While I have learned the importance of finding what connects us, I have also learned the importance of embracing what makes us different. I love highlighting such amazing women, and their uniqueness, in this series.
Our next interview is with: Zimkhitha Mathunjwa (Digital Marketing Manager: Standard Bank South Africa)
Interview
Can you tell us a little about who you are and what your journey as a woman has looked like so far?
I am a pigeon pair mum to a five-year old daughter and a two-year old son. I am a wife to a God-fearing husband who leads our family unit well. I am a girl’s girl, I love to see women win in their various endeavours. My parents instilled in me the values of ubuntu, that we are all connected on this earthly plane. As a boy mum and someone who has brothers, I am also an advocate for both the girl and boy child having access to resources that enable them to achieve their goals and aspirations.
When did you first feel a strong sense of your own womanhood? What is womanhood to you?
In my early twenties, when I was in tertiary and away from home. For some context, I am a small town girl, from Graff-Reinet and so moving to Johannesburg as a Wits undergrad was an adventure I was excited about. Being away from family, I created my own community and living alone own helped me come into my own and on my terms and I learned so much about who I was becoming.
What does being a woman mean to you today?
It means that I can do hard things and that my pursuit of growth and development in my career and academics doesn’t mean that I can’t remain soft and bring my whole self to the spaces I occupy. I am an intentional homemaker who always strives to be present when I am with my family, I am also working to establish myself as a subject matter expert within my profession.
How has motherhood (or the idea of family) shaped your experience of being a woman?
Motherhood has taught me not to take myself seriously all of the time, I am allowing myself to play more. My children are such a joy to experience and I learn from them every day. They move through the world with a sense of wonder and a presence that has their feet planted firmly on the ground whilst they continue to paint their world with dreams and love.
What values or lessons do you hope to pass on to your children or the next generation?
We live in a time where everything is monetised and the gig economy has everyone trying to extract monetary value from everything. I would encourage my children and the next generation to have hobbies for the sake of having them. To engage more in no-screen activity, especially considering they are a generation born into full-on digitalisation.
What inspired your current path (career, creativity, or something else)?
I have always loved words, my parents encouraged me to read through their actions, they were both avid readers and it’s no surprise that I have a book club and even in my day job, I leverage content to drive the business objectives of the organisation I work for. I am excited to see what the future holds, I am in a period right now where I am not actively planning my next move, but rather enjoying the strides I have made to date and celebrating where I am.
Have you faced any challenges as a woman in your field or community? How did you overcome them?
The challenges I have encountered in my career have often come from a lack of growth opportunities. I entered the world of work thinking that my qualifications would be the only things determining my growth, however, the reality is that you need to take ownership of your career fully. I am a strong advocate for myself and I show up fully in any assignment, taking myself and my professional brand seriously.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself in the past year?
I have learned that I enjoy slow living, which has taken me by surprise as I have spent the bulk of my adult life always chasing the next goal and as soon as I achieve something, I am ideating on what’s next. Having completed my Masters last year and achieved my Chartered Marketer (SA) designation I am now basking in this period of tending to self, pouring into my family and enjoying life!
How do you care for yourself in a world that often demands so much from women?
I do the things I enjoy – such as reading, serving in my local church, and baking for my family and friends. I no longer view care through the lens of filling my time with spa days and such, as a family-oriented individual, care means inviting my loved ones into my rhythm of being and this has been deeply fulfilling. Theatre and jazz dates with my husband, concerts with the kids, sip and paints with my girlfriends, and discovering bookish spots has been such a cup filler!
Who are the women (past or present) who’ve inspired or supported you?
My grandmothers (maternal and paternal), and my mother have been a great inspiration and north star in terms of how I continue to build the life of my dreams. I am also grateful to the women in my church community who fix my crown with grace and remind me who I am and Whose I am.
What message would you share with other women reading this today?
You have everything you need to propel yourself to the next level. Everything you have gone through has prepared you for this moment and the next. Do not shy away from asking for help or taking on stretch assignments, you can do hard things and excel at them!
A favourite quote or mantra you live by?
“You can do some rather extraordinary things if that is what you really believe.” – Toni Morrison
These are the words I live by, they are self-explanatory and I do not want to mess them up by adding anything else. Thank you for allowing me the time to share some thoughts with you.
In Summary
Thank you, Zimkhitha. I am amazed how each of these interviews have brought what I needed to hear or be reminded of. I love how your whole life, Zimkhitha, is filled with you supporting women or being supported by women (as well as supporting the men in our lives). Thank you for sharing your journey and insights!
Leave a Comment