pineapples? Thanks to Pine Kazi You Can Wear them too!
With the whole world going green, Africa has not been left behind. In yet another achievement for women in Africa, Kenyan, women-led organization Pine Kazi, which converts pineapple leaves and recycled rubber into fashionable footwear, recently won an award for its eco-friendly efforts.
Martha Koome Set to Become Kenya's First Female Chief Justice
Martha Koome, 61, surprised many by becoming the first female chief justice in Kenya. This comes after she topped a contest which involved nine others. The interview was conducted by the Kenyan Judicial Service Commission.
It's Another First for Dr. Ncoza Dlova!
Professor Ncoza Dlova has added another first to her list after receiving a medal courtesy of the International Society of Dermatologists, becoming the first South African to receive such an accolade.
A Single Mother's Experience Raising Two Autistic Children
The following story is about 41-year-old Samira Njoki from Kenya. Samira is mother to two autistic boys and has been single-handedly taking care of them for five years after her husband turned his back on them.
A Woman's Continual Journey to Wholeness After Recurrent Losses
Motherhood is a dream for many; the thought of holding a baby in one’s arms brings joy. The pain of losing a baby is, however, unfathomable. The loss, unforgettable. The following story is about how life changed for Precious Taah – from being congratulated and receiving pregnancy advice to being consoled after losing her first child through miscarriage. That was the beginning o
Author Tatenda Rungisa Talks New Book and Pursuing Her Passion for Writing
The Weight She Carries is proud to present one of its on contributors, Tatenda Rungisa, 28, who nurtured her childhood dream until it became a passion and eventually a reality. Tatenda is the author of the recently published book “HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF COLLEGE.”
How Marly Diallo is Saving the Environment by Recycling Lead Acid Batteries
Marly Diallo was born and raised in France and has Guinea roots. She visited Guinea plenty of times in her childhood and also had several business trips to different countries in Africa in the 12 years she worked as a sales manager for a software company. During her visits she experienced a fair share of power cuts. One such experience includes staying in a 4-star hotel in Accr
TWSC Submission: Growing up Under the Shame of a False Narrative
Imagine having to live twenty years of your life believing that you have a chronic illness, only for you to find out the truth at a clinic. The following story is about 31-year-old Sarah* from Uganda who grew up thinking she was HIV-positive because her family jumped to conclusions. Sarah faced a lot of discrimination and stigma from family members and almost lost her self-este
Wangari Muchiri Wins First REvolutionaries: The Steve Sawyer Memorial Award
Muchiri’s specialty is in technology innovation for peri-urban and off-grid communities. She is also a board member of the Kenya Green Building Society. There, she heads the technical committee that oversees sustainability practices in real estate. Muchiri participated in the 2019 Women in Wind Global Leadership Program hosted by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) in associa
South African Woman Single-handedly Renovates Her Own Home
Zama Philiswe Zungu is a civil engineer by profession and she said that constructing an extension of her own house was a good experience for her as she had the chance to put her theory into practice.
Celebrating Natalie Barlow on Becoming First African Woman to Earn Esteemed UEFA Certificate in Football Management
Natalie Barlow has graduated with the highly esteemed UEFA Certificate in Football Management, becoming the first African woman to successfully complete the management course.
Congolese Woman Goes Against the Grain as a Motorcycle Taxi Driver
Women continue to defy odds and change the narrative. The following story is about how a widow, Imelda Mbambu from Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo, is earning a living through driving a motorbike taxi. Many women become helpless after losing a spouse whom they depended on financially. But for Mbambu, who was once a farmer, losing her husband 10 years ago led to a turnaround
Victoire Tomegah Dogbe is First Woman to become Prime Minister in Togo
Victoire Tomegah Dogbe has been sworn in as Togolese prime minister, becoming the first woman to hold the post in the West African country.
Senegalese AI Researcher Adji Bousso Dieng to Become First Black Female Faculty Member to Join Princeton’s School of Engineering & Applied Science
Artificial Intelligence (AI) researcher Adji Bousso Dieng will become the first black woman faculty to join Princeton’s School of Engineering in its 100-year history. Dieng is currently an AI researcher at Google, working in the field of generative modeling. In an interview with Forbes, she explained how generative modeling works.
