Event report
Back To | Women’s Month Event Highlights the Role of Women in Building Resilient Economies
Last week, FSACCI and Forvis Mazars South Africa hosted another edition of their Women’s Month event under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All.” The morning brought together women from across the business community for meaningful discussions, shared experiences, learning and networking.
The morning began with an address by Justine Combrink, Partner at Forvis Mazars, who welcomed attendees and introduced the focus on empowerment, leadership and meaningful engagement. The event provided a space for women to discuss some of the issues that shape their professional journeys and their role in the workplace.
Learning from resilience and purpose
An inspiring keynote address was also shared from Saray Khumalo, the first Black African woman to summit Mount Everest and an accomplished adventurer, mountaineer and business leader.
Drawing on her own experiences, Saray shared practical lessons around resilience, determination and pursuing goals in the face of challenges. Her story offered a powerful reminder that professional growth often requires courage, perseverance and a willingness to keep moving forward.
She also left attendees with a thought-provoking question: “I have been to the top of the world – there is enough space for everyone. Who are you lifting?”
Sharing experiences and perspectives
A key part of the event was the three discussion groups which created space for open conversations around the experiences and challenges women face in the workplace and in business. The discussion groups focused on Economic Empowerment & Leadership, Resilience & Growth and Workplace & Professional Development.
Respectively, Michelle Gololo (L'Oréal), Melisa Evans (Step Ahead Staffing) and Mogaleadi Seabela (Women in Mining South Africa) led the discussions, encouraging participants to share their experiences, challenges and perspectives, as well as actionable advice where relevant. The conversations highlighted the value of learning from others, exchanging insights and creating spaces where women can speak openly about their professional experiences.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Cynthia Kalenga-Tchimpumpu, bringing together the key reflections from the morning and reinforcing the importance of continued dialogue, connection and support among women in business.
Creating value for our members
Events such as this form part of FSACCI’s commitment to creating opportunities for members to connect, exchange knowledge and build relationships across the business community.
For members, the event provided an opportunity to engage with women from different industries and professional backgrounds, expand their networks and gain perspectives that can be applied within their own organisations. It also created a platform for member companies to support conversations around leadership, career development and the workplace.
For women in the workplace, these opportunities can provide access to peer networks, new perspectives and practical experiences from other professionals. Open discussions around leadership, resilience and professional development can help women navigate workplace challenges, identify opportunities for growth and learn from the experiences of others.
These conversations also benefit organisations. Creating opportunities for women to connect, share experiences and discuss workplace challenges contributes to more informed conversations around professional development, leadership and inclusion. It can help businesses better understand the experiences of women in the workplace and consider how they can create environments where talent can develop and contribute.
Thank you to our partners and participants
FSACCI extends its sincere thanks to Forvis Mazars South Africa for another successful year of co-hosting this event and for continuing to create a space for meaningful conversations around women in business and leadership.
We also thank Justine Combrink, Saray Khumalo, Michelle Gololo, Melisa Evans and Mogaleadi Seabela for sharing their time, expertise and experiences with our guests.
A special thank you goes to L’Oréal for helping us spoil our guests with a thoughtful goodie bag.
Most importantly, we thank all the women who joined us and contributed to the discussions. Their stories, perspectives and connections made the morning a valuable opportunity for learning, reflection and engagement within the FSACCI community.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and creating further opportunities for women across our business community to connect, learn and support one another.
