YearBeyond Women in Leadership - Blog Series - Carmelita Jeftha

In this special series we will share insights from some of the leaders of organisations we work with - our Implementing Partners. These women are inspiring, motivated, deeply invested and committed to YearBeyond's mission to connect youth to opportunities. 

In our last blog, we chatted to Carmelita Jeftha, Executive Director of Talitha Cumi (YeBo Implementing Partner) in the Cape Winelands District.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Carmelita Jeftha, the Executive Director of Talitha Cumi. I am 50-year-old woman,  have been married for 25 years and am a proud mother of two boys. As a woman I feel proud to be able to raise men who can make a change in the lives of the individuals they meet. I have instilled in them core values, of integrity, respect and honour.

When I grew up, a doctor told me my name means “sunshine”. I believed from then onwards, that I want to be the sunshine in people’s lives. After doing my own research, I discovered that my name means “Garden”. I then decided to live up to the true definition of my name and that was to help others grow and flourish. I feel proud being able to live up to this each day.

This month is women’s month, Women still face a range of challenges and the violence (in all its forms) against women is still rife. What can be done to address this pandemic?

 Many years ago, I worked as the Rural coordinator of the Western Cape Network on Violence Against Women. Throughout my 5 years at the network and beyond that as an advocate and activist for the rights of women, I also developed a deep passionate for youth.  

I believe if we focus on the youth and all the different touch points we have with them, whether it be as a parent, during workshops or trainings, we have the ability to ultimately influence the behaviours they would model as adults.  If we commit to Instilling values of respect, gratitude and dignity in our young men and women we could change the trajectory of their lives for the better. Our values influence our behaviours and I think we should start talking about the respect we have for each other, especially respect for women and girls and their dignity.

How can employers, partners and colleagues open up more opportunities for women in their organisations?

Employers need to look beyond issues they think of as barriers, for example, women’s responsibilities as mothers or future mothers. Women have a key part to play in companies, communities and organisations. We need to create more spaces for them to showcase their contributions.

What are some of the leadership lessons that you have picked up along the way that have really helped you on your career journey?

Achieving your goals requires hard work and many sacrifices. The belief that you are walking in your calling makes it possible to keep on fighting and reaching. We are only as strong as the next challenge we set for ourselves.

 If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

• Winnie Madikizela Mandela. Her birthday was a day before my own. She was a strong courageous activist, who kept the memory of the great Nelson Mandela alive during his time in prison. While raising their children, she kept the movement going. She was unconventional and often challenged but she believed in the liberation struggle and committed her life and purpose to it.   

• Clara Barton – she was a nurse during the American civil war and started the America Red Cross that became a giant. I am moved by her story, one of service – she looked beyond barriers like where patients came from, but focused on her calling -  to serve and assist those who needed help – defying orders and serving soldiers from both sides of the war.

• The auntie working tirelessly to ensure her family survives.  She may not in the position to earn enough, but she makes things work in difficult circumstances.  She sacrifices and works tirelessly to ensure that her family never feels ashamed of who they are.

What advice do you have for the Youth and specifically young women?

Sometimes "life happens" to us. This could be due to our own error in judgement, or things out of our control. My motto in life is that, it is not what happens to us but rather how we respond that makes the biggest difference. 

Hustle hard, ask for help when you need it and most importantly remember to get back up.

And lastly, you are enough, lift your chin up after a set back, take back your power and dignity and be the best version of yourself.