2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Mwajemi is a dedicated film actress, social worker, motivational coach, and language & culture consultant with a remarkable journey of courage and determination. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mwajemi immigrated to Australia in 2005 under a refugee visa. She took the initiative to study English at TafeSA, laying the foundation for her remarkable achievements. Graduating as a social worker from the University of South Australia, Mwajemi earned a scholarship from the Jan Pentland Foundation in 2010, becoming a financial counsellor for six years.
She serves as an executive member of the African Women’s Federation of South Australia (AWFOSA) and the National Council of Women of South Australia (NCWSA). Additionally, she actively participates in “The Speaking Made Easy of Australia,” where she has built her public speaking confidence, sharing inspiring resilience, courage, and determination through personal stories.Mwajemi’s talents as a film actress are recognised in the acclaimed film “The Survival Of Kindness,” for which she won the Best Debut Award at the Belgrade International Film Festival FEST23. As a keynote speaker, she has inspired audiences at prestigious events such as the Penguin Club of Australia Triennial conference in Melbourne and the FASSTT2023 Conference in Adelaide.
With an indomitable spirit and a commitment to making a positive difference, Mwajemi continues to empower and uplift lives, embodying the belief that “Polepole Tutafika Tu” – Eventually we will get there.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“No one enters the world smiling; the moment you are born you are sentenced to hard work to gain that smile”, by Mwajemi Hussein
// Let’s get to know you
As a film actress, a social worker, a motivational coach, language & culture consultant, my journey to succeed is one of courage and determination. I was was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In 2005, I arrived in Australia under a refugee visa and took the initiative to study English at TafeSA, laying the foundation of my remarkable achievements. I am married and a mother of seven children. I have been actively involved in the migrant community supporting newly arrived refugees to familiarise in their integration process.
My unwavering dedication led me to graduate as a social worker from the prestigious University of South Australia. Additionally, I earned a scholarship from the inaugural Jan Pentland Foundation in 2010, which enabled her to become a financial counsellor. For six years, from 2012 to 2018, I utilised my expertise to make a significant impact as a financial counsellor.
Beyond my professional endeavours, I play an instrumental role in various community groups. I served an executive member of the African Women’s Federation of South Australia (AWFOSA) and the National Council of Women of South Australia (NCWSA). Additionally, since 2008 I actively participates in “The Speaking Made Easy of Australia”, a platform for public speakers (where I have built my public speaking confidence). As a public speaker, share inspiring resilience, courage and determination through lived experience and personal stories. I have spoken at numerous places including community groups,, schools, universities, captivating audiences with my empowering messages. My advocacy extends to supporting and representing refugees, disadvantaged or vulnerable people at various events.
My passion for embracing challenges and seizing opportunities has not gone unnoticed. In 2014, I received a nomination for the prestigious Pride of Australia Medal due to my outstanding contributions to the wider community. Notably, I am also recognised for talents as a film actress, and I can be seen in the acclaimed film “The Survival Of Kindness”, directed, written, and produced by the award-winning auteur filmmaker Rolf de Heer (Charlie’s country, Ten Canoes, Dingo, Bad Boy Bubby, The Tracker). In 2023 I travelled to Germany, USA, France, and all around all states in Australia; I won the Best Debut Award / the BEST DEBUT AWARD/Belgrade international film festival FEST23 for my role in the film “The Survival Of Kindness”.
My dream is to empower and lift people like me via my examples. As part of motivating people that everyone can do everything no matter where you come from, and it is never too late to learn and achieve dreams, I have just challenged myself with learning to ride a bike and currently I am having swimming lessons.
As a business owner, a seeker for challenges, I am enrolled in a short course “Entrepreneurship and small Business / Self-Employment” 2024 program. As a mother with a teenage son with a severe autism, I don’t take any learning opportunity for granted and I consider myself as a student of life, passionate about discovering new ways of communicating and connecting; I am everyday surprised with new skills. As a keynote speaker, in October September 2013 I inspired the audience at the Penguin Club of Australia Triennial conference in Melbourne/Victoria; and in October 2023 I was one of Keynote speakers at FASSTT2023 Conference in Adelaide/SA, which everyone was left with a ‘Wow’. With an indomitable spirit and a commitment to making a positive difference, I continue to inspire and uplift lives wherever I go; saying “Polepole Tutafika Tu” meaning “Eventually we will get there”.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am passionate about discovering new opportunities on how to lift those who are still hesitating to stand and advocate for their rights. I am a strong advocate for marginalised individuals, especially, those with disabilities (physical, mental, or intellectual). I volunteer everywhere and every time I can across any opportunity, depending on my availability (last year I challenged myself, I volunteered at the Adelaide Film Festival, and this year I will volunteer at the WomAdelaide).
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
Is a woman who is motivated and called to achieve more.
Is a woman who has equal opportunities to achieve their goals, a woman who brings others along.
Is a woman who is not afraid to go after their dreams.
Is a woman who advocate for women’s rights and equality.
// If you could share one takeaway from your business or career journey, what would it be?
Never give up until until the door is closed; and if the door is closed there is always another entrance.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
I would like South Australians women and girls to have courage and strength to pursuit the most desired aspiration. Specifically, I would like South Australian women and girls to have the opportunities I did not have growing up as a young girl. I would like them to have opportunities to achieve their goals and dreams. Have equal opportunities, advocate for themselves and be heard when raising concerns.
Get in touch with Mwajemi:
Website: Mwajemi | motivational coach, language & culture consultant
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.