Try GOLD - Free

She's all that

Balanced Life

|

February 2025

The world often tries to put people in a box, but Mecayla Maseka considers herself more than 'just a girl'.

- Mecayla Maseka

She's all that

You're such a girly girl,” my friend said as we settled onto the couch, about to watch a comfort show, with our favourite snacks in hand. It was meant to be a light-hearted comment but the words hung in the air, and I couldn't shake the feeling that it carried a bit of judgement.

Honestly, I love being a girly girl. Pink? Yes, please! Bows? Sign me up! My name even translates to feminine, so it's safe to say I embrace my femininity with open arms. But why did this comment make me feel uneasy?

Balanced Life

This story is from the February 2025 edition of Balanced Life.

Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

Already a subscriber?

MORE STORIES FROM Balanced Life

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

AND THAT'S ON PERIOD!

We've gone from whispering about “that time of the month” to speaking more openly about our periods. Let's explore the luteal phase, how to work with our bodies during this time, period stigma and period poverty.

time to read

4 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

What's ON?

Banish the last of the winter blues with these heart-warming August events.

time to read

3 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

The ART of JOYFUL MOVEMENT

This exercise philosophy won't just get your blood pumping, but will get joy going too!

time to read

3 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

PRESS PAUSE

Books on our table that explore relationships, both physically and emotionally. The bonus - they're both pink.

time to read

2 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

POSITIVELY ME

South Africa's HIV/AIDS epidemic looks different to what it did four decades ago. So, too, does its activism. Leading HIV activist Nozibele Qamngana-Mayaba uses her personal story to advocate for change - not just systemic, but societal too. In this extract from her memoir, she reflects on the fear and thrill of becoming a mother; there's life, so much of it, after a diagnosis.

time to read

5 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

5 MINUTES WITH CANDICE CHIRWA MINISTER OF MENSTRUATION

SA's self-appointed Minister of Menstruation, Candice Chirwa began working in menstrual health in 2017 through a UN consultancy, which led to her master's research. She went on to found Qrate – a nonprofit that runs workshops to advocate for menstrual equity. Since then, Candice has spent years combining research, advocacy, and community engagement to challenge period poverty and shift public perception through what she calls “pracademic” work – merging academia with practical action.

time to read

2 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

SPICE IT UP!

With a slight chill still in the air, pack a punch with some spice and chilli with these quick dinner ideas.

time to read

3 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

GLOW-UP guide

Glow smarter, not harder. From viral lip combos to colour correcting made simple, here's your ultimate cheat sheet for turning your makeup bag into a magic kit.

time to read

2 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

A SCARLET DREAMSCAPE

With its elaborate architecture, tranquil gardens and sensory-rich experiences, Villa Palladio in Jaipur is more than just a getaway - it's a journey into vivid imagination.

time to read

2 mins

August 2025

Balanced Life

Balanced Life

Rated

A living tapestry of pop culture, innovation and authenticity, Rihanna has solidified herself as the icon of a generation.

time to read

6 mins

August 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size