The Weight She Carries

Cola Bennett's life has been filled with multiple traumas - from being sexually assaulted on several occasions to losing her precious son at the age of 8. Cola isn't new here. We first published her story 3 years ago when she had just published her book.

I reached back out to Cola because I knew grief is no stranger to her. She speaks openly about her struggles and has such a genuine spirit. She made time in her schedule and we talked about her grieving process and how she has managed to keep going after her losses.

Human rights activist Unity Dow was appointed as high court judge by former president Quette Masire in 1998, becoming the first woman in Botswana to hold that post and the youngest at the time. Listen to how she rose from humble beginnings to the vastly accomplished woman she is today.

Hey there! We're back with another incredible woman to tell you about.

When COVID-19 hit, Mio Yamada ignored an advisory by the Japanese Embassy to leave Rwanda and return to Japan. She had fallen in love with Africa as a student in university when she cycled 5,000 km from Kenya to South Africa. Years later, she relocated to Rwanda with her family, opened up a restaurant, and decided that she would hire single mothers as her staff. Forced to shut down due to the pandemic, Mio couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the mothers behind with no source of income. What would become of their children? She had to come up with a plan, and she did. 

Listen to learn more about her! And please remember to rate and share this podcast!

On May 16, 2019, Saray Khumalo became the first black African woman to summit Mount Everest. This was her 4th attempt. Saray was born in 1972 in Zambia but grew up in the township in Johannesburg. 

As a kid, she loved watching shows about superheroes like Wonder Woman, Superman and She-Ra. There was something about seeing those characters use their superpowers to accomplish seemingly impossible takes. She also loved that they were fearless and used their supernatural abilities to save the world. She wanted to be on top of the world one day. Just. Like. Them.

Today, Saray is a motivational speaker, award-winning mountaineer, Mandela libraries ambassador, entrepreneur and business executive, and the recipient of numerous awards. Listen to her incredible journey to Everest.

For more inspiring stories go to www.theweightshecarries.com. 

Flora Mutahi, the woman behind Melvin Marsh International, had a successful career as an auditor when she seemingly out of the blue decided to quit her job to start a business. This is back in the 1995 when entrepreneurship wasn’t as encouraged as it is today - definitely not for a woman in Kenya. Her family was appalled at her decision and refused to support her initially. Today, Melvins Tea is ranked third in the Kenyan market. Listen to  Flora Mutahi's entrepreneurial journey! Visit www.theweightshecarries.com for more inspiring stories!