21/08/2026
WOMEN’S MONTH APPEAL: SEE ME.
I AM A BUSINESSWOMAN LEADER NOT JUST A SYMBOL OF INSPIRATION
This Women’s Month, I want to say something honestly and directly:
Please think of me when there are opportunities, major deals, partnerships, budgets and platforms that can genuinely take my personal brand and businesses to the next level.
Please don’t only think of me when you need me to connect with someone with a disability so that I can assist them, motivate them, inspire them or help them navigate their circumstances.
I am not a free resource for disability-related needs.
There are people in disability-focused organisations and government structures who are employed and paid every month to do that work. I, on the other hand, am an entrepreneur and media practitioner building businesses and working towards financial stability which I don’t have at the moment.
When you think of inclusion, please also think beyond disability when you think of me.
I have a sports and fitness brand with products and services designed for everyone. I also have a makeup brand. I am a media practitioner, an accomplished international speaker and facilitator, and I bring close to 30 years of experience operating up to the highest level.
There are many ways to include me in your budgets.
If you want me to motivate, facilitate or speak at an event, including disability-focused events, please book me professionally. My experience has value, and there is a market-related rate for my speaking and facilitation services.
If you want me to attend an event, even if it’s for people with disabilities, and we do not have an existing relationship, please understand that as a media professional, my presence has an influencer/media fee attached to it.
This is not arrogance, this is about economic inclusion, dignity and equality which is what the 1956 women’s march was for.
My social responsibility focus is struggling artists and athletes. For other causes, I have partner organisations, individuals and friends with whom I have established mutual-benefit relationships or who have supported me over the years. Those are the people who can and are entitled to ask me for help or to help someone and my services for free at any time.
If you don’t fall into those categories and you want to refer someone to me, please first consider if there is real value that the opportunity creates for me and if you would take it if it was offered to you, only then you can refer to me. I am exhausted of the subtle disrespect from fellow women who think and act like they are better than me and really tired of the ableism, particularly the kind that disguises itself as empathy, kindness or consideration when, in reality, it is undermining me and limiting how I am seen.
I don't want to be the person you only remember when you need to tick the disability box.
I want to be the woman you remember when there is a boardroom opportunity, a major deal, a brand partnership, a speaking platform, a media opportunity, a sponsorship, a campaign, a procurement opportunity or a business opportunity.
Women’s Month comes with huge budgets, major campaigns and powerful conversations. Please include me in the economic opportunities too.
Don’t just celebrate my resilience, invest in me. Don’t just see what I have overcome, See what I can build.
Don’t just ask me to inspire others.
Give me opportunities that allow me to grow, earn, lead and create impact.
I am not asking for charity. I am asking to be considered, contracted, partnered with and paid for the value I bring.
This Women’s Month, empower women by opening doors and when you open one, make sure women like me are on the list.
With respect and humility
Masingita Masunga- Humanist.
For speaking bookings and engagements: 072 516 2675
,... https://mg.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-08-21-see-the-woman-not-the-disability/
