Carla Mackenzie feels no woman should subject herself to scrutiny and judgment

Carla Mackenzie grew up in a house where her opinion didn't matter much, which led her to read books. 

LOTS of books. 

From there she became fascinated with people's minds and emotions. While on her way out of her Psychology class at the University of Stellenbosch she saw an advert encouraging students to join the campus radio station. 

She says she never looked back ever since and left the Mother City to pursue her dreams at Jacaranda FM.

She believes that women have been boxed in with roles set out for them since the beginning of recorded history. Challenging this is a barrier in itself. Women have always been stereotyped into roles like that of celebrity show host while men dominate our sport channels.

"Often I not only had to work at succeeding in what I do, but also prove people wrong. We can only move forward once we overcome gender stereotypes and how this influences the roles women occupy in the workplace."

Carla feels that women are yet to be given the space to do (more) incredible things in radio. There aren’t many woman hosting breakfast or afternoon drive shows on the country’s biggest radio stations. It begs the question, is it due to a lack of talent or are women just not seen as capable hosts for these primetime slots. 

Women are often doubted. 

She don’t believe any woman would subject herself to scrutiny and judgment for nothing. Women have to beg for respect and are forced to continuously defend themselves. In fact, Women's Day shouldn't even have to exist if people abide by simple principles of respecting a person regardless of their gender and differences. 

"We need to fuel more movements for women and girls. There's a lot more which needs to be done about rape prevention; why to some men a woman's NO doesn't mean no; sanitary pads should be accessible to every single woman in South Africa who cannot afford it; and all domestic abuse survivors should be given counselling."

One person who stands out to her is her mother. She taught Carla how to be a fearless woman who asks questions. She has always supported her even though she doesn’t quite understand the radio industry. She adds so much humour to life. Every day.  

"My message to women this Women's Day is stand up for what you believe in even if it is the most daunting thing you have ever done."