Skip to contentAfrican women have long played a defining role in shaping the course of history. Though often overlooked, their impact stretches far beyond traditional roles as wives and mothers. They have been leaders, traders, freedom fighters, warriors and visionaries.
From Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (modern-day northern Angola), who resisted Portuguese colonisation in the 17th century, to the courageous women of the Aba Women’s Riots in Nigeria in 1929, African women have challenged oppression, defied expectations and led movements for change.
The evolution of African women’s history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the continent itself. For centuries, African societies have been shaped by the resilience, intellect and leadership of women.
Progress in leadership and equality
In honour of Women’s History Month, WomenIN celebrates the strides African leadership has made in building societies that prioritise gender equality. One remarkable example is Rwanda, where women hold more than half the seats in parliament, making it the world leader in female political representation. This milestone reflects a commitment to inclusive governance, proving that progress is possible when institutions actively support women’s leadership.
Another significant achievement is the adoption of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, which champions gender equality. Fifty-two African countries have joined this initiative, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing women’s rights across the continent. These victories signal a shift toward a future where women are not just included but are central to decision-making and development.
South Africa, too, has a rich history of influential women who shaped the nation’s progress. Charlotte Maxeke, a trailblazer in education and activism, was the first black South African woman to graduate with a university degree and later founded the Bantu Women’s League, a forerunner of the ANC Women’s League. Her work laid the foundation for the continued fight for women’s rights and leadership in South Africa.
Championing continued change
Despite these wins, African women still face formidable challenges. Gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the lack of political and economic power remain major barriers. Systemic inequalities continue to limit opportunities for women to rise in leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. While laws and policies may change, cultural and institutional shifts take time and require collective effort.
At WomenIN, we are committed to being part of the solution. What began as an idea has evolved into a movement. WomenIN Gamingpaved the way for the series of WomenIN events that have created a platform for progressive conversation across industries, such as energy, mobility, digital, customer experience, green economy and mining.
In 2024, this culminated in the groundbreaking WomenIN Festival — a first-of-its-kind cross-sectoral event that brought together more than 300 trailblazing women and male allies. It was more than just an event—it was a movement designed to empower women, foster shared solutions and drive inclusive growth.
WomenIN continues to build on this momentum, ensuring that women in business, technology, leadership and beyond have the tools, networks, and platforms to thrive.
We believe that history is not just about the past; it is about what we choose to do right now. The fight for an equal and inclusive future is ongoing and each of us has a role to play. Whether you are a leader, an entrepreneur, an innovator or an ally, your actions today will shape the world for generations to come.
Let’s not just celebrate history; let’s make history, together. Friday, 21 March marks South Africa’s annual Human Rights Day, a day dedicated to honouring the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom, justice and equality. It serves as both a commemoration of our past struggles and a call to action for the continued pursuit of human rights for ALL.
South Africa is widely considered to have one of the most progressive and transformative constitutions in the world. However, the reality tells a different story as the uphill battle for equality persists, and women still face systemic oppression, discrimination and violence.
Despite having made great strides in terms of human rights, South Africa still ranks 18th out of 146 countries for its relatively high gender gap index score of 0.79.
This underscores a need for urgent change in the country. Women in South Africa still endure tragically high rates of gender-based violence and deepening workforce inequality.
A 2024 report by Stats SA revealed a stark economic reality: women in South Africa continue to shoulder the burden of unemployment and earn an estimated 23-35% less than men for the same work. In other words, women receive R72.44 for every R100 a man earns for the same job.
Yet, research consistently shows that gender diversity in the workplace benefits everyone. Reports have shown that companies that employ more women see higher employee retention and satisfaction, stronger financial performance, and improved teamwork, communication and innovation. Therefore, investing in women is not just a moral obligation; it is an economic and social necessity.
Women are not asking for special treatment; they just want to have FUNdamental rights — the same rights that men have always been afforded without question. The right to safety, equal pay, bodily autonomy and the freedom to thrive should not be privileges granted under certain conditions but basic human rights that are respected and upheld every day.
As we observe Human Rights Day this year, we must acknowledge and celebrate the progress we have made since the fall of apartheid. But we must also recognise that true equality remains out of reach for many women in South Africa. Human rights cannot be fully realised until women’s rights are no longer up for debate.
Let this Human Rights Day be a reminder that the strength of a nation lies in the freedom and empowerment of its women. Wathint’ umfazi, wathint’ imbhokodo – you strike a woman, you strike a rock.
Rezan Ibishukcu
Growth Director
Insider
Meet Rezan: A Visionary Leader Transforming Tech and Empowering the Next Generation
With nearly a decade of experience in the FMCG and Tech industries, Rezan is a trailblazer in transforming digital landscapes across Africa and the Middle East. As the Growth Director at Insider, a leading marketing technology company, she has driven significant growth, spearheaded industry-changing projects, and passionately advocated for diversity and inclusion. Born in Turkey and inspired by the transformative power of technology, Rezan has not only led initiatives that revolutionize businesses but has also contributed to over 100 social projects, empowering women and teaching coding to underprivileged communities.
