The GLAMOUR Women’s Month Series is an ode to women who are following the beat of their drum and doing it successfully.
Khutso is one of South Africa’s most loved voices and media personalities. Her career started in 2012 after completing Radio and Sound Engineering studies. Khutso’s career in SA radio has been impressive so far. Khutso currently hosts one of our favourite radio shows Krunch With Khutso, a weekly mid-morning show on YFM. She is also the host of the Bernini Squadcast series, a platform that gives a voice to confident, strong, empowered women allowing them to share their stories of triumph over struggles, and how they have progressed into high-powered, successful positions, with the support of their squad.
The Squadcast Series will be a 3-part podcast series that is available on Spotify.
We had a chat with Khutso about Women’s month, GBV, patriachy and more.
Which woman has positively impacted you in your career/business? And what is the one lesson she taught you?
It would definitely, without any hesitation be my mother. MAMA FLORY. My mom would always say to me that I shouldn’t pity her because she’s a single mother. That I should respect her for having the courage to do it alone, the strength to never give up and the love to put her children’s needs before her own. That has always reminded me that I am the author of my own story.. and my wish is that this story will inspire others and be someone else’s survival guide.
What are the three words that spring to mind when you hear Women's Day/Month?
- Leaders
- Strong
- Empowered
To you, what is the most beautiful thing about being a woman?
Personally, there is nothing more golden, nor more beautiful than a woman being unapologetically unafraid and proud of being herself. Comfortable in her perfect imperfection. It’s not in the clothes she wears, her figure or how she carries herself – or even the way she styles her hair. It can be seen in her eyes, the doorway to her heart. It’s reflected in her soul. The caring she lovingly gives and the passion she shows - that beauty only grows with passing days and years. To me, that is the true essence of beauty in a woman.
In your industry or in general, have you seen any more movement to gender equality in the workplace?
Gender equality is a human issue, it affects us all. Gender equality and women’s empowerment has been made to seem like a ‘prime focus’ in the South African workforce, yet the gender gap is still monumental. Despite women making up just over half of our population, we still remain relatively under-represented in positions of authority and power.
Gender discrimination is prevalent and occurs in almost every professional setting. Forms of discrimination on the basis of gender, often negatively affect women more than men. In many industries, management still doesn’t promote women above a certain level, due to preconceived notions about their roles and abilities.
How has self-care contributed to the woman you are in all facets of your life? Why is self-care important, particularly for women, as most of us are raised to believe we put everyone else first before ourselves?
For the longest time I genuinely thought my self-care would come off as being selfish or self-indulgent and then I realised that I needed to be loud about the things that are important to ME, that taking care of myself doesn’t mean me first, it simply means ‘me, too.’ It’s time we view self-care differently. It’s just about taking care of yourself and this is so vital for one’s health and well-being.
Identifying and meeting our needs is something we women often struggle with. We generally put others first - our spouse, parents, friends or children. That obligation to be the caretaker is deeply engrained. I hope one day women out there allow a shifting balance from everyone-else-care to me-care. It can feel uncomfortable at first, however, it is important to do so and if you don’t your body will let you know.
As a woman who looks to inspire young girls that look like you what are some of the measures you think should be put in place to assure young girls have an equal say in society?
I believe that, to make sure young girls have an equal say in society, this mindset begins at home, and families are at the frontline of change for the game to be changed. For the next female generation, the examples set at home by parents and extended family will shape the way they think about gender and equality.
This encompasses everything from breaking down gender stereotypes to sharing the care work, embracing diverse role models, empowering girls to speak up, putting a stop to body shaming, and fighting stereotypes.
With Black Lives Matter being at the forefront and black people calling out racism and transformation, what do you think we can teach the next generation about inclusion and representation?
Feeling uncomfortable is a necessary part of unlearning oppressive behaviours. I mean who am I as a human being if I ignore the suffering of others, people have a lot to say about lives they’ve never lived and it’s imperative for the next generation to understand that we have a lot to do. It’s time we bring ingenuity to life, meaningful and positive change. I believe that inclusion should be intentional. It’s time we identify and remove barriers so that everyone can participate to the best of their ability.
Gender Based Violence (GBV) especially women and children abuse has been prevalent in the country for a very long time and there have been various initiatives that speak to this but the scourge of abuse still continues at a large scale, what would you advise as a solution going forward? And who should be involved?
My advice would be to engage young boys and young men to become agents of change. Challenge and speak out about violence at the home. LISTEN to girls’ experiences relating to abuse and in that, listen to their solutions. An urgent need to connect specialists and at risk communities, is a must.
What does women’s month mean to you and what would you like to be done to push or commemorate this month?
I am so fortunate to be commemorating Women’s Month during this challenging time, exactly as I believe it should be commemorated. The team behind Bernini has stepped up to support female progress and empowerment with the launch of the Squadcast Series - a platform that gives a voice to confident, strong, empowered women allowing them to share their stories of triumph over struggles, and how they have progressed into high-powered, successful positions, with the support of their squad- their girls, sisters.
I am host of this series, and the experience has touched me personally, bringing a dream of mine to life through a 3-part podcast series. What an honour to lead these conversations with women I admire, who are sharing deeply held beliefs with regard to their professional and personal life. Each of these extraordinary, beautiful and strong women have made me realise that ‘if not now, then when will it ever be the right time to SPEAK your Truth’. I thank them for this.
As a modern African woman, how do you manoeuvre the African expectations for what Africa believes a woman should be, particularly in countries that are rooted in patriarchy like ours?
I am aware that even with achievements and progress made, African women face major challenges and hardships. I think the other challenge we face is not supporting each other, and in that, we strengthen patriarchy through some of our practices.
Concerns over women's exclusion in South Africa remains a massive problem. Restrictive laws, cultural diversities and practices, institutional barriers, as well as disproportionate access to quality education, healthcare, and resources.
By introducing the right societal structures across the continent I believe this can change. The process of increasing the visibility of women in decision-making in South Africa and across the continent, needs an understanding of the progress made, the challenges faced and the way forward.
