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Survival stories of four inspiring female personalities
In the past week, we shared stories of some Ghanaian entrepreneurs proving solutions to their clients and others who continue to leave a mark on the international front.
Today’s edition is a compilation of the stories of four female personalities across the globe who have been through some harrowing moments in their lives but still went ahead to attain their goals regardless of their circumstances. Read on.
Dr Malvika Iyer
At age 13, she accidentally picked up a diffused grenade bomb at her home in Bikaner, Rajasthan that exploded in her hands, blew off both her hands and severely damaged her legs.
There was little hope for her survival when she was taken to the hospital. She was conscious but in terrible pain. Subsequent to surviving that night, she had to undergo surgeries for two years and was bedridden for 18 months.
Against all odds, at age 28, she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work from the University of Madras. She also holds a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Social Work from the University of Madras, a Master of Social Work (M.S.W) in Social Work from Delhi University and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Economics from St. Stephen’s College.
Dr Malvika Lyer’s story is one of courage and determination. She has come a long way from surviving a gruesome bomb blast to winning the highest civilian honor from the President of India.
Today, she is an award-winning Disability Rights Activist and International Motivational Speaker — inspiring millions of people to forget their limitations and take on the world with confidence and hope.
Kechi Okwuchi
On December 10, 2005, she was involved in a horrific plane crash in Nigeria that took 107 of the 109 lives on board. She was 16 years old and sustained 3rd degree burns over 65 percent of her body and given a 30 percent chance of survival.
She was air-lifted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa for immediate medical attention and treatment, and later to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Galveston, Texas in the United States of America (USA), where she has undergone over 100 reconstructive surgeries.
She resumed high school in 2009 and graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with a First Class Degree in Economics in 2015. She got invited into six honour societies, including the International Economics Honour Society.
Today, Kechi Okwchi is a Singer, Songwriter, Inspirational Speaker, Social Impact Advocate and a Published Author of ‘More Than My Scars’.
“I don’t hide behind anything. I don’t hide how I am, how I look from the world. I want people to feel like they can be genuine in any given situation because that’s the way they’re supposed to be. That’s the way to be really happy in this world,” she said.
Zoey Seboe
She was born with a rare skin condition called Lamellar Ichthyosis, which many mistake for burnt marks or eczema. Growing up, her family encouraged her to model, and they would constantly tell her that she was beautiful.
In a society that often has unrealistic standards about what beauty is, she didn’t allow expectations and perceptions to define her.
The inspirational Zoey Seboe was recently announced as one of the 2022 Miss South Africa Top 30 finalists, her skin condition has not stopped her from chasing her dreams and went ahead to study for a Bachelor of Commerce in Law.
“For me, beauty is understanding that simply existing is enough. It is also about embracing your heritage and being unapologetic; simply stepping in as the person you are.”
“With every chance you get, tell yourself that you are beautiful and worth every space you find yourself in. It may take time, but you need to come out and be YOU,” she said.
Winfred Wanjiku Muchiri
Winfred is an inspirational Kenyan DJ born with Cerebral Palsy — a group of permanent disorders that affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. In her case, her arm movement was affected.
Dj Wiwa, as she is popularly known, uses her feet and toes to Dj, she started DJing in 2018 and has performed in many gigs ever since.
“I have always loved music, but due to my speech problem, I couldn’t become a singer, and that is why my mom suggested I can make a good DJ. My mother saw my talent before I did. My first time operating a turntable wasn’t easy as I used my feet and toes, and I almost gave up, but my mom couldn’t let me,“ she said.In 2019, she, unfortunately, lost her mother who had always been a shoulder for her to lean on.
Against all odds, Dj Wiwa continues to be an inspiration to a lot of people, and she always makes it a point to put on a good show wherever she is booked to perform.
Additional files from women power Africa
By Spectator Reporter
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana Tourism Authority is leading Ghana’s participation at ITB Berlin, which opened in Berlin with a vibrant national pavilion highlighting Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, tourism destinations and investment opportunities.
March 5 has been designated as Ghana Day, a special platform to promote Ghana’s languages, cuisine, Kente, festivals and business prospects to the global tourism community. The stand has already drawn strong interest with traditional arts and crafts displays, immersive multimedia presentations and popular Ghanaian snacks.
Seven private-sector players are exhibiting alongside government officials as part of efforts to deepen trade partnerships, expand market access, and attract investment across the hospitality, heritage tourism, ecotourism, and creative arts sectors.
Ahead of the official opening, the Ghana delegation also engaged young Ghanaian investors in Germany in collaboration with V Afrika-Verein and the Ghana Embassy, strengthening diaspora investment linkages and highlighting opportunities within the tourism value chain.
Ghana’s coordinated presence at ITB Berlin 2026 reinforces its strategy to position the country as the Gateway to Africa and a competitive destination for leisure travel and global investment.
