Affinity Health Celebrates Strong Women Who Have Overcome Medical Adversities
Brave, nurturing, compassionate, and ambitious: Women worldwide are rising stronger than ever before!
In celebration of International Women’s Day on Monday, 8 March, Affinity Health looks at amazing South African women who have overcome adversity and are today leaders in their industries despite serious health and medical setbacks.
“International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“Today, Affinity Health would like to celebrate women’s achievements in the face of medical adversities and pay tribute to these local icons who have become an inspiration to all South Africans.”
In the world of literature: Lois Strachan of Cape Town became blind when she was 21 years old due to insulin-dependent diabetes. She has a guide dog who helps her travel around independently. Since losing her sight, Strachan has completed her Bachelor of Arts degree and an Honours degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She works as a professional speaker, author, podcaster, blogger, and disability consultant. Her purpose is to demystify disability to increase the inclusion of persons with disabilities into society and the workplace.
In the world of sport: Kgothatso ‘KG’ Montjane is a wheelchair tennis player who became the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon. Montjane was born with a congenital disorder that affected both of her hands and a foot, resulting in an amputation below the left knee at the age of 12. Today Montjane is a strong, focused left-handed player with solid, accurate strokes.
In the world of justice: Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely was born with 10% vision in one eye only. As a young girl, she lost her sight entirely. Her determination and tenacity have seen her hold a Bachelor of Social Science degree, with majors in Legal Studies and Political Science. She also obtained an LLB Degree in 2000 and a Master’s Degree in Political Science in 2002. She passed the National Bar Examination in 2002 and secured certificates in legislative drafting in 2007. Sukhraj-Ely earned her Doctorate in Public Policy in 2009.
In the world of entrepreneurship: A cancer diagnosis and leg amputation at age 16 did not stop Sarisa Ferreira. In August 2012, the then 28-year-old former Paralympian’s family was going to lose their farm due to drought and floods. Ferreira decided to start a business to save it. She developed a small farming business in the Eastern Cape and transformed it into a significant fruit and vegetable supply chain, that today provides training, mentoring, and jobs to many women.
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About Affinity Health
Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, and Instagram.
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