Blog
-
Day for Women and Girls of African Descent and African Women’s Day
Reading Time: 4 minutesI cannot believe I am only getting a chance to post this at the beginning of September 2026! But I am very pleased that my coming back post is about celebrating African women and girls and women and girls of African descent! What happens in July of every year? July is a month of celebrating, remembering and honouring African women and girls, and women and girls of African descent. 25 July has been marked as the UN International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent, proclaimed in 2024 and celebrated for the first time on 25 July 2025. July 2026 was its second year of commemoration.…
-
Love Through African Women’s Writing
Reading Time: 6 minutesIn 2025, as I read widely across books by African women, I found myself drawn to recurring themes. One of these was romantic love. Romance is not a category I would ordinarily gravitate towards, but as I began reading more books by African women, I quickly realised that these are not romance novels – not in the westernised sense at least. They are, however, stories about love. Just not the fairy-tale, fluffy kind. This is love as lived, negotiated, endured, questioned, and often undone. Love that stretches across time, circumstance, and consequence. Love that transcends. These are the kinds of stories that make you pause and ask:…
-
April 2025 Book of the Month Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter by Nozipo Maraire
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThis month, we’re centring a timeless voice: Zenzele, a moving and intimate novel written in the form of a letter from a Zimbabwean mother to her daughter, fixing to leave home to study abroad. Through this heartfelt narrative, Maraire explores the complexities of identity, womanhood, post-colonial African history, and the beauty and burden of belonging. This is another gem from Zimbabwe, just like our March 2025 book of the month! A book for mothers, daughters, and all those who carry home with them wherever they go. Let’s talk about: Have you read Zenzele? What did it mean to you? If not, get your copy now.
-
Spotlight on Thandie Hlabana – Researcher, Mentor & Advocate for Gender and Water Justice
Reading Time: 4 minutesToday, we shine a light on Thandie Hlabana, a Mosotho woman from Lesotho, speaking Sesotho! A lecturer, researcher, mentor, and advocate for gender and water justice. She identifies first as a mother, sister, daughter, friend, and mentor, roles that deeply shape her perspective on women’s struggles and resilience. As a passionate Sociology lecturer at the National University of Lesotho and a PhD researcher in Environmental Sciences and the Centre for Water Cultures at the University of Hull, UK, Thandie is using research as a tool for amplifying the voices of marginalised women and shaping gender-sensitive policies. Research, Advocacy & Water Justice Thandie’s current PhD research focuses on…
-
Spotlight on Loide Nantinda Filmmaker and Cultural Heritage Advocate
Reading Time: 4 minutesToday, we spotlight and honour Loide Nantinda, a Namibian filmmaker, writer, actor, speaker, personal coach, ministry creative, communications strategist, and cultural heritage advocate. Her work uplifts communities, amplifies African voices, and preserves cultural identity. About Loide Nantinda, Filmmaker and Cultural Heritage Advocate As the Founder & Creative Director of Loide Invictus Media, Loide has built a legacy in heritage initiatives, arts, and corporate communications. She is also the powerhouse behind The Loide Invictus Brand, the creator of The Our Likeness Documentary Project, and the owner of Nuusiku Investment cc, which houses two creative sister brands: Loide is deeply passionate about cultural diplomacy, storytelling, and women’s advocacy, ensuring…
-
Spotlight on Tatenda Manhanzva – A Champion for Justice
Reading Time: 2 minutesAbout Tatenda Manhanzva Today, we celebrate Tatenda Manhanzva, a passionate advocate for social justice and an inspiration to many. A Chevening Alumnus (2017-2018) and an experienced lawyer qualified in Zimbabwe and Canada, Tatenda has dedicated her career to ensuring that marginalised communities have access to justice. In Zimbabwe, she served as a Provincial Court Judge (Magistrate), upholding justice across all sectors of society. She also gained extensive experience in corporate law as a private lawyer. Upon qualifying as a Barrister and Solicitor in Canada, she transitioned into human rights-oriented law and is currently practising as a family lawyer. She works predominantly with Indigenous and other marginalised groups,…
-
Spotlight on Kauli Nghishitende – A Trailblazing Legal Mind
Reading Time: 2 minutesAbout Kauli Nghishitende Kauli Nghishitende is a renowned legal professional and corporate leader passionate about corporate governance and ethical leadership. Her career spans both the judiciary and corporate sectors. An admitted practitioner of the High Court of Namibia, she began her legal journey as a magistrate, serving six years before transitioning into corporate law. Since then, she has held high-ranking roles, including Legal Mine Secretary at Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd. She now serves as Company Secretary at Erongo RED (Pty) Ltd, a leading electricity distribution company in Namibia, where she is a member of the executive committee. A Leader in Legal & Corporate Governance Beyond her…
-
Spotlight on Jordaania Andima – Footsteps for Africa Country Director
Reading Time: 3 minutesAbout Jordaania Andima Our spotlight for today as part of the International Women’s Day countdown is Jordaania Andima, a dedicated advocate for education, health, and youth empowerment in Namibia. As the Country Director for Footsteps for Africa, a non-profit organisation focused on providing vital infrastructure such as community gardens, school libraries, hostels, resource centres, and nurseries. She, therefore, plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and ensuring access to essential resources. A Patriot Dedicated to Transforming Lives Jordaania’s work is fueled by her deep love for Namibia and her belief in the power of collective action. Her commitment to development is evident in her efforts to facilitate partnerships that directly…
-
Spotlight on Ms. Lyna Gitonga
Reading Time: 2 minutesAbout Ms. Lyna Gitonga Ms. Lyna Gitonga is a proudly Kenyan professional currently residing in the Netherlands. A Chevening Scholar (2017/2018), she holds a Master of Science degree in Finance from Queen Mary University of London. With extensive expertise in Financial Planning & Analysis, Audit, and Data Analysis, she is proficient in tools such as Power BI, Python, ERP systems (Dynamics AX & Dynamics 365), and EViews. Her background also includes a strong foundation in Project Management, specialising in Scrum Methodology and Design Thinking. Currently, she works for a leading global commercial equipment manufacturing company in the food and beverage industry, where she has successfully leveraged her…