As women we are often encouraged to work harder, dream bigger and push through every obstacle that stands in our way. While all of these things are important, I have come to believe that one of the most powerful tools for success is something much simpler: KINDNESS. Not the kind of kindness that seeks recognition. Not the kind that expects something in return. But the kind that becomes part of who you are every single day.
By Maphuti Mongatane, business development manager at African Farming
In a world that often celebrates competition, I am constantly inspired by women who choose collaboration. Women who answer the phone when someone needs advice. Women who make introductions without asking, “What is in it for me?” Women who share opportunities, support small businesses and genuinely want to see others succeed. These women understand something many people overlook: Kindness is not separate from success. It is often the reason success finds them.
Throughout my journey I have met remarkable women who are quietly changing lives. They are creating jobs, building businesses, growing farms and uplifting communities. What stands out is not only their ability to succeed, but their willingness to take others along with them.
Also read: Elevate Her | The power of possibility!
People never forget how you treated them! They may forget your presentation. They may forget your title. They may even forget the details of a business deal. But they will never forget the person who encouraged them when they were ready to give up. They will never forget the woman who opened a door, shared a contact, offered advice or simply showed them kindness when they needed it most.
What many do not realise is that kindness has a way of creating opportunities.
Every meaningful relationship is built on trust. Every strong partnership begins with respect. Every thriving network grows because people feel valued and appreciated. Long before opportunities arrive, people are paying attention to character. The woman who consistently does the right thing becomes the woman people want to work with.
The woman who treats people with dignity becomes the woman others recommend.
The woman who chooses integrity even when nobody is watching becomes the woman people trust.
Also read: Elevate Her | The women who grow without permission
At Elevate Her we often speak about empowering women. But empowerment is not only about funding, mentorship and boardroom opportunities. It is also about how we show up for one another every day. It is about creating a culture where women genuinely support women, where success is shared and where kindness is not viewed as weakness but as one of our greatest strengths.
The reality is that every interaction leaves a footprint. Every conversation, every act of generosity and every moment of compassion contribute to the legacy we are building.
As women, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the future – not only through the businesses we build or the positions we hold, but through the lives we touch along the way.
So this week my challenge to every woman is simple: Do the right thing even when nobody is watching. Choose kindness even when it is inconvenient. Support another woman even when there is no immediate benefit to you. Because opportunities come and go, but the impact of kindness lasts far longer.
And sometimes the greatest doors we will ever walk through are opened not by our qualifications, but by the way we made people feel long before the opportunity arrived.
Kindness is not just a virtue – it is a legacy!
Also read: Elevate Her | The courage to ask
