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Geek Vibes Nation
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
The 32nd New York African Film Festival Shorts Program - Films By And About African Women
The 32nd New York African Film Festival has always been known for selecting and screening contemporary classic films from Africa and the diaspora. The 32nd Edition with this year's theme, 'Fluid Horizons: A Shifting Lens on a Hopeful World,' honors the resilience of African youth and their ancestors, and that is evident through the selected titles in the closing night shorts program by and/or about African women. The films vary from touching emotional tales to visual, kaleidoscopic feasts for the eyes. As the Geek Vibes Nation remote festival coverage faithful soldier, I decided to share a brief overview of this year's titles. The festival has been traveling all over New York, will run at BAM (the Brooklyn Academy of Music) during the DanceAfrica festival through Thursday, May 29, and concludes with a free screening at St. Nicholas Park on Saturday, May 31. Temple Road (13 minutes) There's nothing more intimate than feminine rituals in this culturally specific short. Directors Anil Padia and Michael Mwangi Maina create a sepia-colored world of spiritual and ritualistic preparation of a woman, blending Kenyan and Indian cultures in a dazzling, golden-hued mix. Scenes after scenes of women dressing the protagonist, Akidor, in finely embroidered fabric, washing her hair, braiding it, and indulging in detailed habitual cleansing, scrubbing, bathing, and rubbing by the elder women in her family, and brought into her rites-of-passage journey into womanhood. Padia's costume design and creative direction find inspiration in his fashion design roots. The result is a feast for the eyes and a sensual visual experience like no other. We Will Be Who We Are (16 minutes) From Kenya to Sierra Leone, another director brings a stunning visual piece about two best friends who decide to marry in an attempt to free one another from societal restrictions. Aya and Boi ceremoniously celebrate life, friendship, individuality, and freedom, all against the backdrop of stunning cinematography and breathtaking landscapes. As Aya indulges in the latest fashion trends and Boi performs the Muslim prayer, the distance between them becomes more apparent. In another scene, where they both wear wigs and beautiful dresses, it's clear how similar they truly are. Director Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda perfectly uses inspiration from director Barry Jenkins' Moonlight, and creates a stunning commentary on repressed individuality in conservative societies. Iron Fist (15 minutes) In another Kenyan gem, the pressures of motherhood and responsibility take their toll on Wangari, a hardworking Nairobian woman. She finds relief and catharsis at a local boxing gym, where the hardships of her conditions and the demands of daily physical work clash with seeking bodily exertion and avoiding creepy, stalkerish predators. Kagure N. Kabue paints a beautiful story of resilience, feminine empowerment, and celebrating working women all over the world, all told through simple cinematic language and an enjoyable narrative that prioritizes the liberation and independence of women above all. Le Grand Calao (27 minutes) There are films that feel like a breath of fresh air on a hot summer day. Le Grand Calao is essentially this film, where a group of women decides to take a break from the burdens of their hectic lives to spend time at the Grand Calao's public pool. Conversations flow in this stunning short as director Zoé Cauwet captures the intimacy and coziness of feminine moments. The film is simply shot and executed, highlighting how, in these modest settings, those women can still find their happiness and their release from the daily life burdens. In one scene, one of the women dips into the swimming pool for the first time, and Cauwet beautifully emphasizes this genuine moment of feminine liberation and experimentation for this unassuming woman from a small town. Sira (24 minutes) Mariame N'diaye's film takes place in France, but the Malian traditions are the ones at play here. A mother-daughter bond in a foreign country makes them create the cultural oasis they are both craving, a place far away from a rather hostile environment, at least for the mother, evident in subtle moments, coyly sneaking themselves into the short narrative. The film takes a heartbreaking turn when it shows the Malaian couple struggling with the reality of their situation as immigrants, and the rules imposed on them by the French society, including understanding the language and being fluent in it. It's a bittersweet short about how the effect of language and cultural barriers on the bond between a mother and a daughter. God's Wife (15 minutes) A powerful Nigerian short about the suffocating traditions imposed on women in a patriarchal society. The film begins with the Igbo tradition of cutting a widow's hair. Through a close-up, director Dika Ofoma presents a young woman's face, washed in grief and morbid anticipation of what is coming next. His bold cinematic language creates the perfect vehicle for showcasing the young woman's suffering in a society, weighed down by tradition, that keeps rejecting her existence and individuality, forcing her to make difficult choices. The film is a disturbing anatomy of a woman exploited due to the harsh circumstances of her poverty and her lack of resources, a tough but necessary watch.