Her leadership, both at Insider and previously at Procter & Gamble, challenges the status quo in male-dominated industries, paving the way for the next generation of women in tech. Rezan’s story is one of innovation, empowerment, and a relentless drive to create positive change.
Dive into Rezan’s journey and her inspiring thoughts in our exclusive Q&A:
What advice do you have for young women aspiring to make a difference in digital & tech?
Ever noticed how call centers always use female voice assistants? That’s because a woman’s voice is not only powerful but also more pleasant to hear. 🙂 So, don’t be afraid to speak up. The tech world needs fresh perspectives, and yours is valuable.
What inspired you to pursue a career in digital/tech?
Growing up in Turkey, I saw how tech could transform lives. That pushed me to join a tech company where innovation can make lives easier.
Creating a positive impact is a core value not just for me, but also for my company, Insider.
Last year, we launched 100 social projects from teaching coding to assisting women from underprivileged areas to join the workforce.
What does breaking barriers and bias mean to you on Women’s Month?
Breaking barriers and bias is about flipping the script—ensuring identity and success are not mutually exclusive.
For me, it meant succeeding in a male-dominated industry. Now, it’s about going beyond that—paving the way for younger generations, so they can achieve even more than I did.
It’s about making sure the path is a little smoother for those who follow, so they can reach new heights without the same obstacles.
If you could be a superhero, who would you be? I’m a fan of Shuri from Black Panther—because who wouldn’t want to be a tech genius saving the world? She’s creative, smart, and a leader who uses tech for good. That’s exactly how I see the future of tech. What is one quote or mantra you live by and why? “Empower others, and you empower yourself.” This hits home for me because real leadership isn’t just about your own success; it’s about lifting others as you rise. Know of a phenomenal women doing amazing work that you would like to shine a spotlight on, this could even be you. If so, please send an email to nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com.
Johanna Horz
Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy and Emerging Business
Wetility
Meet Johanna Horz: The Visionary Behind Wetility’s Strategy and Growth. Discover Her Journey and Insights on Achieving Sustainable Energy Solutions.
Johanna Horz serves as Wetility’s Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy and Emerging Business. In her role, she ensures strategic alignment across the company, leads strategic initiatives, and incubates new business opportunities. Johanna holds deep expertise in business growth strategy, intelligence and anti-corruption investigations and international development projects.
Prior to joining Wetility, Johanna worked at international risk and business intelligence firms, where she led complex anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) and anti-money laundering (AML) investigations focused on African business, infrastructure, and power sectors. From 2016 to 2018, Johanna was a key figure at a leading women’s empowerment NGO, where she managed a girls’ health and education project in Sierra Leone. Additionally, she served as an electoral observer during the 2017 presidential elections in Somaliland.
As a trailblazer in the energy sector, what do you believe are the most critical factors for achieving sustainable and inclusive energy solutions in our cities?
Bridging gender gaps and integrating diverse perspectives are crucial for an inclusive energy transition. Women often face higher energy poverty due to lower incomes and more single-parent households. For instance, in South Africa, female-headed households make up about 40% of the population and often struggle with solar adoption. At Wetility, we address this by innovating our credit screening process. Our advanced financing risk approach allows greater inclusion than typical asset-agnostic institutions, helping to improve access to clean energy.
What advice do you have for young women aspiring to make a difference in the energy sector and overcome gender-related barriers in their careers?
The renewable energy sector is a crucial industry for the future that I encourage all young people to enter. My advice for young women entering this exciting space specifically, is to keep going and own your place. Energy impacts all our lives, yet whilst women make up 40% of the global renewable energy workforce, less than half hold senior roles. If someone can do it, then why not you. So be bold as an energy producer, policymaker, or leader. Have fun, be brave and shape a sustainable future for everyone.
What is one quote or mantra you live by and why?
One mantra that I try to live by is “decide and live”. We can often get stuck in paralysis of analysis, be deterred by setbacks or unable to have faith that overcoming the hurdles we see is possible. It is true as well that achieving Wetility’s vision of sustainable energy independence for everyone is indeed difficult. However, nothing ever changed without someone starting. So – wake up with determination, surround yourself with wonderful people, both professionally and personally, and go for it.
How has the way you have grown up influenced the woman you are today?
I grew up slightly unorthodoxly and was constantly moving cities and countries. This experience taught me the importance of deep personal connections and exposed me to many beautiful adventures, people, and experiences that the world has to offer. However, I also witnessed significant disparities, injustices and discrimination first hand, many of them gender-based. These experiences instilled in me a strong sense of justice, perseverance, and restlessness to ensure that women are heard, respected and never sidelined. This understanding drives much of what I do today.
“Decide and live, wake up with determination, surround yourself with wonderful people, both professionally and personally, and go for it.” – Johanna Horz
Know of a phenomenal women doing amazing work that you would like to shine a spotlight on, this could even be you. If so, please send an email to nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com. Vuyiswa Ndzakana
Executive Chairman
Ms3 Property & Investments (Pty)Ltd
Power Moves and Big Dreams: Catching Up with the Incredible Vuyiswa Ndzakana,
Executive Chairman at Ms3 Property & Investments
Which programmes for women did you find worth your while to interact with in the last year?
