YearBeyond Women in Leadership - Blog Series - Minah Koela

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 this blog, we chatted to Minah Koela, Executive Director of Beautiful Gate (YeBo Implementing Partner) in the Cape Metro District.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Minah Koela and I am the Executive Director of Beautiful Gate South Africa, an NGO based in Lower Crossroads, Cape Town.

I was born and raised in Cape Town. I’m married and have 4 sons. I am a proudly crazy Xhosa lady with a big personality who loves dancing.

I especially love people and I am very hospitable, and love creating spaces that are warm and welcoming.

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?

I think change starts in the home. We need to really look at how our cultures encourage us to see and treat women and how this plays out in our homes. As women we should not tolerate violence of any kind, as this teaches our children that it is okay to be abused. We need to be aware of how our partners, husbands and brothers treat and speak about women. Are our young girls and boys growing up knowing that they are equal, that they are valued and loved the same? Are our children given the same opportunities to thrive? It’s funny in many African homes dadobawo (your father`s sister) your Aunt, plays an important role in the family and yet they are often treated like a second-class citizen.

In South Africa a lot of women have raised children on their own, having to do the job of both parents while at the same time being the sole breadwinner for the family.  Women have shown their leadership not only as caregivers but as those who hold communities together often becoming the Community Leaders and peacemakers, whether they are recognized as such, or not.

It’s been 28 years of our new democracy, which was fought for by many women who worked really hard for our liberation, and yet the country still has had no female President. Most business leaders are still male, and yet the people with a lot of influence in the space are women. I feel that we need to give women the respect and honour they deserve. Women need to be seen and given their rightful places. As women, we need to challenge the way we value and speak about ourselves. We need to be encouraging our girls to see the world as their oyster.

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

I think we need to start raising women by creating opportunities for them to thrive. We need to upskill and train women in areas that they feel passionate about and not limit them by using language like, “you are only a woman.” I think we should offer more training for women to do the “impossible.”

We need to gain understanding and insight into who women really are and the value-add that they bring into the space and then give them the freedom to lead accordingly. Often they are the ones that create a warm, nurturing environment at work.

We need to keep in mind that women face different personal challenges to men. Having to contend with physical changes with monthly cycles and the demands of childbirth on their bodies as well as having the demands of balancing work, home life and needing to tend to sick children and being there for them.

As Employers, we need to be okay for women to be there for their kids and loved ones. We need to pay them better (equally) because they are worth it, recognizing that they are often caring for more than one family and trying to create a future for their children. We need to learn to trust women employees, to encourage them and to create spaces for them.

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

I lead very differently to men, as I lead with the intuition of a mom, big sister and grandmother, which often gives me greater insight into whom I’m leading and where we should be going. I lead with grace and wisdom. I like to make my workspace feel like my home, creating hospitable spaces for both my partners and my staff. I have an open-door policy and want to lead alongside my staff.

I have decided that as a woman leader I can embrace my emotions, I don’t have to be tough and have it all together like some of my male counterparts. Allowing myself to be vulnerable often opens up doors to really care for those around me. I am firm when I need to be, however, this always needs to be done in a constructive and restorative way. I surround myself with mentors and coaches as I realise I need to keep growing and learning. 

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

(laughs) My mom!

I would like to meet with Maya Angelou, Helen Suzman and Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

These women were fearless community builders. While they had flaws, they led with grace. They had a deep love for people. They were inspiring, creative and talented.

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

• I think they need to be hungry for education be that formally or informally. Education was the liberator of many who won the struggle, giving them diverse opinions and helping them to be versatile human beings.

• You have everything you need to succeed; you don’t need a man to be successful.

• Nurture self-love and self-respect.

• You can be role models in your Community and surrounds

 Wathinta abafazi wathinta imbokodo

The mbokodo can be for providing food as well as used as a weapon. It can be used to clean your feet and to build strong buildings.