Mail & Guardian
26-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Tackling the gender inequality issue in the South African workplace
While there has been significant progress against gender inequality, the issue still has visible effects, especially in countries like South Africa. African women earn less than men, and they are offered low-skilled jobs, which prevents them from progressing in their careers. Although women in South Africa are ambitious when entering the workforce, they don't have the same opportunities as men, who are usually more successful in terms of rank and pay. This is due to the stereotypes that are deeply rooted in African society, and the only way to overcome them is to challenge the existing societal norms and create inclusive workplaces where women can thrive. Pay disparity is huge in South Africa, affecting women's quality of life Reports on the pay gender gap show that South African women have a salary that is 23%-35% lower than men having the same role. This significantly hinders women's wealth creation trajectory in the country, leading to inequalities that can become exponential in the long run. In the broader society, undervaluing the professional contribution of African women can also take a toll on their mental health, at the same time affecting their extended families and children. The pay disparity issue is major, and it is unfair to think how this discrimination limits women from achieving a better quality of life – especially when they do have the skills required to build successful careers. For instance, African women are underrepresented in leadership positions While African women are part of the country's workforce, only 7% of JSE-listed organisations have women working as executives. But this is a minor percentage, and having more women in leadership is essential to drive change in South African workplaces. The lack of women in roles requiring decision-making skills stifles innovation, enforcing a male-dominated culture, which only perpetuates gender inequality. Tackling this issue ultimately comes down to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace – that's the only way women (and society) can progress. Different barriers prevent women from joining corporate boards in the country. Firstly, the business culture is a significant factor, as from a historical perspective, African women have experienced high rates of unemployment, financial dependence and even Caregiving duties place significant pressure on African women The best work environments are those where employers feel like their well-being matters and where they don't have to Their caregiving duties significantly impact their professional lives and their ability to earn an income. They feel pressured to meet all the expectations, and finding a balance between professional and personal life gets too overwhelming. There is also a dichotomy between women's earning and spending that needs to be considered. While they are the ones to make most decisions regarding household purchases, women generate less income than their husbands, which can cause tension in the relationship. Women are considered less than ideal workers due to their responsibilities, and of course, achieving equity in the workplace will never be possible if women are excluded only because they have children to look after. Hence, it becomes essential to accommodate Creating equitable and diverse workplaces in the African society: a matter of collective commitment South Africa is clearly moving in the right direction when it comes to gender equality, but there's still a lot to be done to bridge the gender gap. Companies need to do their own part in achieving this goal by prioritising the search for female talent to fulfil executive roles. In the long run, a culture shift would be required to remove stereotypes and gender biases in the workplace. However, this change is a significant one, and it will likely take time to be implemented. As the world becomes more and more uncertain, it's essential to have leaders who can lead with empathy and inform through honest and effective communication. And women demonstrate these strengths, making them suitable for leadership positions. Hence, organisations, policymakers, and society should work together to overcome all those barriers and build workplaces that support everyone's contribution, no matter their gender. Only by tackling the gender diversity issue in South Africa can the country thrive and tap into the full potential of its female top talent. It's important to remember that women are just as capable as men, and they deserve a chance at a better quality of life, so to see change, it's essential to work on challenging stereotypes effectively.
