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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
Ghana’s parliament has marked the 2nd edition of May Day 2026 under the theme “ Welcome Home”.
It was special day meant to celebrate the invaluable support of the workforce, recognizing the commitment, resilience, and contributions of workers to institutional growth and national development.
Delivering the message on behalf of the Speaker, the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, described the theme as very apt, appropriate, and timely, noting that Parliament is more than a workplace, it is a shared home.
He emphasized that we cannot speak about work without speaking about people, reminding everyone that the true measure of our work is the well-being of our people.
He urged that our traditional clothing become an integral part of our everyday clothing, and that our local languages must become integral to our daily lives, interwoven into education and practiced at home.
Referencing Standing Order 63, which captures the use of local language as optional in deliberations, he encouraged a renewed commitment to identity, saying it is significant that we “come home” and present who we are so future generations can inherit a story they can fully tell.
The Clerk, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, in his remarks commended officers for their dedication and devotion to duty, calling on them to go the extra mile and leave legacies.
Echoing the reminder that an unexamined life is not worth living, he described the event as an invitation to reconnect with our roots through cultural revival.
The Deputy Clerk, C&FMS, Dr. Gloria Sarku Kumawu, urged all not to forget their roots, the people behind the stories of ministries, industries, and the strides made both in-house and beyond.
What began last year has now become a meaningful tradition, showcasing Ghanaian heritage, fostering unity, and encouraging innovation under the principle of diversity for unity and diversity for progress, she added.
The gathering brought together leadership, public officials, and staff across all levels, along with the media, standing as a unifying platform that honored service, celebrated culture, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to national development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
