This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Colleen Collis, permanent judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court. Judge Collis takes us on a powerful journey through her life, from her early childhood in apartheid-era Boksburg to her ascent to the High Court bench, revealing how personal experiences of injustice ignited her pursuit of law and her passion for creating a more equal society.

Judge Collis reflects on the formative influence of her activist parents and her community’s boycott campaign, “Save Boksburg”, that challenged racial segregation in her hometown by the black community withdrawing their spending power in Boksburg, ultimately resulting in black people having access to recreational amenities and other facilities. These and other experiences cultivated her determination to fight for fairness. She shares memorable moments from her judicial career, including landmark cases: ordering Julius Malema to apologise for hate speech; ruling against government in the “Deadly Air” case on environmental rights; and expanding recognition for cohabiting partners in loss-of-support claims with the Road Accident Fund. Each judgment underscores her commitment to advancing constitutional rights, gender equality, and social justice.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Collis discusses her leadership in the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ), which champions mentorship, outreach programmes for vulnerable communities, and the professional growth of women in the judiciary. Judge Collis has been an active member of professional associations, including the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) and the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA).  She speaks candidly about the importance of actively participating in professional organisations that you join and the benefits of networking, role modelling, and ensuring that more women are not only appointed to the bench but also supported to become leaders within the judiciary.

Throughout the conversation, she highlights the delicate balance between professional responsibilities and caregiving roles, the progress made by women in law and society, and the pressing need for female leadership in South Africa judicial division. She offers thoughtful perspectives on this year’s Women’s Month theme of building resilient economies for women, urging policies that enable women’s meaningful participation in business and economic growth.

Judge Collis closes with deeply personal reflections on the women who shaped her—her grandmother, mother, sister, and church community—and offers words of encouragement to girls and women across the country: speak up, raise your voice, and never remain silent in the face of injustice.

Special thanks to Lusanda Ntuli the Deputy Director: Communications at the Office of the Chief Justice who makes our annual series showcasing female judges possible.

Happy women’s month.

Tune in for more…