by Kgaugelo Jessica Selane
Women’s Month kicked off with an impactful message of strength at the Women in Leadership Forum’s Women’s Day Commemoration, held at the Velmore Hotel and Spa on 7 August. Themed “Still We Rise,” the event honoured the resilience, determination and solidarity of women across South Africa and beyond. It focused on the fight against inequality and the growing presence of women in leadership roles, inspiring attendees to embrace self-love, awareness and unity as driving forces for empowerment.
Dr Charnell Naidu delivered the keynote address, emphasising the collective responsibility in advancing gender equality in South Africa.
Opening the event, Dr Charnell Naidu from the Commission for Gender Equality, looked at the constitutional foundation for supporting gender equality in South Africa in her keynote. “The Commission is a national institution tasked with ensuring that women’s rights are protected and that progress towards equality is monitored and enforced. Achieving gender equality is not the work of a single organisation, but a collective responsibility shared by government, communities and individuals. We all have a role to play in making sure women’s rights are upheld in every part of life,” she said.
Next up was Margaret Molefe, representing the South African BRICS Youth Association. Placing the conversation in a broader historical and international context, she reflected on important moments such as the 1956 Women’s March - a landmark protest against unjust laws and the Beijing Declaration, was the global agreement aiming to accelerate gender equality. Molefe acknowledged South Africa’s meaningful progress, as well as the many promises made decades ago that remain unfulfilled. She urged the audience to use Women’s Month as a time for reflection on past achievements and a renewed commitment to the ongoing journey toward equality.
“Women’s Month is a time to look back on our progress and renew our efforts to achieve true gender equality,” she said.
A presentation by Shireen Motara, titled “The Next Chapter”, looked at personal experiences of leadership challenges. Motara candidly shared her journey of balancing professional demands with personal wellbeing, including her battle with burnout. She emphasised the importance of recognising these struggles as part of growth and encouraged women to reclaim their time, voice and power. She urged women to shift from merely surviving in difficult circumstances to actively thriving.
“The next chapter isn’t about just surviving but also thriving and shaping a life that reflects who we truly are,” she told the audience.
The event concluded with a speech from Pam Yako, a Champion for Women Leading Environmental Change. Yako highlighted the importance of events like this, creating spaces where women can meet to build community and strengthen each other’s resilience. According to her, success is not defined by never falling but by the courage to rise again after setbacks.
“It is about the number of times women dust themselves off after unforeseen circumstances and keep moving forward,” she concluded.
Pam Yako, Champion for Women Leading Environmental
Change, speaking on resilience and unity among women
leaders.
Margaret Molefe from the South African BRICS Youth Association reflecting on historic milestones and the ongoing journey toward women’s equality.
Shireen Motara shareing her personal leadership journey, encouraging women to thrive beyond challenges and burnout.
Women from diverse backgrounds who attended the Women’s Day Commemoration event.