HER RANDOM THOUGHTS
BECOMING THE CONFIDENT
PAGES
FROM DESPERATION TO TRANSFORMATION
WOMAN IN ENGINEERING Q & A
BECOMING THE CONFIDENT WOMAN
FROM ADVERSITY TO EMPOWERMENT
WHEN YOU WON'T SAY "I DO"
ALL THINGS WOMEN
Contributors
Editor-in-Chief
Tiny Jarvis
Guest Editor
Nkaela Lorato
Photographer
Amo Photography
Nkgodisheng Kekana
Judah Mokwadi Masego Gaserekwe
Xoliswa Pretty Mohammed
EDITOR'S NOTE
Dear Empowered Reader,
As we embark on this transformative journey together, our first All Things Women issue is a celebration of the multifaceted journey of womanhood.
In this issue, we explore the profound stories of women who have embraced change, emerging stronger and more resilient. Their narratives serve as a testament to the power of transformation, and inspires us all to embrace new beginnings.
Dive into our inspiring cover story as our editor, Tiny Jarvis, shares her journey of desperation and the choices that led to her transformation.
Learn about the world of engineering in our career Q and A feature, "Woman in Engineering." Here, we shine a spotlight on a remarkable woman breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, proving that brilliance knows no gender.
Becoming a confident woman is a continuous journey, and in "Becoming the Confident Woman," we showcase the much awaited summit that left the ladies feeling like they can take over the world in their favourite stilettos.
Challenge conventional wisdom with "When you won't say "I do", " where we present an unorthodox perspective on marriage. This article sparks thought-provoking conversations about partnership, commitment, and the evolving nature of modern relationships.
Here's to embracing transformation, celebrating achievements, and fostering a community of empowered women. Let's embark on a holistic journey of becoming the confident, strong, and authentic women we aspire to be.
With love and empowerment, Nkaela Lorato
FROM DESPERATION TO TRANSFORMATION
"AJourneyofpurpose andspiritualawakening"
In late 2016, amidst a sense of chaos, I consciously redirected my focus towards understanding my life's purpose and true self. December of that year marked a pivotal moment when, in desperation, I prayed for transformative change, willing even contemplating becoming a Sangoma as suggested by those I sought for solutions. However, discerning whether this was truly divine will became essential. After a heartfelt prayer, I decided to throw away the muti I was using in hopes of alleviating my circumstances. Prior attempts had yielded disappointment. A last-ditch effort who recommended visiting my late ancestors' graves, collecting sand for a ritual by the river. Yet, even this plan was thwarted by a broken-down car.
Today, my life has taken a different trajectory. Feeling lost and yearning for meaning is a universal experience. This sentiment, familiar to many, leaves individuals empty and disconnected. Personally, this sense of loss weighed heavily on my mind, driving me to search for a place where my beliefs aligned. Amid this search, I took a leap of faith, attending a local church. Despite initial hesitation, the warm reception, diverse congregation, and resonating message of hope, love, and purpose made me feel accepted. This church became my sanctuary, a place to explore spirituality and connect with others
on similar journeys. It shifted my perspective from being lost to embarking on a path of discovery and growth.
Believing in the unique power and strength of women, I've learned that healing is a holistic process encompassing various aspects of our being. Spirituality, often overlooked, plays a vital role in achieving true and lasting healing. Prioritizing spirituality became a turning point in my overall wellbeing.
Holistic transformation, an honest journey of self-reflection and acknowledgement of flaws, for improvement. Trusting God through prayer is crucial in this process. Surrendering my imperfections to God, though challenging, proved worthwhile, opening myself to transformative power. Aligning ourselves with God's truth enables us to live out our purpose and break free from inhibiting chains. This challenging yet rewarding process is worth the effort.
This platform serves as a safe space for women to share our stories, fostering vulnerability and ownership of our journey towards transformation. By sharing struggles and triumphs, we inspire and help others undergoing similar processes. In embracing holistic transformation, let us become the best versions of ourselves, not only telling our stories but also serving as sources of transformation for others.
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WOMAN IN ENGINEERING
Q&A
Q: Who is Nkgodisheng Kekana?
A: I'm a dynamic 27 year-old woman from the beautiful Limpopo province. I'm an outspoken dream chaser who's unafraid to take a leap of faith in pursuit of my passions
Q: What pushed you to pursue a career in mining?
