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Five brave women we are celebrating today #WomensMonth

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PHOTO: Supplied
PHOTO: Supplied

It takes courage to tell one’s story particularly a painful story that may lead to judgement or misunderstanding openly. The bravely the following women have shown is the reason why DRUM is celebrating them as part of Women’s Month. Their stories were not only powerful when they told them, they also empowered many people.

Here are the women we are saluting today;

Singer, television personality and actress KELLY KHUMALO: Abuse survivor, Recovered drug abuser and all round conqueror.

There was a time when Kelly Khumalo was possibly the most despised person by social media and in South African entertainment. She was called all sorts of derogatory names that many wouldn’t have withstood, but like a Phoenix Kelly rose and is shining. Now the once hated star is loved and in all the time she experienced the hate, she never bowed down. For that we say bravo and thank you for inspiring many to keep standing.

In 2011 Kelly did an exclusive interview with DRUM where she opened up about her drug abuse and being physically abused. Such stuff isn’t easy to open up about but Kelly did, kicked the bad habits and she is now riding a wave of success and reclaimed her career.

Actress and singer LESEGO MOTSEPE: HIV /AIDS activist

Lesego Motsepe became a household name as Letti Matabane in SABC 3 soapie Isidingo for a decade then her character was killed off. After that Lesego stayed away from the limelight for a while and cameback with a brave move as she opened up to the world in a tell all interview with Real Magazine revealing that she had HIV aids.

The cover barker was “I am HIV positive, unemployed and broke, but I want to live!” and in the story she opened up about how the virus had changed her life and she had basically fallen from grace. To openly admit such takes courage and that courage no doubt inspired other people.

Lesego passed on in 2014.

Television personality and singer ANDILE GAELESIWE : Sexual abuse survivor

In 2001 after a caller called the show she was hosting on YFM threatening to commit suicide because she has been sexually abused, Andile took the brave step of opening up about her own sexual abuse.

Ever since then Andile has been advocate speaking against sexual abuse and assisting people who have been sexually abused. She has no doubt changed the lives of many by not only opening up about her story but also reaching out and assisting those affected.

Actress , author and television personality BONNIE MBULI: Depression survivor.

If you read Bonnie Henna’s book Eye Bags & Dimples you will know that she revealed some very hectic things about how depression had affected her life. Bonnie revealed things about how the women in her family had dealt with depression and how it had hurt them. Bonnie also opened up candidly in the book about her own depression and how it affected, both her relationships and also her work.

Bonnie has often opened up about this subject that many of us black people feel isn’t our issue and she has helped shed light on it and impacted many people.

Bonnie didn’t let the depression stop her from living her life. She is currently a host on SABC 3 show Afternoon Express and an actress.

Talk show host, motivational speaker, author and HIV/AIDS activist Criselda Dudumashe.

Former DRUM columnist Criselda Dudumashe’s credentials and accolades are so many to mention and most of them come from the fact that over the years she has bravely paved the way for inspiration and upliftment for many.

Criselda who is a qualified nurse openly came out as HIV positive over a decade ago. At the time of Criselda’s brave move to live openly with her status HIV still had a lot of stigma attached to it. No many well known people had had the courage to openly disclose. Instead of using her status to get pity Criselda used her voice through her show Positive Talk that debuted on Kaya FM in 2003. On the show Criselda spoke about the effect of HIV and AIDS on one’s health, economy and other aspects. She also gave advice to callers and listeners on various subjects related to HIV and AIDS.

Criselda did not stop there, she has consistently over the years did talks and gone around the world making an impact where she can on HIV and AIDS related issues. Criselda also wrote a book titled You Are Never Alone where she spoke about her life’s journey and also opened up about having been sexually abused by a family friend at a very young age.

Criselda is a shining example of using your life to help impact other people’s positively.

Do you have any women you would like us to feature as we celebrate Women’s Month? This could be a person in your community or someone you know who deserves to be saluted for their bravery. Send us your suggestions and a brief bio why in our Facebook messages. We look forward to hearing from you.

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