When I tried every effort to be part of the value chain of Energy with no success , I decided to create own of property development with green building architecture
What challenges do you face in the workplace?
Somehow it feels like trust issues, where some Clients don’t seem to really trust that women can deliver the same best product and quality like their male counterparts
What does breaking barriers and bias mean to you?
It means breaking stereotypes about gender, women specifically like women are always doing small things, need more training or skills than others.
How do you overcome the challenges that you face with regards your position, a powerful woman in a male dominated environment?
Self-Motivation, empathising about the situation and equipping oneself with right knowledge and skills to do even more and be resilient.
Who is your role model?
My mom-88 years old
How has the way you have grown up influenced the woman you are today?
Thought me that rejection has its positives depending on how you receive it and do about it there after
Best advice you received and who was it from?
No matter how good and best you could do, there will always be someone seeing differently and it was from my mom
What would you say to a 13-year-old YOU?
Don’t sweat the small stuff . Teenage life span is very short, enjoy every minute of it. Make memorable things.
“Do my best, make an impact and carry others with if they won’t break my back” – Vuyiswa Ndzakana
Know of a phenomenal women doing amazing work that you would like to shine a spotlight on, this could even be you. If so, please send an email to nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com.
Catching Up with the Phenomenal Kerry Clark: Founder & CEO at Fusion22 Digital Shares Her Journey, Challenges, and Empowering Advice for Women in Tech
From her inspiring beginnings to founding her own digital firm, Kerry Clark shares who inspired her career, her challenges in a male-dominated industry, and her advice for aspiring women in tech. Learn her key strategies for success, and find out why Catwoman is her superhero alter ego. Dive into her story and be motivated by her resilience, vision, and commitment to making a difference. Read on for a dose of empowerment and practical tips for navigating the tech world!
What advice do you have for young women aspiring to make a difference in the digital & tech space and overcome gender-related barriers in their careers?
Navigating the tech world can be challenging for young women, but a few key strategies can help. Continuously upgrade your skills and stay current with technological trends using free or low-cost resources. Build a strong professional network with allies and mentors for support and guidance, starting by connecting with inspiring individuals on LinkedIn or other social media. Cultivate resilience and assertiveness to challenge the status quo, knowing your worth and owning it. Seek visible projects and leadership roles to showcase your capabilities and inspire other women in tech. Remember, applying is essential—rejection is just part of the process, and the right opportunity will come.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the digital/tech industry?
My journey began as a fresh-faced graduate at Mr Price in the buying department. I took a leap of faith, leaving a stable corporate job to join an e-commerce start-up in Cape Town during the early days of Kalahari and Groupon. Every day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, sparking my passion for the dynamic world of e-commerce and technology. Curiosity drove me to explore the backend of websites, dabbling in coding and everything retail and tech-related. This deepened my love for technology’s potential to transform everyday lives. Armed with corporate experience and big dreams, I eventually founded my own digital firm. Now, I relish the joy of using technology to make a real difference in people’s lives, running my own business and helping others.
Here’s to taking risks, chasing dreams, and making an impact as a woman in tech!
What challenges do you face in the workplace?
Navigating a male-dominated corporate field was challenging for me. I had to adopt traditionally male communication styles to succeed as one of the few women in higher-ranking positions. This skill was crucial to my advancement. While I worked with many supportive men who became great mentors, I also encountered those who undervalued women’s perspectives and doubted our expertise. This led to self-doubt and near burnout as I constantly tried to prove myself. The fast-paced nature of tech adds to the pressure, but focusing on key trends rather than trying to know everything helps maintain expertise. I remind myself that everyone has unique knowledge to offer, and that’s okay.
If you could be a superhero, who would you be?
Catwoman
If I could be any superhero, it’d be Catwoman. She’s the epitome of not giving a “whisker” about the odds stacked against her. Whether she’s swinging through the alleys of Gotham or taking on the big dogs, she does it with a style and flair and to top it off she does it in a tight non-forgiving black jump suit.
Catwoman embodies that bold spirit of tackling challenges head-on, all while rocking a killer outfit.
She’s not just about the stealth and the heists; she’s a symbol of standing up for the underdogs.
How has the way you have grown up influenced the woman you are today?
My upbringing was profoundly influenced by my mother, who instilled in me a strong work ethic, humility, and respect for others. These values have shaped my sense of justice and commitment to treating everyone with dignity, regardless of their status. This foundation has guided my personal interactions and leadership style, emphasizing inclusivity and fairness in business. Both my parents taught me the importance of starting from the bottom and passionately committing to my goals, motivating me to persevere through challenges and strive for excellence without compromising my values.
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” – Richard Branson
Know of a phenomenal women doing amazing work that you would like to shine a spotlight on, this could even be you. If so, please send an email to nazlee.fredericks@wearevuka.com.
