On Women’s Day weekend, the UCT Graduate School of Business’ Women in Business (WiB) Society marked a milestone: the 26th Annual Women in Business Conference, this year held under the bold theme “Unstoppable Together: Empowering Women, Building Communities.”
Hosted at Investec’s Cape Town offices and supported by generous sponsors, the event brought together more than 100 professionals, entrepreneurs, and students for a day of insight, connection, and inspiration. Beyond its vibrant programming, the conference carried a powerful purpose: raising funds for the WiB MBA Scholarship, which supports deserving women to pursue their MBA at the UCT GSB. Every ticket purchased was an investment in future leadership.
What makes this event especially remarkable is that the conference is completely student-run, organised by the WiB Committee, a dedicated team of MBA candidates who poured months of planning, creativity, and care into the event while balancing the rigours of their studies.
A stage set for transformation
The day was guided with warmth and flair by MC Sylvia Akach, who kept the programme flowing with humour, authenticity, and an infectious energy.
Keynote speakers set the tone for a conference that was equal parts deeply personal and unapologetically ambitious:
Elizabeth Fick (Head of Tax & Fiduciary at Investec) shared a candid reflection on overcoming imposter syndrome and reframing the myth of balance: “As women, we are multifaceted, and the idea of balance is a myth. Instead, we must prioritize what matters most in the moment and authorize ourselves and each other.”
Jill Reilly (Author of The Ten Permissions) challenged the audience with a simple truth: “If you want to be unstoppable, stop waiting for permission.”
Zinzi Mgolodela (Head of Transformation, Woolworths) called for systemic inclusion as a business necessity: “Social justice requires women at the centre, not just demanding justice, but designing it.”
Zoë Boshoff (Social Entrepreneur & Strategist) reminded attendees of the power of community-driven innovation: “Being unstoppable together isn’t just a catchphrase, it requires reimagining how we build partnerships, shape our businesses, and connect with clients.”
Rachel Kolisi (Co-founder, Kolisi Foundation) spoke with raw honesty about purpose and social justice, inspiring attendees to pair courage with compassion.
Dr. Catherine Duggan (Director, UCT GSB) electrified the room with a powerful yet hilariously iconic rallying cry: “When in doubt, just remind yourself – You are a big dog. You’re a big, big dog. You’re a big dog, big dog, Woof! – a moment that echoed across LinkedIn posts long after the event.
Redefining women in business: A panel with passion, power and purpose
At the heart of the conference was the 50-minute panel “Redefining Women in Business”, moderated by UCT GSB alumna Shivani Ghai. With insight and humour, she drew out powerful reflections from four trailblazing leaders:
Desiré de Oliveira (Managing Director, Laduma Blasting) spoke about breaking through barriers in one of the most male-dominated industries in South Africa. Her story of resilience and grit illuminated how women can redefine strength without losing authenticity.
Noor Jehan Docrat (Founder & CEO, Adora Earth) described how healing, inner development, and community-rootedness form the foundation of sustainable social enterprises. “During the conference, we were a collective heartbeat, women weaving the unseen threads of change that will ripple far beyond that room,” she reflected.
Natasha Liesner (Founder & CEO, Style Rotate) shared her vision for a more sustainable fashion economy and her belief in leadership grounded in impact and values. “There is power in showing up as yourself amongst other women; it will lead to inspiration, courage, and learning in whatever space it may be.”
Sophia Sibanda (Head of Logistics & Services Procurement, Maersk) explored the intersection of identity, authenticity, and leadership in global supply chains, proving that empathy and commercial impact can thrive together. She closed with a powerful call to all young women to let their results speak for themselves.
The conversation unfolded across four themes, breaking industry norms, leading with values, showing up authentically, and staying resilient, and was a highlight of the day.
Thoughtful takeaways
True to its theme, the conference honoured women-led businesses in every detail. Speaker gifts and spot prizes were intentionally sourced from women-owned enterprises, showcasing the very innovation and leadership the event celebrated.
Attendees didn’t just leave inspired; they left transformed. LinkedIn lit up with reflections:
“Don’t wait to be ‘let in’. Build your own doors,” said attendee Gina Lamprecht, who left feeling “unstoppable”.
“True strength isn’t carrying the heaviest load, it’s knowing when to put it down,” said Cara-Jean Petersen, on redefining resilience.
“Authority is the real currency, own your voice, your time, your impact,” said Trevana Moodley, capturing Jill Reilly’s challenge.
From laughter to tears, from shared stories to bold calls to action, the conference sparked a ripple effect of empowerment across industries and networks.
Why this matters
For over a quarter century, the Women in Business Conference has been more than an event, it has been a movement. This year reaffirmed the mission of the WiB Society: to create spaces where leadership is redefined, collaboration thrives, and women’s voices shape the future of business.
As co-chair of the 2026 WiB Committee Samukelisiwe Ndlovu reflected: “The image of leadership is changing, and its future is unmistakably female.”
And yet, the message of the day transcended gender: leadership grounded in authenticity, courage, and community is the kind of leadership the world needs.
The final word
The 26th Annual Women in Business Conference was a celebration, a fundraiser, and a catalyst. It reminded everyone present that unstoppable together is not just a theme, it’s a practice.
With every story told, every connection forged, and every scholarship funded, the future of leadership in South Africa looks brighter, bolder, and more inclusive.
The day closed on a high note with a cocktail hour sponsored by Veuve Clicquot’s Bold initiative, a first ever online database of female entrepreneurs across the world. Attendees mingled with speakers, reconnected with peers, and captured selfies with some of their industry heroes. It was a fitting finale to a day that celebrated courage, community, and the unstoppable force of women leading change.
