Award-winning musician Lira chats to us about what Women’s Month means to her, and how she’ll be celebrating it. By Kwanele Mathebula
Image: Lira IG
Women’s Month has two significant meanings for me; it’s a time of celebrating and emphasising the importance of women’s accomplishments in society and I love that it encourages younger women to be all they can be.
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I have 3 women that I look up to:
- My late grandmother. Although she only went up to grade 4, she was the first entrepreneur I ever came across. She headed a large household by herself; raising her kids and many who were not her own. She offered shelter and education as well as access to work opportunities. She built the biggest house in our neighbourhood from selling vegetables and fruits on the street. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I see a lot of myself in her because she was my strongest influence.
- My mother. She’s very similar to my grandmother; always wanting to see the best in others. She has also positively impacted many people’s lives. She is incredibly beautiful, and takes care of herself. She is a great counsellor, fitness trainer and inspirational speaker on living a healthy and fulfilling life.
- My best friend Lebo Mabidikane. She became a teenage mom at 17. She then went on to study law in her late 20s. She has quickly climbed up the ranks and is now a partner in one of South African’s top law firms. I’m inspired by her determination and brilliance.
I am excited about my Women’s Month plans. I have the privilege of addressing women at conferences. I will share insights of my journey and how I built a thriving business. And, I love networking with incredible women who are doing extraordinary things.
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My message to women this month ties back to my book, Making Herstory. This is the time for women to write their own incredible stories instead of repeating HIStory. We can write a powerful, beautiful and empowering story, and release the need to identify ourselves by old norms.
