Tenacity is the name of the game

What does a PhD in Chemical Engineering, activism and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro have in common?

For Farana Boodhram, a University of Cape Town (UCT) Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE) inspirational graduand, they each represent tenacity. On Monday, 2 September, Farana will graduate with her thesis titled, “Gender Equity and Business Leadership in South Africa’s Mining Industry”.

“The study examines the challenges and opportunities related to increasing the representation of women in the mining sector. I conducted expert interviews with high-profile leaders across various leadership and management positions,” Farana said. “The study revealed that the historic, systemic exclusion of women has led to a culture where women are often culturally excluded as they try to integrate into a male-dominated environment. This exclusion has not only limited women’s full participation but also prevented the mining industry from benefiting from gender diversity.”

“My journey has always been about survival, and while it has certainly been interesting, it’s this tenacity that has shaped my path.”

She added: “I initially enrolled in a PhD programme, which focused on business leadership, [and] allowed me to delve into the dynamics of business and better understand my experiences as an entrepreneur in the mining industry. Transferring to the Minerals to Metals initiative in EBE provided me with the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the mining industry’s technical aspects, supported by a faculty that leads in this area. It allowed me to integrate my business acumen with engineering principles, making my proposal for sector transformation both feasible and practical.”

Farana celebrated her PhD completion by conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, a lifelong dream.

“I was fortunate enough to celebrate completing my PhD by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, which had been on my bucket list for a long time with nine awe-inspiring leaders. It was a double achievement for me – not only marking the end of an important academic journey but also raising funds for three incredible organisations that support children’s education: the Proudly South African Midesk Global, LIFT Ireland, and ACAS Argentina. So, it was both a celebration and an effort to raise funds and awareness for causes close to my heart.”

Before enrolling for her EMBA programme in 2015, she had no university-level training and, in essence, learned on the job. “Facing challenges head-on is part of who I am, so nothing really daunts me. My childhood was challenging and that instilled a deep sense of resilience in me. Later in life, after marriage, I experienced the heartbreak of losing five babies before the birth of my two surviving children. This motivated me to become an entrepreneur while being a full-time mom, determined to give my children the best that life had to offer. My journey has always been about survival, and while it has certainly been interesting, it’s this tenacity that has shaped my path,” said Farana.

Transformative power of education

Farana has also been intentional in her advocacy work outside of her academic nous with projects like MiDesk.

MiDesk is a hybrid between a school bag and a carry-on suitcase and can transition into a desk and chair and a portable solar light with a USB charger. It is the culmination of a science project, which was packed into Farana’s family home garage until she found a plan for it in the most creative way possible.

“I had a look at it and realised that it had the potential to change children’s lives, so I added the chair and wheelie feature, the solar light with the USB charging option and aligned it with six of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring broader impact on global education and equality. What started as an innovative idea to solve a “small” problem, evolved into a gold-medal-winning project at the University of Pretoria and ultimately, a groundbreaking tool for global education.

“This project is a testament to our family’s dedication to creating positive change and our belief in the power of innovation to bridge gaps in education. The MiDesk embodies our commitment to ensuring that every child, no matter where they are in the world, has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Farana has also been the recipient of several awards, including the Association of Women in Mining in Africa’s Gender Equality Trailblazer Award for 2024, securing her a prestigious position in the Hall of Fame.

“Advocacy and working with underprivileged children are deeply important to me because I believe in the transformative power of opportunity and education. Growing up, I recognised the disparities that exist in access to resources, especially in less-privileged areas. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to reach their full potential. By advocating for less-privileged children, I aim to break the cycle of poverty and inequality, ensuring that these children not only receive the education they deserve but also the support and tools they need to succeed.”

Speaking on her trailblazer award, she said: “My commitment to gender equality is reflected in my work and research, particularly my PhD. Being recognised with this award is a tremendous honour and a validation of the work I’ve devoted most of my career to.