Miora Rajaonary

In her collection for the 2020 exhibition, Miora Rajaonary worked with women in South Africa who are championing women’s rights and transforming their communities.

Miora decided to join the Women By Women project because she wanted to show the talent of women photographers and raise awareness of the discrimination they often face.

Gugulethu Nomthandazo Xaba, 27, was diagnosed with HIV seven years ago. She is campaigning to raise awareness about living with HIV and uses her status to empower and inspire others.

Hazel Dube is a full-time student and activist who dreams of becoming a South African, Oprah Winfrey. She has been involved with the ActionAid-supported Young Urban Women advocacy project since 2014. The project aims to influence decision-makers about issues that concern young women, including sexual and reproductive health.

Millicent Shungube is a member of the Greater Phola Women’s Forum, an organisation that advocates for communities affected by mining. Millicent educates the women in her forum on their rights and helps raise awareness about the dangers of mining for local communities.

Jamilla Madingwane is a member of the Rainbow Activist Alliance Project, which seeks to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people living in townships. She is passionate about speaking out on behalf of people who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Khosi Nomnqa is a member of a group that supports women from mining-affected communities. She has received gender equality and women’s rights training and is helping women in her community to stand on their own two feet.

Millicent Shungube is a member of the Greater Phola Women’s Forum, an organisation that advocates on behalf of communities affected by mining. Living in an area surrounded by mining can be dangerous, with high air and water pollution and unstable living conditions. Millicent dedicates her time to educating the women in her forum on their rights and helps raise awareness about the impact of mining on local communities.

Nkeletseng Tsetsane is the founder of MB Teen Lifestyle, a platform and safe space where teenagers can interact, share information and discuss topics including teenage pregnancy, underage drinking and living with HIV. Nkeletseng is also part of a collective that engages traditional and religious leaders on topics that affect young people, such as sexual health services.

Nontsikelelo Khunju works in child and youth development. She is passionate about ensuring economic and social justice for women and children across South Africa. Nontsikelelo currently sits as the chairperson for a leading African research institute focusing on HIV and sexual and reproductive health. She also advocates for the rights and protection of women and children through creative writing, poetry and spoken word.

Thato Emily Mphuthi, 24, is a women’s rights activist and an advocate for the rights of young people. She is the president of Young Urban Women Active Citizens, a women’s advocacy group that addresses the social challenges faced by young women, including lacking sexual and reproductive health rights.