Name: Shaiyah Luthuli

Province: KwaZulu Natal

Facebook: Shaiyah Eshet Yahav (Vegan Ekasi is my page)

Twitter handle: @queen_shaiyah (@veganekasi)

Instagram: @queen_shaiyah (@veganekasi)

What is the essence of being a woman to you?

A woman is a life giver in all aspects. We bring life and order in everything we touch. Without women, there is no continuation or balance.

What is your super power?

My “Financial wisdom” so says my husband.

What words would you use to describe yourself?

Too awesome for words! Lol, just kidding. I think explorer, peaceful, truthful and righteous best describe me.

Do you relate to Women’s Month? If yes, why is it significant to you? If no, why is it not significant to you?

I relate to women’s month because 09 August 1956 demonstrated the power of our feminine strength and the significance of this power in the revolution and nation building.

They say behind every man is a strong woman, is this a statement you relate to?

Yes I relate to this because it’s true. There’s a line in a song that says: “I’m a movement by myself but I’m a force when we’re together.” It goes to testify that women have the natural ability to take men from one level to their highest level. Even the Bible says in Genesis 2:18 “And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him and help meet for him.” Man later testifies of the greatness of being with his woman on Genesis 2:23 when he says: “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.” This goes to show that originally men and women were created to be one, equal, walking side by side (not one behind the other) and working together to fulfill the will of the Creator, it’s only their roles that differed.

How do you think society perceives women?

It would depend on which society we are talking about. But generally, nowadays, women are objectified and seen as sex symbols. We see this perception mostly on TV where half naked women are used to sell everything from entertainment to cars and cigarettes. It is unfortunate that some women also perceive themselves this way.

How are you #CommittedToChange in your role as a woman?

I am #CommittedToChange by sharing my passion and knowledge by establishing a movement (Vegan eKasi) that aims to increase awareness about the plant-based diet and healthy living in disadvantaged communities. My mission is to introduce and encourage healthier habits, both dietary and socially.

What do you think the role of women is in developing the country?

Women bring balance and order. They are teachers and nurturers of the nation. They make sure that things get done and that promises are fulfilled.

In a world that favours men, how are you fulfilling your role as a woman?

I fulfill my role by staying true to myself and what I was created to be. A woman. I don’t diminish my feminine power by trying to be a man or comparing myself to one. I’m a builder. A firm believer of oneness and harmony between the two genders, that they complement each other rather than being “opposite sexes”. This attitude has resulted in me being seen as a partner and an integral part in decision making in the spaces I occupy.

In your words, what would South Africa look like if it had a female president?

SA would be a more orderly country. It would be more balanced because women know how to distribute resources according to need not greed.

Given what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self?

First things first I would say YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! Don’t try to fit in. You don’t have to. It’s okay to be different.