A: Growing up in a tight-knit mining community, surrounded by the pulsating energy of an underground platinum mine, sparked my fascination with the mining process. The constant blasts that echoed through our town peaked my curiosity, and made me think about the meticulous planning that goes into every explosion, and the process of turning raw platinum into a finished product My uncle's stories about how lucrative the mining industry is also played a part in my decision, and I'm still on the hunt for that So you can say that my pursuit was motivated by a mixture of wonder and ambition, and it is a challenging yet rewarding journey. Completing my Mining Engineering qualification at Wits University remains a highlight in my life, as it shaped and taught me a lot about myself.
Q: Share an instance where you made a significant impact in your department?
A: Absolutely! In our Technical Service Department, being a team player goes beyond words When a scheduled blast faced challenges and the mining team couldn't facilitate it over the weekend, I, equipped with my Open Cast Blasting Certificate, stepped up to ensure a smooth process. It's moments like these that capture the spirit of teamwork.
Q: What challenges do you face as a woman in your field?
A: Navigating the dynamics as a young woman in Mining can be challenging, particularly when giving instructions to a predominantly male team Overcoming stereotypes based on age and gender is crucial. In my role as a production supervisor in training, building trust through support from seniors proved invaluable in establishing credibility within the team.
Q: In Mining, are women driven by proving themselves to men, or by passion for their careers?
A: If you spend your life trying to prove or compare, it's often a futile effort. Women in Mining showcase genuine passion for the profession, inspiring to witness as they make significant strides. It's not about competition but about women claiming their space and solidifying their presence in the industry
Q: What are your future plans?
A: Future plans? I aim to pursue a Master's in Mine Planning and Optimization, building on field experience. Eventually, I plan to work internationally, staying abreast of evolving mining technologies to become a top-notch Mine Planning Engineer.
Advice for aspiring women in mining?
Persist! Don't give up; trying and failing is better than not trying at all. Seek a mentor in the industry, engage with fellow women on platforms like LinkedIn for motivation. Find a mentor with experience, learn from them, but remember your journey is unique —forge your own path.
BECOMING THE CONFIDENT WOMAN: A SUMMIT TO REMEMBER!
There's an undeniable magic when women gather to celebrate their journeys, and that enchantment was palpable on September 2, 2023, at Boa-fe Wedding, Function, and Conference venue. The Words Swords Consulting hosted a Women Summit that wasn't just an event; it was a celebration of empowerment, resilience, and the art of 'Becoming the Confident Woman.'
Kicking off the day with infectious energy, host Masego Gaserekwe set the tone by using an egg analogy to remind attendees of the uniqueness within themselves. The room buzzed with excitement as women reflected on their confidence levels, discovering that confidence is a perpetual journey rather than a destination.
The summit's dynamic panelists, each with a distinct perspective, delved into topics ranging from self-esteem and career advancement to personal growth and healthy living. Their collective wisdom wasn't just advice; it was a toolkit for every woman to carve her path towards confidence. Emphasizing the significance of self-love and continuous personal growth, the panelists shattered the notion that confidence hinges on external validation.
In a powerful conclusion, 'Becoming the Confident Woman' left attendees feeling empowered and armed with the tools needed for their ongoing journey. It served as a poignant reminder that confidence is a continuous process of growth and selfdiscovery.
From left to right: Paseka Tlali, Bontle Sebesho, Masego Gaserekwe, Thato Balepile and Kealeboga Tshikovhi Photo by Amo Photography
The Words Swords team extends heartfelt gratitude to the incredible panelists and the esteemed women who made this summit a resounding success. A special nod goes to the men present, acknowledging their vital role in women’s empowerment. Mentorship, sponsorship, or simply offering a listening ear—these men contribute to a more equal and balanced society. It's not about overshadowing, but about valuing and supporting women as equals. Cheers to the men who champion women, because together, we're creating a world where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
Paseka Tlali caught the attendees attention
From left to right: Bokamoso Golebanye, Constance Golebanye, Kealeboga Tshikovhi, Tiny Jarvis, Lebo Moetlo and Keamogetse Pampoen
Tshidi Mangena
Photos by Amo Photography
Jeanette Gabonwe
FROM ADVERSITY TO EMPOWERMENT: A SOCIAL WORKER'S JOURNEY INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Xoliswa Pretty Mohammed, a compassionate Social Worker, has turned adversity into inspiration, unveiling a powerful journey of resilience and entrepreneurship.
