10 April 2015

"Women are urgent" says Wanda Baloyi

Submitted by: Kholekile Mnisi

"Women are urgent" says Wanda Baloyi

“There is something that every woman fights for. And growing up in a continent that is deemed third world, I can surely tell you that it is not to be seen and recognized, it is not fighting the concept a woman belongs in the kitchen and it is definitely not better salaries or better careers. It is something beyond that…what every woman is fighting for is agency-to be given a voice, and for the voice to be heard” says Metro FM Award Winner Wanda Baloyi. 

Speaking at the Sunday Circle, a sub brand of Leadership 2020, an educational, social entrepreneurship driven movement led by DJ Sbu ‘Sbusiso’ Leope, Jazz and Soul songstress Wanda Baloyi reflected on how the many challenges she has had to face as a woman living in Africa have molded her and advanced her into being the critical thinker that she is. 

Proving her commitment and position as far as women’s issues are concerned, Wanda has a soon to be unveiled projected called “Brand Woman” which is in line with her vision of creating sustainable solutions and platforms for women and young girls in South Africa.  The key areas that this project aims to tackle are Personal Branding and leadership, Community engagement and Environmental Awareness, Sports and education, Arts as well as Gender issues and health.

Echoing as to why she believes embarking on a project such as this one would make the message seem even clearer, the KORA Award winner stresses that womanhood excites her as much as it equally challenges her. Central to this statement is that womanhood stretches beyond gender and gender roles says Wanda. 

“One theme that I always explore as far as woman empowerment is concerned is empowering the “Brand Woman” and the philosophy of “Womanhood”. I truly believe that the modern African woman has a lot to offer society. The modern African woman is provocative and has opinion. All we ought to do is to seek strategic partnerships with the stakeholders of society and move the woman empowerment conversation forward”