By Ayanda Dlamini
Q: Briefly, tell us more about yourself and your history in the NGO sector.
A: I grew up in a community facing adverse challenges, which sparked my passion for social change. With 14 years of experience managing and coordinating national, regional, and international NGO programmes, I’ve focused on child protection, sexual and reproductive health rights, HIV and TB, and violence against women. I am currently the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Eswatini, with previous roles at AMICAALL, ICW, SWANNEEPHA, and SAfAIDS.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
A: One of the biggest challenges for women in leadership is the persistence of stereotypes and gender biases, particularly for younger women. Another major issue is the “Pull Her Down Syndrome,” where women do not always support each other, making it harder for aspiring female leaders to grow.
To overcome these challenges, I have focused on continuous self-improvement, building confidence, and surrounding myself with supportive networks. It is crucial to connect with individuals who recognize your potential and seek guidance from experienced leaders.
In the NGO sector, the shrinking funding landscape is another challenge. It requires strategic and innovative approaches to diversify funding sources and ensure programme sustainability.
Q: As a leader in your field, how do you ensure that other women and girls have the opportunities and support they need to thrive?
A: I actively participate in mentorship programmes to support young women by sharing my experiences and the opportunities available to them. It is also critical to create a culture of inclusivity and support within organizations. Women should be given the space to grow and take charge in their respective fields so that they can believe in themselves.
Q: How important is it for women to support and lift each other in both professional and personal spaces?
A: This cannot be overstated. In a world where gender disparities still exist, we need to ensure that we foster a culture of solidarity to remove barriers and create opportunities. As women, we need to celebrate each other’s achievements; this will help to dismantle the notion of competition that usually exists in the leadership space. We need to empower each other so that we become resilient and be able to work collaboratively and create a brighter future for us and those who come after us.
Q: How can women use their voices more effectively in advocating for change, in business or the workplace, and the larger societal context?
A: The first step is continuous self-development.It is important to develop yourself so that you cultivate self-confidence in your field. This means that, as a woman, you should continue to learn, and develop yourself professionally. Once we are well informed, that is when we can articulate our ideas and concerns more persuasively.
Women can also make use of their networks, where they can be able to share their ideas/ strategies, and experiences. Such networks can create a collective advocacy effort that may be powerful and useful in raising our voices. I know that some women shy away from social media platforms as they don’t want to overexpose themselves, but those platforms can be used as a tool for advocacy.
Q: What advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to break into traditionally male-dominated industries?
A: Young women should not allow their background to determine their future. Young women should recognize their strengths and embrace their uniqueness. Get someone who will support you throughout your journey. That individual can always be your pillar of strength in difficult times, especially other women who have successfully navigated male-dominated industries. The journey is not easy – one should expect challenges but learn from failures, change them into opportunities, remain resilient and block the negative energies that may become barriers in your journey.
Q: Lastly, looking back on your journey, what would you say has been the most empowering decision or moment in your life?
A: The most empowering decision that I have made was to allow myself to step out of my comfort zone and step into the position of the National Director, preceded by two great women before me. This has marked the first phase of my leadership journey. As someone who has been working very closely with these great women before me in this position, I have learnt that challenges do not need a one-size-fits-all kind of approach in addressing them, but they need one to remain resilient. This first phase of my journey is moulding me into a better person who has now been able to unlock certain potential and skills that will be useful for my entire journey.
Thank you for your time.
It has been a pleasure.