Rising from Academic Failure to Award-Winning Farmer
Growing up in African societies, we are taught that education is the key to success. Yes, education is important, but one would think that without a decent educational qualification, life is automatically arduous. Well, 25-year-old award-winning South African farmer Siphesihle Kwetana saw hope beyond her academic failure.
Making History: Barbara Gonzalez's Story Reminds Us that Age is Irrelevant
Barbara Gonzalez has made history, becoming the first woman to hold the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Simba Sports Club in Tanzania. It is uncommon for a woman to have a leading role at any football team in the country. Gonzalez is however changing the narrative, but it comes with its own challenges.
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.
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.
Choosing Football Over Royal Duties is Paying Off for Rhoda Mulaudzi
30-year-old Limpopo princess, who ditched her crown for soccer, has won the Woman Player of The Year award courtesy of South African Journalist Awards (SAFJA).
INSPIRATION: Nuclear Scientist Senamile Masango
Today’s story is about Senamile Masango, who discovered a love for science and astronomy at the young age of 11. One lesson about astronauts changed her life and she never imagined herself doing anything different.
Ghanaian Entrepreneur Bernice Dapaah is Transforming Lives by Making Bamboo Bikes
Have you ever heard of bamboo bikes? Bamboo, which is highly available in Ghana, is mainly used in making fabrics, wine, vinegar, biochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Domestically, bamboo is used to make mats, baskets and canoes.
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
Breaking Barriers: Faith Ben-Anuge Becomes First Woman to be Named COO of Nigeria's Women's Football League
African women continue to break new ground and the appointment of Faith Ben-Anuge as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Nigeria’s Women’s Football League (NWFL) is a recent addition to the list.
How This Young Tanzanian Nutritionist is Tackling 'Hidden Hunger' in her Country
Jolenta Joseph from Tanzania, who recently won an international award for fighting hunger, is making nutritious food affordable for low-income earners and the less privileged.
Malawian Sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chiwanga Make Waves On and Off the Soccer Field
Recently, I came across two Malawian sisters who are just like them: Tabitha and Temwa Chiwanga, who play soccer. The sisters have helped build each other’s careers, and I can only imagine how they did it without rivalry coming between them.
Emma Theofelus Makes Avance Media's 2020 Most Influential African Women List at Just 24
Twenty-four-year-old Namibian Information, Communication and Technology Deputy Minister Emma Theofelus, is a major highlight on Avance Media’s second publication of Africa’s 100 Most Prominent Women.
INSPIRATION: How South Sudanese-born Professional Ugandan Netball Player Mary Nuba Defied the Odds
Though challenges are meant to build and grow us, many times when we face trials we throw in the towel. We try something different or give up totally. If you ever think of giving up, then Mary Cholhok Nuba’s story will certainly make you change your mind.
Documentary Released on Zimbabwean All-female Anti-poaching Team Akashinga
Zimbabwe's veteran women rangers, the Akashinga, gain limelight in latest short documentary which profiles their bravery to combat poaching in a life-threatening environment.
Victoria Grandmothers for Africa Cycle Virtually This Year to Support African Grandmothers Raising AIDS-orphaned Children
The Victoria Grandmothers for Africa (VG4A) are undertaking a virtual cycling tour this year meant to raise funds for fellow grandmothers in Africa who are caring for AIDS-orphaned children.
UCT Chancellor Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe and Actress/Producer Nomzamo Mbatha among women featured in Facebook Africa eBook
University of Cape Town (UCT) chancellor Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe and alumnus Nomzamo Mbatha have been honoured by Facebook Africa; an eBook which features their inspiring work has been published. The eBook, which features Moloi-Motsepe, Mbatha and 11 other influential women in South Africa, is titled Inspiring #Changemakers: Lessons from Life and Business.
Renowned Makeup Artist Mali Thomas Joins Bobbi Brown Brand as NEW Global Artist in Residence
Exceptional Nigerian-born makeup artist Mali Thomas has been selected by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics as their new Global Artist in Residence. Mali Thomas, who has over ten years’ experience in the field started off from humble beginnings, working in a restaurant before becoming a visual artist.
