Feminism

Image: Instagram

Noxolo Fani on her successful concrete company and entrepreneural journey

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Noxolo Fani is a black entrepreneur who owns a construction company, and everyday she’s breaking new grounds and making history – paving the way for younger generations, proving that taking calculated risks can be very rewarding.

Phenomenal Light Construction specializes in concrete and is Noxolo’s pride and joy. Some of the work they do includes door hanging, kitchen cupboards, built-in cupboards, shop fitting, ceilings, and general woodwork. They even give out DIY tips to make your home, office or any space more aesthetically pleasing.

In March 2022, Noxolo was announced as part of the 15 female entrepreneurs selected for the Sasol Women in Engineering Incubator Program.

“It’s really taken me back to thinking on how many years of crazy loads of work, early mornings, stress and sleepless nights it’s taken to get to where I am as an entrepreneur and as a businesswoman. The journey is ongoing and still full of those elements every now and again,” she said about her achievement.

“But you know what!? Every now and again the universe/God reassures us that our work does not go unnoticed! That we can succeed and that our dreams and efforts are valid! All the work I do may be a love letter to my boys that they might know and understand that it’s important to push oneself despite doubt, despite societal norms, cultural and worldly noise, despite challenges internal and external…

That one can achieve and reach more than they once thought possible simply because they believe in themselves and their wild & crazy dreams… and that I too believe in their crazy wild dreams because I lived it out in my own life!

But it is also a love letter to every young person especially those who are coming from small townships such as myself and affected by our history as a country through poverty etc. That you matter, you’re able and capable and you’re resilient enough. You have everything you need within and a bit externally as well in inspiration from those who pave the way for all in transforming our country and changing the narrative!

I’m always excited for the journey ahead but mostly to see more young women truly live out their dreams and shine! Nothing makes me happier than watching young people thrive especially women

Keep at it and if you haven’t started start where you are, with what you have. It’s never too late to start,” she continued.

In August last year, Noxolo was awarded the Mail & Guardian Powerful Women in Business Award, adding to her many accolades. Her journey continues to inspire many, and we can’t wait to see what else is up her sleeve!

Image: KeyChain South Africa

Nicole Koopman is determined to help every woman feel safe in South Africa

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Let’s face it, living as a woman in South Africa is a risk – we live in constant fear for our lives. The rape statistics, compared to the rest of the world, are alarmingly high, and increasingly so.

Crimes against women and children, whether at the hands of strangers or close friends and relatives, are constantly reported on, but very little action is taken.

Women have had to take matters of their safety into their own hands, and Johannesburg woman, Nicole Koopman, is passionate about equipping women with the necessary tips and tools to avoid being victims of these violent crimes.

Nicole’s business, KeyChain South Africa, sells keychains that are designed to be discreet and easy to carry, while also providing an effective means of self-defense in the event of an attack.

Whether you’re walking to your car at night or traveling to unfamiliar places, the keychains are there to help you feel safe and secure.

KeyChainSA is committed to providing top-quality products at affordable prices. The keychains are made from durable materials and have been rigorously tested to ensure that they are effective in protecting you from harm.

The company offers a wide variety of self-defense keychains to suit the needs and preferences of all women. From traditional keychain designs to modern and stylish options, there’s something for everyone.

As a mother of a young girl herself, Nicole is dedicated to creating a safe environment and future for her daughter. “I knew I had to take action to provide my family and others with a sense of safety and peace of mind. This led me to start Keychain SA in November 2022,” she writes on her website.

We still have a long way to go, but it’s people like Nicole, who help the everyday woman prioritize their safety, and precautionary measures to ensure there’s one less victim every day.

The rise of stay-at-home dads

BY Nkosazana Ngwadla

Gone are the days when women were expected to be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, while the men go out to work. Nowadays, we see more and more men opting to stay at home and take care of the children, while the women go out to “get the bacon”.

A study by the Pew Research Center shows that the number of fathers who are at home with their children for any reason has nearly doubled since 1989 when 1.1 million were in this category.

Women earning more than men is also becoming quite the norm in our society now, so much so that one African woman recently spoke out about paying for her own lobola (dowry payment for the bride) on Twitter.

Her tweets sparked a conversation where even more women came out with similar stories.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Twitter if there was no debate about this issue. While others commended the women for their futuristic thinking, others condemned them for not following the practices of African tradition.

Whatever side you’re on, however, you must admit that the world is changing and so are the cultures of society. How far you’re willing to push boundaries is completely up to you (thank goodness for the gift of choice!).

On a lighter note, here are some of our favorite stay-at-home Tik Tok dads:

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