#WomensMonth2024: Emma Matjila is a transformation trailblazer
 

“At a time when I was treated differently because of my dark complexion and also being left-handed, my mother affirmed in me in a sense of confidence and she always used to tell me that I’m beautiful. My mother taught me how to use both my hands; I do everything with my right hand except writing,” shares Emma Matjila, Human Capital: Employment Equity and Transformation Specialist. This Women’s Month and beyond, we recognise Emma as a phenomenal CSIR woman.

Emma's journey was a challenging one, faced with colourism in all social settings from her siblings and peers. Through it all, her mother stood as a pillar of strength, teaching her to toughen up in a harsh world. The first lesson was to affirm her identity and instil in her that ‘black is beautiful.’ Her mother also imparted to her the skill of proficiently using both hands, as she was left-handed. This skill became invaluable during Emma’s tertiary years as she encountered settings designed primarily for right-handed individuals. Thanks to her mother's teachings, Emma navigated these challenges with confidence and ease.

Pioneers in celebrating Women's Month

Emma’s passion for transformation began during her time studying industrial psychology at the University of Cape Town. It was at that point that she first became interested in issues of affirmative action and gender equality. Emma’s passion was further fuelled when she began working in the Office of the Premier in Limpopo, where she focused on gender mainstreaming and community development, which solidified her commitment to advocating for women's rights and advancing social change. She had to undergo training on sexual harassment in 1997 and, as a result, her team developed a sexual harassment policy for the province of Limpopo and gender mainstreaming initiatives. “We were the pioneers in celebrating Women's Month within the Office of the Premier in Limpopo, even though similar offices existed in other provinces,” Emma explains, reflecting on where it all began. The exposure she got from this experience laid the foundation for her commitment to advocating for transformation and gender equality.

Community of women

Emma's profession aligns perfectly with the CSIR's values of people-centricity, collaboration and excellence. She is dedicated to upholding people's rights and responsibilities and actively works to update policies to align with South Africa's constitution. Through her work, she has inspired many lives, and today, a supportive community of women surrounds her. “When I was working in Venda, the women in the community took me in and mentored me. They not only taught me their language but also their values and norms so that when I went out for community projects, I could understand the people and communicate transformation in a way that resonated with them,” Emma says. This experience, along with the teachings of her mother, inspired her to mentor young girls. Emma’s unwavering support for the women who shaped her has contributed to her becoming the phenomenal woman she is today.

For Emma, Women’s Month is about shared strength. “Women’s Month humbles me and reminds me that I stand on the shoulders of great women who came before me,” she remarks. This month, Emma reflects on the courage of the women who took on the system, remembering the sacrifices they endured. She feels fortunate and grateful for the freedom and opportunities women enjoy today and for the heroines who paved the way.