A righteous circle of strong women
Sisters who inspire one another
POLITICAL researcher and activist Pearl Pillay finds inspiration in everyday interactions. She spoke to
SANTHAM PILLAY about her 10 most inspirational women — starting with her mother. Linda Pillay: My mother, a symbol of strength, independence and love like no other. Opal Pillay: My 17-year-old sister, who constantly teaches me about the value of trusting myself. Coral Pillay: My 12-year-old sister, who is proof that your brilliance transcends your circumstances. Zamandlovu Ndlovu: My boss, who inspires me, every day, to live in such a manner DOREEN PREMDEV lists the 10 women who inspire her. American media proprietor, actress and philanthropist
Oprah Gail Winfrey. Roman Catholic religious
sister Mother Teresa of Calcutta. South African Paralympic gold medal swimmer Natalie du Toit.
South African media mogul Khanyi Dhlomo. Durban-born United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem
“Navi” Pillay . Pakistani teenage social rights activist Malala Yousafzai .
American poet and author Maya Angelou. Durban academic and antiapartheid activist Fatima
Meer. Assassinated Indian “Bandit Queen” Phoolan Devi, who made history when she became a politician.
Burmese freedom fighter that the world should be unable to contain my own brilliance, although the universe is large enough to accommodate us all. Tessa Dooms: My (other) boss, who inspires me to learn more, and constantly nurture the most valuable asset — knowledge. Nkhensani Manabe: My friend, who inspires me to believe in the power of my dreams and be brave enough to pursue them. A beautiful symbol of courage and wit.
Aung San Suu Kyi.
These women have proved to the world that women can make a difference. They Tasneem Essop: My friend, whose passion for social justice and activist spirit remind me, always, why I do what I do. Nikita Ramkissoon: My friend, who teaches me that the most whimsical friendships are often the most lasting ones and that a good heart truly can conquer anything. Janet Jobson: My friend, who taught me the value of staying true to your cause and of speaking truth to power — regardless of the consequences. Myself: Inspiration is an inward thing. Choose to be inspired by your own triumphs and your own setbacks. Trust yourself and your ability to excel. have shattered the notion that a women’s place is in the kitchen — and have shown they make better leaders and peacemakers.
SANTHAM PILLAY, a child of the 90s, lists some of the women who helped shape her life — even if they did not know it.
Fatima Meer— Meer stayed true to her culture and religion, never allowing them, or the government, to stop her doing what she believed was innately right.
Enid Blyton— She birthed some of the most beloved characters in children’s literature, but her personal life was a mess. However, her drive and determination are something to behold.
Graça Machel— For her positive spirit, kindness and grace in the whirlwind that is her public life. She never allowed the fact that she was married to one of the world’s most beloved icons to overshadow her work or prevent her from pursuing her beliefs and trying to make the world a better place for women.
Steffi Graf— As determined as she was to become the best in tennis, she was still able to empathise with Martina Hingis when the star broke out in childish sobs at the Roland Garros final in 1999. She taught me that, even when you are at the top of your game, it is important to be humble and attuned to others.
Natalie du Toit— For her inner strength and ability to rise above situations that could easily defeat others while people continually mispronounce the swim star’s name.
Harper Lee— She published only one book, To
Kill a Mockingbird. Instead of exploiting her fame to punt more work, she just stopped, remaining happy with what she had.
Gillian Anderson— Despite her cool portrayal of
Dana Scully on X-Files, her salary was not equal to that of her male co-star and the studio wanted to replace her for not being “attractive” enough. Anderson fought for her place and a few years later won the show’s first acting Emmy.
Deepa Mehta— When an explosion of colour, singing and dancing had taken over, filmmaker Mehta maintained the courage to make movies that showed the true face of India.
Gauri Sawant— She knew from a young age that although she looked like a boy and had all the required parts, she did not feel like a boy. She changed that as soon as she was able to and was disowned by her family. She now assists others, who, unlike her, have no money for surgery and are shunned by Indian society.
My Grade 1 teacher, who I adored. When I was placed in another class, she sneaked in and said: “Quickly, come back. You can stay with me.” I never forgot the sense of adventure she brought with her and how important it is to carry that attitude with you daily.