The University of Venda (UNIVEN)’s Community Engagement Directorate with She Reigns, a girl empowerment organisation recently hosted the International Day of a Girl Child. The event was hosted under the UN 2019 International Day of a Girl Child theme ‘Girl Force Unscripted, and Unstoppable’ and was hosted at the University’s Research Conference Centre. The aim was to assure a girl child that nothing is beyond their wildest dreams and within them lies the capability to achieve anything. The purpose of the initiative was also to challenge common stigmas in society as far as the girl child and leadership qualities are concerned.
Female learners and UNIVEN students listening to the motivational speakers
Attendees of this event were female learners from Gole Secondary School, Alfred Nngwedzeni Secondary, Redemption Worship Christian Church and UNIVEN female students. Fhumulani Tshivhase, one of the founders of She Reigns mentioned that International Day of Girl Child is at the core of She Reigns’ focus as an organisation and this organisation exists to change the girl’s perspectives about themselves. She said women who are doing exceptionally well in their various fields were invited to come and motivate, inspire the ladies through sharing their own life experiences.
Among the invited guests were Fulufhelo Ramulifho from C4You group, Dr Thizwilondi Mudau from UNIVEN Department of Gender and Youth Studies, Londolani Tsanwani the author of MyScarsMyTestimony, Prof Vhonani Netshandama the Director of Community Engagement and Kamogelo Maja the Founder of Rise African Child.
Fulufhelo Ramulifho, the Founder C4U Group
The session started with a motivation by Fulufhelo Ramulifho, the Founder C4U Group. Fulufhelo Ramulifho stressed that girls should live to unlock the potential that lies within them. She shared her experiences while growing up. Ramulifho blatantly told the girls that success road is not easy but possible.
Lindokuhle Zwane, President of She Reigns at UNIVEN
Lindokuhle Zwane, President of She Reigns at UNIVEN rendered two poems about beauty and self-esteem. The rendered poems made the girls to realise that they can also use their talent to better the lives of other people.
Londolani Tsanwani, the Author of #MyScarsMyTestimony
Londolani Tsanwani, the Author of #MyScarsMyTestimony, a book motivated by her life story of a tragic accident that took away her fiancé, Mpho Regalo and his mother. She highlighted the importance of perseverance and patience to achieve intended goals in life. She said Resilience for women/girls is one virtue that can take a person very far. Londolani told young women that she rose against all odds after an experience that could have made her to give up.
The event was concluded with a panel discussion. The panellists were Fulufhelo Ramulifho from C4You group, Dr Thizwilondi Mudau from UNIVEN’s Department of
Gender and Youth Studies, Prof Vhonani Netshandama, the Director of Community Engagement and Kamogelo Maja the Founder of Rise African Child.
During the panel discussion, various questions that speaks to a girl child were asked and amongst other things, the audience wanted to know about the speakers’ journeys and how they triumphed. Dr Mudau from UNIVEN referred to her decision to study gender as profound as she saw a need to know more about the subject to better the lives of women like herself.
Above: Kamogelo Maja (Founder Rise African Child)
Prof Netshandama shared her journey in becoming a professor. She mentioned that one can achieve their dreams regardless of where they come from and their circumstances.
Kamogelo Maja, a young activist and transformational leader told young women that engaging with others is vital for success because opportunities come through other people as well.
Group photo of attendees and speakers outside Research Conference Centre
Change begins with us!!!! She Reigns Leadership with the speakers
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 31 October 2019