Xoliswa's Awakening: A Personal Story Amidst South Africa's pre-existing challenges, Xoliswa faced a turning point in September 2022 when her four-year contract with an NPO ended. This marked the beginning of her personal struggle with severe depression and-
Addressing Unprecedented Mental Health Challenges Research has revealed a surge in mental health cases and psychosocial issues since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Social workers, recognized as pillars of support, play a pivotal role in meeting the increased demand for mental health services.
anxiety, shedding light on the harsh reality many face post- pandemic job losses.
Despite her expertise in counseling others, Xoliswa realized the importance of seeking help for herself. Overcoming hurdles such as limited resources and access to private care, her journey reflects the resilience that defines her commitment to mental health.
Breaking the Stigma: The Connection between mental and physical health Post-Covid, a spike in suicide cases emphasizes the urgent need for mental health care. Anxiety and depression, often overlooked, can have farreaching consequences on individuals, families, and the economy. Xoliswa, having volunteered in public schools, witnessed the struggles of learners and teachers facing mental health challenges.
Her experiences underscore the importance of prioritizing mental wellbeing.
Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Change: Out of adversity emerged "BRAIN- MATTER 2 PTY (LTD)," Xoliswa's brainchild dedicated to addressing psychosocial issues. This organization not only provides mental health care services but also advocates for a society free from the stigma associated with mental illness.
Xoliswa's story is not just a personal triumph; it's an inspiration for all women navigating their own paths to empowerment. Join her in breaking barriers and fostering mental wellbeing for a brighter, stigma-free future.
when you won't say "i do"
Last November, my friend and I made plans to meet and catch up. We hadn't seen each other in a while, and a lot was happening in our lives. So when she walked through my front door on a tuesday afternoon, I was expecting hours of meaningful banter and laughter over bottomless tea. Our conversation started as we sat down. Fifteen minutes later, we had swayed to a new topic, and I was rambling at full speed with my free hand in the air for effect. Then suddenly and silently, my friend raised her left arm. Then she put her hand in front of my face and kept it there. I went quiet and waited for her next move, but nothing happened. Her hand just stayed dangerously close to my nose. Then my eyes moved from her hand to her fingers, and that's when I saw it. Perched on her ring finger was a diamond encrusted masterpiece of a ring that formed a perfect, sparkling circle at the top of her finger. It was delicate yet bold. Extravagant yet simple, and all kinds of beautiful. In that moment, I knew what my friend was trying to tell me, but my brain needed confirmation. And once it processed the data, it summarised what my friend was telling me without using words, which was"I'm engaged." I've never stood up as quickly as I did that day. And after slamming my mug on the table, I screamed. And for an hour and a half that followed, I lost my natural mind. My screams became louder, then I started crying, then pacing the room with my hands on my head. Then I did them simultaneously. Every few minutes, I walked up to my friend, grabbed her hand, stared at her ring, hugged her and cried even louder. I cried until my nose started running. After braving some tissue, the crying, screaming, pacing, grabbing, staring and hugging continued. I was an overwhelmed, hot mess, and I couldn't bring myself to calm down. And all that time, my darling friend remained seated on the couch, laughing and shaking her head at the madness of my emotional reaction to the news of her engagement.
Wedding preparations followed shortly after the engagement. During that time, I constantly revisited my long standing decision never to get married. And every time I did, my stance never changed Because the truth is, I've never desired marriage.
Never dreamt of being a bride and walking down the aisle to promise a certain gentleman my undying love with all the trimmings. To be honest, I feel the same way about marriage as I do about tattoos - I like them on other people, and I'm more than happy to cheer the loudest from a distance.Don't get me wrong, I love and respect the institution of marriage. As a blood-bought Christ follower, I believe marriage is a beautiful and sacred covenant when done God's way. I'm also a huge fan of weddings - the fashion, the glamour, the romance, the music, the get down, the vibe! And if you're my age or older, you'll remember Brooke's spectacular beach wedding scene in The Bold and the Beautiful, when she married Ridge (again). She looked like a dream in a flowy, white dress, riding on a white horse that walked on white beach sand in slow motion towards her dapper groom. It was breathtaking. Next week, my gorgeous friend will be walking in slow motion towards her dapper groom, and I'll be crying (again). Just like I did when she showed me her engagement ring. And when she asked me to be her Maid of Honour. And when we went for dress fittings. Because a part of me feels like I'm losing her to a new best friend. But I love their love, and I'll be cheering on their Holy Matrimony with tons of prayer As for me, I've chosen a different aisle to walk down. Am I weird? Yes. Do I need deliverance? Maybe. Do I have the right to change mind? I do.
“A transformed woman not only tells her own story but she also becomes a source of transformation to others.” T i n y J a r v i s