, March 12 -- In South Africa, the challenge of empowering women remains a poignant issue, echoing the persistent societal norms that dictate roles and power dynamics. A complex history of colonialism, apartheid and patriarchy means that women and especially women of colour have been left out of conversations, and left out of opportunities.

This week, International Women's Day has given me the chance to reflect on what we're doing for our young women students and how we can use our position as educators to not only acknowledge the challenges they face, but how to actively drive transformative change. What real strategies can we put into place to empower the young women entrusted to our care? How can we give them more opportunities to gro...