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[Source: Zee Dladla | zalebs.com | Original Article]
NOMZAMO MBATHA EMPOWERS YOUNG LADIES TO ALWAYS BE THEMSELVES
Nomzamo Mbatha is the local face of the PUMA DO YOU campaign which seeks to encourage women everywhere to have the confidence to focus on their strengths and take charge in their world.
Nomzamo was also asked about her take on women empowerment and her passion for the campaign.
1.1. What are the influences, strengths and tools that have helped you to become an empowered woman?
Seeing other women contribute to social change pushes me to do more, and to the best of my ability. Foremost to me is knowing and understanding the responsibility we hold as women of the current generation, and what legacy we leave for women of the next. One woman has the ability to empower another and allow her to shine her light too.
1.2. What are the biggest challenges you face as a woman, and how do you go about overcoming them?
Perhaps living in a patriarchal society. Women constantly have to fight for our voices to be heard and for those voices to matter. That said, as society becomes more inclusive and receptive to change, the roles are slowly shifting and women are becoming more prevalent as thought leaders and breakers of boundaries. We break the rules and make them new.
1.3. Who was the most influential female inspiration for you growing up, and what did you admire about them?
My grandmother. Her strength and resilience knew no bounds. She spoke with authority and with love, her wisdom shaped the woman that I have become and am becoming.
Oprah Winfrey was also an inspiration to me. What I love most about her is that she has always been a pioneer when it comes to empowering the girl child. It’s always been a trait I love about her.
1.4. Is there a strong female influence in your life now? If so, who and why?
My aunt and my mother – two women who grew up having absolutely nothing. Who have loved deeply and suffered loss. My pillars of strength who teach me the power of resilience and perseverance. Truly, they are the reason for my discipline, groundedness and work ethic.
1.5. Are women in South Africa becoming more empowered – if so, in what way and why do you think this is?
Absolutely. The amount of female entrepreneurs that our country has produced in the last decade is astounding. Women who are decision makers in the work place, women who are running organizations for female empowerment, single mothers who are raising kings and queens. Women today are more liberated in who they are and it is beautiful to see.
1.6. How can women inspire one another to become more empowered?
By rooting for each other! We are all running our own race at our own pace. It gets tiring but knowing that ten other sisters are encouraging you to keep going and not to give up would be a bonus! Female-on-female empowerment is what we need. We need to be building each other up.