News24
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
How Lunathi Mampofu's starring role in Inimba is a journey of healing
Lunathi Mampofu's latest lead role is Zoleka Mabandla in Inimba. Portraying the complex reality of a career-driven mother is what Lunathi loves about the role. She reveals that the series hits deep as a reflection of her reality as a single mother. ____________________________________________________ Sometimes life imitates art in a way that you'd least expect it. For award-winning actor Lunathi Mampofu, it was bringing to life the complexities of a career-driven woman and single motherhood, which mirrors the themes of her own life. Lunathi takes on the lead role as the headstrong tech mogul Zoleka Mabandla in the powerful drama series Inimba, who sacrificed everything for her career before returning home and attempting to reconnect with her daughter Qhawe (played by Ayakha Ntunja) she left behind. As a single parent herself, Lunathi was drawn to how real and honest the portrayal of real issues many South African women face in their own lives. The 38-year-old tells TRUELOVE about what she loves the most about bringing Zoleka to life. 'With this specific story ... It's real life issues and things that happen and I, as a single parent, am going through some of those things as well and the difficulties of having to choose between being a mom and coming out here and working and doing God's work. 'But I think for me, it's just the fact that I get to portray the reality of what's actually going on out there with the people and how they sometimes feel - and I think we all do - we always feel like we are alone in the situations that we're going through. Whether it's a divorce, whether it's being away from your child, whether it's the difficulties that we face at work, which we face even in our industry.' A reflection of reality Zoleka's tale is one that hits deep with Lunathi, who reveals that she personally has felt the pressures of being at a crossroads between fulfilling her commitments as a mother and as a prominent figure in South African entertainment. She admits, 'Ja man, a lot of times, like schoolwork and stuff like that, I would like to be more present, I would like to do more, but I can't split myself as being the breadwinner, the mother, the person who puts the whole household together, like all of it. That's the reality and the truth and until I'm blessed to find a partner who's going to assist me with that. 'But in the same breath, you have to make it work and I can't take away from the people that love me, that have been there in this journey with me, like my parents, my siblings, in moments where I had to be at work she has to be picked up or she needs to fly to Cape Town because I'm flying out of country. So, those are the moments where I'm just like you know what - and we've had those tough conversations together but the beautiful part is the fact that I've brought up to be independent as well and to understand the route that I've chosen.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oros Mampofu | Actor (@oros_mampofu) The journey of healing Lunathi is someone who is very critical about her performances but, with Inimba, she is using this impactful story to have real conversations with her daughter in a way that is healing for the thespian. 'I struggle to watch myself but with this show - because I said again - it's healing for me in so many different ways, in so many different ways. 'So, it's also therapy just to rewatch it and have those conversations with u-aunty endlini and have those conversations with my daughter where you actually pick up the type of person that she's growing up to be as well and how understanding she is about certain things that have happened in our life. So, I really honestly chose this job because I knew what it was going to do for us.'
Mail & Guardian
11-05-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
African women at higher risk of preeclampsia – a dangerous pregnancy complication
Preeclampsia is a rising threat to maternal and infant health. Urgent investment in genetic research and early detection could save thousands of lives It plays a major part in about And it's on the rise. The incidence of preeclampsia in Africa jumped by about Preeclampsia usually occurs in young mothers during their first pregnancy. Girls under the age of 18 are Not only does preeclampsia pose a serious threat to women, it also harms babies, contributes to stillbirth, Yet we still do not know enough about preeclampsia. This gap has driven my research into the disease. I conducted the My work But African women are at An additional finding from my research is that genetic protection from preeclampsia works differently across populations. African populations carry unique protective genes. But, even with these additional protections, African women are at greater risk of developing severe preeclampsia because of the other problems such as access to healthcare and socio-economic constraints. There's inequality in the treatment of the condition too. In my experience, wealthier and better-educated African women often receive the diagnosis and treatment. Poorer and less-educated African women often do not. Preeclampsia research, especially in Africa, requires a lot more funding, as does broader research related to the maternal health of African women. Preeclampsia in Uganda About 287 000 Most of these deaths are preventable. For example, about Uganda's health ministry recorded in 2023 that out of 1 276 According to the World Health Organisation's The neonatal Infant mortality (death before a child turns one) is 31 per 1 000 live births in Uganda versus 3.7 in Australia. This stark contrast highlights an enormous gap in care that the two countries' pregnant mothers and babies receive. Part of the problem in Uganda, as in many developing countries, is persistent problems in healthcare infrastructure and resources. There are shortages of healthcare workers, medical supplies and facilities, particularly in the rural areas. (Graphic: John McCann/M&G) Early detection is key As a clinician and researcher working