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Empathy and Authority: Balancing Leadership Roles with Sensitivity to GBV Issues

Empathy and Authority: Balancing Leadership Roles with Sensitivity to GBV Issues

By Monica Brown

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of being invited as the keynote speaker at the Northwest University’s Women’s Conference in Potchefstroom. The theme of my talk was “Empathy and Authority: Balancing Leadership Roles with Sensitivity to GBV Issues.”

Leading with authority is crucial, but it’s equally important to do so with empathy, especially when navigating the complexities of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). My talk explored this balance, offering insights on how leaders can create safe spaces, foster open communication, and champion support systems for those affected by GBV.

The conference itself was an inspiring event. The energy in the room was palpable, filled with women eager to learn, share experiences, and advocate for change. The panel discussion that followed, expertly facilitated by Vedhna Lalla, focused on “Creating Safe Workspaces: Addressing GBV and Sexual Harassment.” The insightful contributions from the panelists further enriched the conversation, highlighting the importance of collective action in tackling these issues.

Monica Brown: A leader in promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Ms. Vedhna Lalla (left), Lecturer, Social Worker, and Researcher at North-West University, and Monica Brown (right), Content Marketing Maestro, DEI & GBV Consultant, and AI Upskilling Trainer

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof Susan Coetzee van Rooy and Ntsako Nkuna for their incredible hospitality and the warm welcome I received from the entire Northwest University community.

Ms. Ntsako Nkuna (left), Learning and Development Senior Specialist at North-West University, and Monica Brown (right)
Ms. Zanobia Kanjee (left), Head of E-Learning at North-West University, and Monica Brown (right)

This conference served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of women. It is through open dialogue, collaboration, and a commitment to empathy that we can create a future free from GBV. #GBVawareness #WomensLeadership #SafeWorkspaces #NWUConference #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen

Monica Brown, Changemaker, Activist And Social Entrepreneur, CRW NEWS Freelance Columnist

Monica Brown is a dynamic entrepreneur and social impact leader with a diverse portfolio of businesses focused on media, technology, and social justice. As the Content Director for CRW News and CRW Radio, she oversees the creation of engaging and informative content that informs and inspires audiences. Her AI upskilling company, AI Playground, is at the forefront of technological innovation, empowering individuals and organizations to harness the power of AI. As the CEO of South Africa Scream, she is dedicated to combating gender-based violence and promoting social justice. Her media agency, The Unspoken Truth Media Group, specializes in content creation and media strategy. Finally, as the CEO of LionLink, she connects businesses and individuals to foster growth and collaboration. Monica Brown’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for making a positive impact have made her a prominent figure in the South African business and social impact landscape.

Main Image – Monica Brown (left), Prof. Susan Coetzee Van Rooy, Director of Research Development in the Faculty of Humanities at North-West University (middle), and Prof. Corrie Rheeder, Director of Student Life and Psychologist at North-West University (right).

All Image – Photo Credits: Monica Brown

We hope you enjoyed the article, you can read more articles from Monica here and there will be more regular weekly articles from Monica Brown coming soon.