Ellerman House’s Inspiring Women

This National Women’s Day we took the time to speak to some of the important ladies in our lives.  Carol Kohne, Cordelia Bauti, Karien Bendle, Leigh Abrajee and Vicky Dennett share some words with us:

What does National Women’s Day mean to you?

• It’s a day of celebration and a call for Gender Equality. Woman’s voices must be heard. (LA)
• Having a voice and being able to speak your mind. The important thing is  having equal rights and opportunities. (VD)
• It celebrates political achievements and equality of woman. (CB)
• For me it stands for a time where we celebrate and acknowledge the strong women that sacrificed so much for us to be where we are today. We are a generation that was born into a different world, a world where woman today are seen as equals. (KB)
• This time is also to support and remind women that SHE is uniquely gifted with inner strength, courage and wisdom and is seen as an equal amongst her peers. (CK)

How you feel working in the Travel/Hospitality industry as a woman?

• As a female chef, in the beginning it is very hard. It makes you strong in every way. (LA)
• I think over the years the hospitality industry has grown to value all the women in the industry and have produced some powerful, innovative leaders in many areas. I love this industry and all the women in it. (VD)
• There’s a great deal of freedom which allows you to meet, serve and interact with people from all walks of life. (CB)
• I absolutely love it. The feminine touch and attention to the smaller things goes such a long way. I am privileged enough to work in an environment where we are all treated as equals. (KB)
• Valuable – being able to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. (CK)

Three words that represent you as a woman?

• Strong, Caring, Leader. (LA)
• Strong, compassionate and kind. (VD)
• Sweet, Integrity, Sense of humour. (CB)
• Fearfully & wonderfully made. (KB)
• Compassionate, Dedicated, Strong. (CK)

What does It mean to you to be a woman in South Africa?

• Honestly, it’s a bit scary with what’s happening in the world. (LA)
• Having a vote, being able to drive, educate myself and be an equal partner in my relationship, things that some women still don’t have in many other countries. I am so proud to be a woman in South Africa. (VD)
• Being a woman here gives me a deep hunger for success and drive for achieving greatness. There is a joined spirit of overcoming any challenge and encourages me to get through any hardships. (CB)
• To be honest I don’t think woman are respected enough in SA, so it’s an opportunity to make a difference, raise our voices and be heard. (CK)

What advice would you give to the next generation of girls?

• Empower yourself to your full potential. Don’t be ashamed of what you believe in.  Be Bold and do not doubt yourself. (LA)
• Be strong. We are all equals when it comes to life, dream big and work hard. (VD)
• There is nothing that beats education. Be independent and always have self-respect. (CB)
• Let your hair down. Don’t care about what others think of you. Focus on your happiness. Be your unique self and love that self. Laugh like nobody is watching. Don’t feel that you have to “find your purpose”. Often, your calling is hidden in your circumstances. (KB)
• Be brave, believe in yourself, follow your dreams and never give up! (CK)

Words to live by?

• Be bold and independent and be prepared to take risks. Always have confidence. (LA)
• If you have to choose between being kind and being right, choose being kind and you will always be right. (VD)
• Listen: Smile: Live and easy life. (CB)
• May we know them, may we raise them, and may we be them. (It just reminds us to always lead by example, the next generation is watching). “I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being” – Maya Angelou (KB)
• In a world where you can be anything, be kind. (CK)