The world is run by WOMEN. Strong, brave, courageous, witty, kick-ass women. The City of Roses boasts some of the toughest, most compassionate and most inspiring female leaders you’ll ever come across. This month, Get It celebrates these leaders and their superpowers. Because, let’s face it, we’re not just businesswomen. We are mothers, daughters, caretakers, wives, cooks, cleaners, teachers and motivators. We are invested in our communities, and care for those who need a mother’s love. We look at the future while tending to the present with grace and attention to detail. We do it all, with added vava-VOOM for those extra curve balls life throws at us.
In this year’s Get It Women on the Move feature, Vodacom is at the forefront, celebrating this team of strong women with us. Visit www.vodacom.co.za for details on all it has on offer.
Meet Martie Miranda
Martie’s entire life has been dedicated to campaign for the inclusion of people with disabilities into so-called “normal” society. Martie now heads the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS) at the UFS, and lives out her passion every day.
“I manage CUADS as a support service to students with disabilities on all three campuses of the UFS. I am also responsible for institution-wide consultation, I advise all departments and divisions of the UFS with regard to any disability-related matters and universal access in order for the UFS to transform into an institution which is embracing and welcoming to students with disabilities.”
While this is a mouthful, working with persons with disabilities brings Martie endless joy. “I am inspired every day by persons with disabilities who succeed to become independent
and who prove that nothing is impossible.” She’s constantly challenged by changing attitudes, perceptions and stigma regarding persons with disabilities, while she knows of so many who have proven themselves as able to achieve wonderful things.
“I am a firm believer that any challenge I’m confronted with is an opportunity to change or to do things differently. I have experienced being treated differently, because as a child of
Deaf adults (CODA), my first language is South African Sign Language. Being the bridge between the hearing and the deaf world of my parents in a stigmatising society, I have insight in the daily struggles of persons with disabilities.”
Outside her office hours, Martie is a committed friend, flexible with her time and always up for an impulsive road trip or event. Her parents have taught her to always appreciate what she has, and that every human has a story to tell.
www.ufs.ac.za
