Shelf
Her Story
Lived experience, told in the first person.
In-depth Story: How Francisca Awah Mbuli Escaped Modern Slavery and is Helping Other Women do the Same
When Francisca Awah Mbuli returned to her native of Cameroon from graduate school in Norway six years ago, she had a difficult time finding work. Several years went by, and in 2015, she was approached by someone in her community whom she had grown up with. The man told Francisca about an opportunity to teach English in Kuwait and encouraged her to take the job because she is we
Cindel Hollancid discusses Winning 1st Runner Up Title in N.I.G.M.A. Christian Pageant
Source: Facebook On June 20th, the 2nd Annual Ms. National & Independent Gospel Music Association (N.I.G.M.A.) Christian Pageant took place in Greenville, South Carolina, USA. It was a big day for Cindel Hollancid. Back in March, The Weight She Carries had the privilege of interviewing Hollancid, who candidly shared her journey to self-acceptance by choosing to see herself the
In-depth Story: Restaurateur Zweli Moyo Williams Opens up About Surviving Hunger, Civil War and Abuse
Her days were spent longing for something to eat. On some days, a sip of water was a luxury. A civil war had gripped her native of Zimbabwe and separated her from her mother at the tender age of two. For five years, she was abused repeatedly in every way imaginable. But deep within her was a spirit of resilience so strong nothing could extinguish it.
Motivational Speaker and Mental Health Advocate Survives Domestic Violence, Flees Kenya to Start Over
Mary with friend and mentor Raphael Obonyo, policy specialist and youth advocate In 2017, Mary Wanjiku Gichuhi was completing her PhD at the University of Nairobi, was a well-known mental health advocate, and founder of Depression and Stress Society, an organization that was actively creating awareness on mental health. She worked with youth at different universities, leaders f
In-depth Story – Fighting Lupus: Olivia Clarke's Battle to Save the Life of Her Unborn Child
After months of not knowing what was happening to her body, she got onto a plane and flew thousands of miles, hoping to finally get a diagnosis. What had started out as some skin discolouration had turned into painful and burning skin that left scars all over her body. Over the months, the pain had seeped through to her joints and affected her ability to walk some days. This wa
Erica Elita Edwards Dishes on New Talk Show, Overcoming Challenges and Living with Sarcoidosis
In 2016, Erica Edwards packed up all her belongings and embarked on the 5-hour drive to Toronto, Canada, with two of her children.
Lessons From the Death of a Loved One
Three months ago, my aunt passed away unexpectedly. It has been a difficult time for me and it is still hard for me to accept or understand why she was taken from us. Over the past three months, I have learnt several things which I thought would be worth sharing with you.
Disability is Not Inability - Prudence Mabhena's Journey to the Stage
Source: Prudence Mabhena Prudence Mabhena was born in the resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in 1989. She was born with arthrogryposis, a condition characterized by joint contractures. In Mabhena’s case, her arms and legs were severely twisted and stunted. "When I was born, it brought shock to my family, especially my paternal family,” Mabhena told The Weight She Carries.
HR Expert Dishes on How to 'Employ Your Gift' and Operate in Your Purpose
Having hired and trained over 800 people over the course of her career, she knows exactly what it takes to successfully connect people with opportunities and equip them with the tools they need to excel professionally. But she does more than simply foster successful employment; she helps people walk into their purpose. Vonciel M. English, founder and owner of Perfect English De
Brenda Mudzimu's Journey From Being Labelled ‘A Curse’ to Creating a Platform to Celebrate Women with Albinism
June 13th marks International Albinism Awareness Day. To some it was just an ordinary day, but The Weight She Carries took this opportunity to interview a successful woman living with Albinism, Brenda Mudzimu.
Same Factors, Different Outcome
In this picture, one tree seems to be dying whilst the other ones around it seem to be flourishing. I am sure that if it could, the tree would give us its reasons for failing to do well. And yet the other trees are probably subjected to the same factors, yet they manage to thrive. It makes me think of the excuses I give for not reaching my goals and being the best version of my
Bold and Beautiful: A Woman's Triumph in Carrying Her Scars
She grew up with dreams like any other girl: to study abroad and have her prince charming sweep her off her feet. She didn’t know her life would take a drastic turn a few years down the line.