Celebrating Abena Amoah's Historic Appointment as Deputy Managing Director of the Ghana Stock Exchange
Capital markets expert, Abena Amoah made history last month following her appointment by the Council of the Ghana Stock Exchange (the Exchange) as its Deputy Managing Director. She assumed her posted on Aug. 1.
Women In Big Data South Africa to Exhibit at Online AI Expo Africa 2020 this September
Women In Big Data South Africa will, for the first time, be exhibiting at this year’s online AI Expo Africa 2020 which will be focusing on women in AI and Data Science across the region. The expo is the continent’s largest trade-focused Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Data Science business conference.
Kuchengetana Trust Serves Over 300,000 Meals to Less Privileged in Response to COVID-19; Founder Shares Her Story
Chitungwiza, a small town that is approximately 26 km from Harare’s central business district, now has its own Tabitha by the name of Samantha Shingirai Murozoki. She has always been keen to help the needy from a young age. Now she is assisting the less privileged who are failing to put food on the table or clothe themselves properly during this COVID-19 era. This is her story:
Founder of IGNITE Youth Organisation Shares How Personal Journey Inspired Her to Create Mentorship for Youth
Tadzi Madzima was raised by a single mother who was multitasking and had a lot on her plate. Tadzi thought opening up to her mother and seeking advice and direction would be like adding more weight to the heavy burden she already had.
MC, Radio Personality Gogo Beau Discusses Achieving Success Despite the Odds Being Stacked Against Her
I was born through what some people might call incest. My mother was impregnated by her sister’s husband’s brother. She used to visit her sister frequently (in Gutu, Zimbabwe) and that is how she ended up falling in love with her brother-in-law. One thing led to another and my mother ended up falling pregnant and eloped.
Beating the Odds
Growing up without parents and with a low self-esteem, it is difficult for one to dream of excelling, let alone writing a motivational book. The following story is about Evelyn Moyo, a lady who beat the odds and did not use her background as an excuse for failure.
Accomplished Entrepreneur Tofara Chokera Shares Tips on How to Become a Successful Businesswoman
Growing up, she wanted to be a bank teller or a teacher. Now, she is a professional IT engineer, internet marketing expert and entrepreneur. "I never had aspecific dream. I admired the ladies who worked in banks because of how theydressed and looked. At the same time, I wanted to be a teacher, gettinginspiration from my mother who was already in the field," she said.
Sharai Makota Shares How She is Rebuilding Her Life After Tragedy
Going from being an able-bodied teacher to being paralyzed is not easy, especially when your partner who vowed to be with you through thick and thin files for divorce. The following story is about 57-year-old Sharai Makota who was involved in an accident that changed her whole life and how she managed to get back on her feet. This is her story:
Courage
A lot of times in our lives we are scared. Scared of doing something that God already said we can do. We keep praying for answers, for open doors, when we have the keys to unlock all doors. All we are told to do is to be strong and courageous. If we do that, we can face any situation or trial and be sure to conquer.
Learning to Love my Scarred Body
It was a normal day for Cynthia Kunze when she and her boss, who was also her friend, went home. They had crossed the first lane of the busy Simon Mazorodze Road in Harare, Zimbabwe, and were waiting to cross the other lane. Everything changed in a split of a second.
It Didn't Work Out
The keys are still where I left them. Everything is quiet here. There is no life, save for nature. The house which was supposed to be filled with laughter is empty. My laughter, our laughter. It reminds me of the past. A past which I wish I could change and relive.
Dear Single Woman
Today I'm boiling maize cobs. The smell coming from the pot reminds me of home. I remember the smoke from the cabin where we cooked our sadza (pap). My mother always told me that sadza cooked on the fire tasted better than that from the electric stove. I never tasted the difference, but now I miss her sadza.
To My Single Sisters Living with HIV
Being HIV positive in a world that is full of stigma and discrimination is a burden on its own, but being an HIV positive woman can be even more challenging. There are certain functions you cannot attend or sleepovers you are scared of going to because of the fear that someone might just find out and your secret will be out.
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.