at the centre of Uganda's healthcare system, I witness mothers arriving at hospitals already in a The condition is both preventable and treatable if caught early. My These predictive biomarkers, as they are called, enable us to categorise patients based on their risk levels and identify those most likely to benefit from specific treatments or preventive measures. The precise causes of preeclampsia are not certain, but factors beyond genetics are thought to be problems with the immune system and inadequate development of the placenta. But much of what researchers know comes from work done in high-income countries, often with a limited sample size of African women. Consequently, the findings may not apply directly to the genetics of sub-Saharan African women. My research addresses this knowledge gap. Building on my findings about genetic determinants, I am leading a research team at Makerere University in Uganda to design interventions tailored to specific prevention and treatment strategies for African populations. Raising awareness Research alone is not enough. There is an urgent need to bridge the gap between research and practice. During my fieldwork, I have witnessed first-hand how many Ugandan women are not aware of preeclampsia's warning signs and miss out on vital prenatal care. These warning signs often include headache, disturbances with vision, upper pain in the right side of the abdomen and swelling of the legs. But we can develop screening algorithms so that healthcare professionals can rapidly diagnose women at higher risk early in their pregnancy. Timely intervention, including specific treatment and plans for delivery, would reduce the risk of adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby. In my capacity as a national pre-eclampsia champion appointed by Uganda's health ministry, I am spearheading initiatives to raise awareness and improve access to maternal healthcare services. Through community outreach programmes and educational campaigns, we want to empower all women, rich and poor, with knowledge about the condition and encourage them to seek medical assistance at an early stage. More resources must be allocated to genetics research to realise our goals of prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia and its associated complications. This investment will drive the development of predictive technology for precise diagnosis, and enable timely intervention for at-risk mothers. Moreover, investigating the genetic roots of preeclampsia could lead to novel therapies that reduce the need for costly medical procedures or prolonged care for those affected. This would reduce the strain on already overburdened African healthcare systems. Annettee Nakimuli is an associate professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. This article first appeared in .
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Call for Nominations for this Year's 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars
The African Women Business Energy Network (AWBEN) – a platform created to advocate for career advancement for women in the African energy sector – has launched its call for nominations for this year's 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars. Celebrating the achievements and contributions of women as they strive towards making energy poverty history in Africa, the 2025 edition of the 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars highlights a new generation of industry leaders, energy experts, trailblazers and executives. These women have not only shown remarkable success in the sector but set the tone for a future built on gender equality, change and industry growth. An Opportunity to Celebrate The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars celebrates those in the industry who have shown resilience, innovation and dedication. With a similar drive to expand energy access, bolster development and unlock new fields of creativity in African energy, these women continue to display the vital role women play in both Africa's and the global energy sector. Over the years, winner have included c-level executives, government representatives, journalists and media experts, lawyers, financiers and engineers. Representing global energy companies, African institutions, technology leaders and public corporations, these women have set a strong example for others in the industry. Nomination Criteria AWBEN invites the industry to apply or nominate an eligible candidate. To be considered, nominees must meet the following requirements: Age Requirement: Nominees must be under the age of 40 at the time of nomination. Eligibility: Nominees must be actively working in or contributing towards Africa's energy sector. Additionally, nominees must meet at least three of the following criteria: Excellence in Field/Impact: Nominees must demonstrate significant impact in their current role through performance, leadership or strategic contributions. Leadership: Nominees must demonstrate proven leadership and a track record of driving meaningful change, mentoring others or shaping the direction of their organization. Innovation: Nominees must showcase the development or application of innovative technologies, business models or approaches that address challenges or create new opportunities in the African energy space. Sustainability and Sector Growth: Nominees must demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices and initiatives that support the long-term development and resilience of Africa's energy landscape. Community Engagement: Nominees must contribute actively in projects or programs that deliver social impact, empower local communities or promote inclusive development through energy. How to Nominate To apply or nominate a candidate, please visit Nominations must be submitted alongside the following: Detailed description of the nominee's achievements in the energy sector. Detailed description of the selected nominee criteria. Supporting documents, including resumes, certification and/or publications. The deadline for nominations is June 20, 2025. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
