KHANYA MJOLI

Being a women in 2016

Khanya Mjoli: women's month edition 

The average young women in 2016 has a lot on her plate. And with trying to handle most of these situations the best way one possibly can comes with plenty of discrimination and judgement from society. Our lives are not our own anymore, social media will turn an individuals life into turmoil for one slip up.  In 2016,most will say, I was discovering myself, I was engaged, I graduated, I fell in and out of love, I started realizing my purpose in life, I made friends for a life time, I had my first child,I got my fist paying job, I knew then, in life  you win some you loose some  and It warms my heart to say that some, including myself, will say I found Jesus and accepted Him as my Lord and savior.

This is the year of happy endings and for some of us- regrets because we all make mistakes but most importantly the year to say “I broke down that wall of fear  and I did it!”. I think young women in 2016 are stronger than they think, more powerful than they imagine, it takes believing in your capabilities to start striving for the best. It is a leap year after all- a year to prepare young women to dominate in the future, to be leaders, entrepreneurs,teachers, ideally to be a recognized role model in society with values, open opinions and morals.

There are obstacles in life,you get through one situation,whether you conquer it or fail, soon enough another will arise and challenge you for  dear life.

Academics have been a challenge of their own. A lot has happened regarding education and the black child,especially. Students have had to fight for their basic right to education,fees must fall was a major hurdles for students,protests all around the country for institutions to drop fees and ultimately make university free for all,financially. Then,Rhodes must fall and the racism at Stellenboch University. During these protests we saw young women at the firing line being leaders,taking shots from rubber bullets.

Much struggles have circulated in the past  year for students, and these situations would have done much damage in their academics. 

I’ve realized that one needs a plan in Uni, one needs to prioritize time, figure out a way in which you learn best and also be determined to rise above all odds and study harder no matter how challenging that module is.

 Having a part-time job is vital for any student in University to make extra cash. In the beginning I did seek jobs but I was unsuccessful and I got to a point where I realized that I’m not just looking for any job I want something a long the lines of what I’m studying for,which proved to be even harder as I am still unemployed. The modeling I do on the side part-time I would say is a stepping stone to greater things in  my modeling career, I take on so many projects with different fashion students and photographers not  because I’m bored but whatever opportunity comes my way I grab with both hands because I love modeling and I don’t know what doors that single opportunity could open for me. I believe in the people I’ve worked with, the likes of DDM, Noluthando Qabo, Albertina Mlunguzi , Davian and Jessie , talents reigns upon them and I can say I’ve been honored to do the little I’ve done  with them because of the potential they have. It’s all about being open to try new things, meeting new people and making  relations.

I think being a young women in 2016 is a challenge, women are trend/fashion focused we all want the finer things in life and the way things are set out I’m worried that we’ll escalate to do anything to get that Brazilian hair,revlon makeup or matt lipstick or a Zara bag or heel. Society has put so much pressure on women in this regard that some feel or are made to feel inadequate if they do not own these items. It’s a pity because we’re beautiful just the way we are, I applaud those that know this and are confident in their simplicity and also encourage those that feel unworthy because they are  fearfully and wonderfully made,our God makes no mistakes.

My ultimate aspiration in life is to be the change that I so desperately want to see in my country and the world in general. I want to see more women empowered,I want to see less children on the streets, I want to see world peace,more children in school getting quality education,more individuals starting businesses of their own and so much more. 

All-in-all Women, you are beautiful,strong and you are a Queen. Treat yourself like it and the rest will follow your lead.