Phumzile's Selections

Curator's Statement: Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka on Progress

When I wake up each morning, what motivates me to get out of bed is not coffee, or a hot shower. It is not the sun shining through my window, or worries of the work that lies ahead. No, each morning I wake up inspired by the achievements of the incredible women I work with and for as the Executive Director of UN Women. 

In curating this exhibition, I focused on the stories of women who are speaking out and creating change for themselves and future generations. Their stories show us the work involved in arriving where we are today, and that we can do even better. 

As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Women’s Conference in 2015, and I reflect on the progress we have made, I keep their stories in mind, remembering the work that has brought us here.

About Phumzile

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the Executive Director of UN Women. She has devoted her career to issues of human rights, equality and social justice. Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka has worked in government and civil society and was actively involved in the struggle to end apartheid in her home country of South Africa. 

From 2005 to 2008, she served as Deputy President of South Africa, the highest ranking woman in the nation’s history. Prior to this, she served as Minister of Minerals and Energy from 1999 to 2005 and Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry from 1996 to 1999. She was a Member of Parliament from 1994 to 1996 as part of South Africa’s first democratic government. 

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka began her career as a teacher and gained international experience as a coordinator at the World YWCA in Geneva, where she established a global programme for young women. She is the founder of the Umlambo Foundation, which supports leadership and education. A longtime champion of women’s rights, she is affiliated with several organizations devoted to education, women’s empowerment and gender equality, and has a PhD in education and technology.