For such a slim little book, Nadia Davids haunting new novel, Cape Fever (Scribner) carries a lot of weight. The weight of two worlds, the weight of the Cape, the weight carried by women - the weight of war, and of words - written and spoken. On a visit to The Women's Library she shared some of its history, and its secrets.
WOMEN ON THE SHELF: Nadine Aisha Jassat
10/03/2026 | 29 mins.
We recently had a visitor at The Women's Library, all the way from Scotland. She's well-established children's book author, Nadine Aisha Jassat who we first met years ago through the Glasgow Women's Library. But we were thrilled to welcome her again, to see the latest in her trilogy of children's books, The House at the Edge of the World , to receive the gifts she brought - and to discover that libraries are very big in her life as well as an inspiration. Take a listen...
MEET THE QUILTER An Everywoman Project: Felicity Khan
28/02/2026 | 23 mins.
In the old days women would sometimes quilt, sitting round a table to work on a piece together. As part of our EVERYWOMAN Project, we plan to do just that, to create a very special Commemorative Quilt, and we'll be inviting YOU to join us. But first, we'd like you to Meet the Quilter who inspired it, FELICITY KHAN...
WOMAN ZONE STORIES: And The Girls in Their Sunday Dresses
25/02/2026 | 21 mins.
This play, written by Zakes Mda back in 1988 and on at The Baxter Theatre in Cape Town till March 7, tells the poignant story of two women as they wait, and wait, in a queue. Their conversation and unfolding relationship reveals more than a few home truths about their lives as individuals, but also about the bigger picture confronting so many women. Listen here to actors Awethu Hleli and Tamzin Daniels as they unpack their roles, and their thoughts.
WOMEN ON THE SHELF: The Ibuyambo Book Festival
23/02/2026 | 23 mins.
Pumla Makeleni is not a librarian, but she is passionate about books, early literacy and language. Which is why, in its second year, she focused her Ibuyambo Book Festival in Langa, on mother-tongue reading and writing. I went along to the Langa Civic Centre to find out more.
Welcome to WOMAN ZONE – connecting women through their stories.
Woman Zone is a Cape Town based organisation designed to bring together women of all different backgrounds and cultures, to get to know and understand one another by sharing stories. We have several podcast series WOMAN ZONE STORIES; FINDING HERSELF: shared journeys; the new MEET THE AUTHOR: women writers and their work and special collection ARTSCAPE@50 - CONVERSATIONS. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Feedback on [email protected]. Happy Listening!
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