Matlaba Machete
​As women, we've made significant strides as a nation, but our journey is far from over. Our history has been marred by tragedy, and its effects are still felt today. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done, especially in advancing the development of women.
This is according to Malehlohonolo Mohalanyane, a Statutory Social Worker in the Gauteng Department of Social Development's Eastern Corridor, who acknowledges the remarkable progress women have made. However, she raises concerns about a persistent challenge: "The work done by powerful women of struggle is being undone by the notion that a woman is only respected, valued, or dignified when a man's name is attached to her."
Mohalanyane is deeply passionate about her work, which she describes as "a God-given calling, the epitome of the meaning of life." Her primary focus is on children placed in foster care, ensuring they receive the care and protection they need due to the unique challenges they face. "My job is to ensure that these children are well cared for and nurtured into the best versions of themselves, despite the traumas they have experienced," she says.
A significant part of her role involves creating nurturing environments for these children. She emphasizes the importance of equipping foster parents with lifelong skills to guide these children through all phases of life. "I want to give children a sense of belonging, strong enough for them to have a voice to advocate for themselves," Mohalanyane adds.
She also stresses the importance of self-care, particularly for women who often carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. "Being a woman doesn't mean you have to always be a rock. Self-care is important, not just for the body but for the mind too." In her free time, she enjoys traveling, learning new skills such as yoga, participating in marathons, and golfing activities that allow her to relax and recharge.
Beyond her work with foster children, Mohalanyane is also dedicated to fostering positive masculinity among foster parents, promoting the idea that both genders can coexist harmoniously. She believes that educating society about the power of women and addressing issues such as the objectification of women and the false notion that a woman's success diminishes a man's strength are critical steps toward creating a secure environment where women can thrive.
"A woman who is developed understands her place in any given space, can act independently, is not afraid to ask for help, and is confident in exploring different aspects of herself. She takes responsibility for her choices and actions and is truly deserving of praise," Mohalanyane explains.
She also highlights the need for a balanced approach to gender development. While significant attention has been given to the development of young girls and women, Mohalanyane notes that young boys and men, who may be underdeveloped, neglected, or lacking in nurturing, often share the same spaces. This imbalance can lead to hostility between the genders. To address this, she advocates for creating safe spaces where men are empowered to use their strength for good and learn about positive masculinity. Partnering with organizations like Father A Nation, she aims to provide this kind of empowerment and foster better relationships between men and women.
Mohalanyane believes that developing women's abilities and entrepreneurship will have a profound impact not only on their lives but also on the economy. "Empowering women will relieve some of the government's burden, reduce unemployment, and create a self-sufficient army of women in business," she concludes.