In celebration of Women's Month, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) is shining a spotlight on extraordinary staff and students on our campus who champion women's rights and gender equality. Through their dedication and leadership, they inspire and drive positive change. Constance Matlholwa serves as the Programme Coordinator for HIV, Gender and Sexualities at the SU Equality Unit. She plays a crucial role in advocating for gender non-violence and supporting initiatives to create a safe and inclusive environment at the 中国体育彩票.
What makes you tick?
Learning from my interactions with people to improve and giving an ear to their stories. I am a foodie as well.
Can you share a defining moment in your life that solidified your commitment to gender issues?
Experiencing and witnessing gender-based discrimination and violence in my work as HIV counsellor opened my eyes. I have interacted with many young people who have been sexually assaulted and most times, I was the first person they disclosed their abuse to. They were often still in shock and feared they would not be believed. I witnessed the mental impact gender-based violence has on an individual and the need to provide a safe space for survivors and clearly mapped out referral pathways to alleviate the burden on survivors.
Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career?
Yes, I have a great mentor, Dr Catherine Egbe. She works at the South African Medical Research Council as a specialist scientist, and her work focuses on tobacco use, control, cessation and prevention. She was my manager and patiently taught me everything I know about systematic literature review. Her trust and support in me improved my confidence significantly. She encouraged me to pursue my goals assertively. I am forever grateful for her.
What inspired you to pursue a career in HIV, gender and sexualities advocacy?
After graduating, I volunteered at a community-based organisation, Siphesihle Home-Based Care in Tembisa, Gauteng. I was a community caregiver and my responsibilities were to provide basic counselling to young people and adults living with HIV or those affected such as children orphaned by Aids. During this time, I was also a support caregiver to disclose an HIV status to adolescents who had acquired HIV. One challenge was the stigma in our communities. The misinformation made it hard for young people to come to terms with their status because they grew up exposed to negative stories associated with HIV. Throughout, I witnessed their resilience and struggles, which fostered a deep passion to support and advocate for their rights and wellbeing.
What do you consider the most significant achievement in your career so far?
During my time at clinics, I provided adherence counselling. I still have former patients from these clinics walking up to me who are grateful and remember the words I uttered when they came in. Knowing that I had done everything within my abilities and somehow changed their life, makes it worthwhile.
What do you think are the main obstacles to solving gender-based violence in South Africa?
Gender-based violence in South Africa is complex and multifaceted. Although we have good policies in place, they are implemented inconsistently, and there is a lack of political will. There is need for a coordinated approach, which is inclusive of all stakeholders, including communities on grassroots level.
Which part of your work as the Programme Coordinator for HIV, Gender and Sexualities at the Equality Unit do you find most rewarding?
Being able to empower the young people I interact with through sharing information and creating safe spaces, particularly around safer sex and their gender identity journey.
?Tell us about your family and how have they supported you in your journey?
I am from North West, where most of my family is based. My biggest cheerleader, my father Mpho, passed away a few years ago. My sibling, niece and nephews drive me insane, but they always check up on me and keep me updated. I was based in Gauteng for years, and came to Stellenbosch because I needed a new challenge in a different environment.
What future personal and SU projects are you excited about?
I am currently busy with my master's in public health and I am excited to employ the knowledge and skills gained to improve our services. My interest is in tobacco use (particularly hubbly bubbly), HIV, sexual reproductive health and youth health.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of gender advocacy?
There still is so much more work to be done and more voices are needed. Young women need to increase their knowledge through reading and engaging with their respective communities to understand their issues. Most often, communities have interesting ideas about what could be done.
How do you celebrate Women's Day?
We have powerful women in South Africa, so I choose one woman of interest and spend Women's Day engaging with their work, life and stories.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
?
