Kagiso Legodi: the little that I have to give means everything to me
“Whatever my mind can comprehend, I can achieve” these words are from 22 year old Kagiso Legodi, born and bred in the dusty roads of Gamashashane Limpopo, a rural Village tucked away from Polokwane CBD, South Africa. A Social Entrepreneur,Writer and Founder of ‘I am She’; a women empowerment initiative that aims to address and redress the social gender inequalities of the past. Kagiso studied Accounting at Tshwane University of Technology; is a certified Emotion coach from MHI leadership firm; and recently she wrote a book, ‘Flooded But Not Drowned’. Tell us about ”I am She”. What inspired you to start the organisation? The reason why I started I am She is because I saw how as women we are still told of things that we cannot do. Some of us dream of only being housewives and most men still see us as objects. Therefore, I wanted to inspire women and to remind them that they are capable of achieving anything, beyond the stereotypes and labels. Why women? I am passionate about women and their well-being. We are living in a developing country whereby a lot of people still go to bed on an empty stomach. Why was it important for you to create and run an organisation like this? I know that I cannot help everyone( I cannot feed every hungry child) but, the little that I have to give means everything to me. My hope is that those who I have helped, will one day go out and help other people too. What are the challenges you face when running your organisation and how do you overcome these challenges? Not having the finances to fund all my ideas. Sometimes people say things like, ‘she thinks she can change the world’. But, I never listen to negative talk and I don’t entertain it. I overcome my challenges because I believe that whatever my mind can comprehend, I can achieve. [bctt tweet=”I never listen to negative talk and I don’t entertain it.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What are your words of encouragement to young people out there who would like to be a helping hand? Be in it for the people you are helping, not for yourself . Be selfless and true. Things will not be a walk in the park, but, remember your ‘why’- why are you in it? Is it fame, recognition or your love of people? You recently wrote a book “Flooded But Not Drowned”, please tell us a bit about it. Flooded But Not Drowned is a collection of real life stories by women. These are women who came out strong and victorious from the many storms they encountered. I have featured 7 different women who have been through child molestation, rape, rejection and low self esteem. I want this book to touch lives, bring hope to the lost and heal the broken hearted. I call it ‘a book for the nations’ because of how it will change lives in Africa and beyond. This means you will be playing a huge role in the media and people’s hearts . How do you plan on using this platform? I plan to use this platform to groom myself into the woman I am destined to be. To create a positive name for myself in the media, and most importantly, to encourage other women to work on their dreams and transform their lives. Where would you like the organization to be in the next five years? My vision for I am She is beyond myself and beyond Africa. I see it as an international women’s empowerment platform. A platform addressing and redressing all the social gender inequalities of the past. I want it to teach women to embrace and inspire one another. Facebook: Kagiso Princess Legodi Instagram: KagisoPrincessLegodi Email: legodiprincess@gmail.com Are you involved in a women’s empowerment initiative? Let us know about you and your story here.
Dorcas Tshuma: Making Every Women Count
Dorcas Tshuma is the South African founding member and programme director for Triumphant Hand of Mercy Initiative (THOMI Africa). THOMI Africa empowers women and girls, who are helpless or homeless, with the skills and confidence necessary to secure a job, create a healthy lifestyle, and regain a home for themselves and their children. Dorcas has participated in prestigious events across the globe: The UN Global Compact Leaders Summit in New York, the Civil Society Policy Forum in Washington DC and as the guest speaker for NIMSA (Nigerian Medical Students Association) on their Empowering women to Empower Humanity female international summit. Please briefly highlight what THOMI Africa is about? We are a non-governmental organization which support the UN Women’s flagship programme of ”making every women count”. We look at challenges women face, and suggest different solutions. We equip women with the knowledge that will enable them to be skilled at all levels, irrespective of their geographical location. THOMI Africa is against the abuse of women and children. We also campaign against the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and form of substances. We raise awareness pertaining to breast cancer, TB, HIV & AIDS, including the care and counsel of victims dependents. Additionally, we make every women count by assisting the elderly, disabled and widowed in our community. Why and when was THOMI Africa founded? I founded this organization a long time ago, but it was officially registered in 2015; due to my natural passion for gender equality. It used to sadden me every time I saw girls and women suffering, begging on the streets with kids on their back, starving, being raped, abused and murdered. That is what triggered me to be involved in making every women count, through empowerment programmes which equip women and girls. As a Programme Director what does your role entail? I oversee the administration of policies and programmes; and I monitor and report on the economic empowerment portfolio and provide assistance when needed. I also communicate with all project/programme partners at all levels, and ensure that the organisation strategy is developed across all areas. I play a role in in decision making and provide financial analysis, and provide guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers. What is the best book you have ever read? Animal Farm by George Orwell. Since its inception what are some memorable THOMI Africa achievements? Attending the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit (New York) in 2016; Being part of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund Annual Meetings as part of Civil Society Policy Forum in October 2016 in Washington DC,USA; Being guest speaker at NIMSA Female International Summiton on the topic, “Empowering Women to Empower Humanity”. We also participated in the Anti Female Genital Mutilation Campaign which took place on Saturday, 19th of November, 2016; and were nominated by United Nations women last year, as a 2016-2017 Global Champion for change. Any challenges? Being unable to secure adequate funding to execute programmes and campaigns. But, every organisation face challenges and they differ depending on the circumstance at hand. For anyone who would like to contribute to ‘making every women count’, which qualities are you looking for? Someone who will contribute to ‘making every women count’ must have, among other qualities, a natural passion for helping the underprivileged. That individual needs to be able to listen, give appropriate counsel and mentoring. They need to have a strong sense of compassion and empathy for people. In conclusion they need to be able to meet deadlines and interact effectively across many levels of management. I have developed multitasking and prioritization abilities, and willingness to do whatever is needed to empower women. And a positive attitude! Do you know of or run an organisation which positively impact women? If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more here.