#ATYPICALINTERVIEW: SAMEER NAIK

KOVINI Moodley is a change activist, chartered accountant and founder of women empowerment platform Boss Babes.

Moodley, from Durban, is also a motivational and public speaker, and a mental health advocate committed to creating greater awareness and destigmatising the concept around it.

She has been nominated for numerous professional awards.

You are able to spend the day with any well-known woman around the world learning her trade. Who do you choose and why ...?

Oprah Winfrey, She’s the perfect example of being able to turn pain into power through her experience, leadership and authenticity. I’d love to learn how to leverage my deepest purpose and leverage it for the betterment of society. Oprah is a selfmade woman of colour and I’d love to learn her tips and techniques as a leader within the media industry.

Your favourite item of clothing in your closet currently is ...?

My hot pink suit, it inspires me to shine and be the brightest, boldest version of myself and exudes confidence. A fashion pick me up!

The most inspirational woman in your life is ...?

I’m deeply inspired by my mother, who sacrificed so much to ensure my success in my earlier days, making nutritious home-cooked meals, encouraging and supporting me. She is the epitome of kindness and my biggest cheerleader.

The biggest challenge you face as a woman in South Africa is ...?

While we’ve made significant strides in South Africa, gender-based violence remains a war against women. We need to stand up, unite and fight against this pandemic.

The biggest misconception people have of you is ...?

That Boss Babes is my full-time venture. I have an eight to five corporate job. I believe as women we can fill our lives with activities that add value to ourselves and our environments. It’s about living your best life.

You are asked to run South Africa for a month. What is the first thing you would address?

Employment and GBV. Addressing these two matters will allow us to set a solid foundation for future and current generations of South Africans. We need harsher ,stronger penalties for abuse, rape and femicide. Living in the rape and murder capital of the world is a sad state of affairs and not a true testament to our past leaders who fought to attain democracy.

Your favourite cheat meal is ...? Definitely KFC with extra mash and gravy! It's an absolute treat!

Which inspirational South African women has caught your attention this year and why?

Bonang Matheba. I've always admired her work ethic and she is fantastic during interviews in a way that inspires change. We’ve had many South Africans who have made us exceptionally proud to be a woman in the SA context, such as Miss South Africa, Lalele Mswane, and Nomzamo Mbatha, a Change Activist and force for good!

Your definition of a woman is ...? Whatever she wants to be. Women should be free to live their lives that are aligned with purpose and passion.

Women need to invest in themselves, support each other and celebrate their achievements. We’re so much stronger when we choose to empower each other instead of tearing each other down. True confidence inspires us to be authentic women, to shine our light!

How would you like to be remembered?

Making a difference and impact gives me great joy, to be able to inspire and impact on a daily basis with social media as a channel allows me to use my voice and drive transformative change through relatable, relevant and barrier-breaking content.