South African actress, producer, entrepreneur, spiritual activist and mother, Mona Monyane has a remarkable journey.

In this episode, we openly talk about feminism, relationships, divorce, spirituality, self awareness , connecting with the divine and being fully oneself. Mona shares how her ancestors awakened her from grief of the death of her baby 7 days after birth.  She talks of black women as 'queen's and backbone of society which led to her work supports SGBV survivors, the right of choice for women, limited by patriarchy to be labelled and ostracised.  However, Mona explains why she does not identify as feminist, she doesn’t strive to be equal to men or match their energy but owning her power as a woman is what she strives for.

Mona is an artist and considers "Being in the creative industry as a calling not a career", she believes Africa's voice needs to be reintroduced as absolutely able to express itself intelligential and put itself on world stage

Her Words of wisdom

• Never stop being who you are
• Never forget -- You are the light
• Be still. Be you. Stillness is being who you are
• Remember me by being everything you are meant to be
• Perfection is an illusion
• Be yourself -- Shine bright like a Dimond
• Stop questioning if you’re getting it right or wrong (an elephant doesn’t doubt if it’s n elephant)
• You have the power to choose you, every single day, all day long
• You are enough, be all of you
• Get pissed off with the version of yourself that doesn’t want the best for you
• It’s comfortable to sit in pain, Time to be uncomfortable, own who we are
• You loose a lot of people because they were not meant to stay, your tribe will find you

Spiritual practice Tips

1. Isolate yourself
2. Write things down (aspirations, dreams, feelings..)
3. Go to nature (hub a tree, sit by a river, dance in the rain, lay on the ground…)
4. Get a pet
5. Pray (have a conversation with the great divine)
6. Create an environment (candles..)
7. Rest

Final thought from Mona is " What's difficult about the truth is that - it is simple", so hoping this episode will bring you closer to living your truth and reflect in the Christmas season on who you really are.

---------------------------------------------

Want to support the Nala Feminist Collective?

Visit our website to learn how you can help: nalafem.org follow IG account @IamNala_podcast

Learn more about the Africa Young Women Beijing+25 Manifesto and how you can help the young women of Africa create a better life for future generations.

nalafem.org/manifesto

For collaboration and sponsorships contact aya@nalafem.org