At WomenIN, we believe in the power of connection—how one conversation, one opportunity, or one woman showing up for another can shape the future.
This same spirit lies at the heart of youth entrepreneurship. Across the continent and beyond, young people are daring to create, disrupt, and lead. But behind so many of these bright ideas and bold ventures are women—mentors, leaders, funders, and supporters—who are quietly (and sometimes loudly) cheering them on, opening doors, and saying, “You’ve got this.”
And that changes everything.
Youth entrepreneurship is not just a trend—it’s a movement.
Today’s young people are more purpose-driven than ever. They’re building apps to improve education in rural communities, launching eco-conscious fashion brands, and designing tech solutions that solve real social challenges. They’re not waiting for permission. They’re building the world they want to live in.
But even the boldest ideas need support. For many youth entrepreneurs, especially those navigating under-resourced environments, the journey can feel isolating. That’s where women come in—not as saviours, but as partners in possibility.
Women as mentors: showing what’s possible by being present
There’s something powerful about hearing, “I’ve been there too.” Women who have walked the path of building businesses, navigating failure, and growing through it all, are now reaching back to guide the next generation. These mentorships aren’t always formal—they often begin as a coffee chat or a DM reply—but the impact is lasting.
It’s the kind of support that says: “You’re not alone. Keep going.”
Women-led platforms and programmes are creating the space for youth to thrive
We’re seeing more and more women establishing spaces where young entrepreneurs can learn, collaborate, and grow. From incubators led by women in tech, to community programmes run by women in rural areas, there’s a rising wave of women building the very structures young people need to succeed.
They’re creating rooms where young entrepreneurs don’t just have a seat at the table—they feel like they belong there.
Women investing in youth is investing in the future
Let’s talk about the money. More women are stepping into investment spaces and asking: Who’s missing from the funding conversation? Often, it’s youth-led ventures—especially those outside traditional networks. Women investors are changing that by backing bold, mission-driven young founders and challenging the status quo of who gets funded.
They’re not just looking at the pitch deck—they’re seeing the person behind it.
This is how we build legacy—together
The support women offer today is shaping the leaders of tomorrow. And it’s not always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s simply amplifying a young person’s work on LinkedIn, introducing them to someone in your network, or giving honest feedback when they need it most.
At WomenIN, we see these acts of support happening every day across our community. And we’re reminded that when women rise, they lift others too.
Because when a young entrepreneur believes in her idea, and a woman believes in her, the possibilities are limitless.
Collaborative Growth, Empowering Women, Female Leaders, Gender Equality, Leadership, Uncategorized, Women Empowerment
Building a united Africa: A call for gender-inclusive leadership
May
“I dream of the realisation of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent.” – Nelson Mandela.
It has been said many times (and rightly so) that Africa’s problems could be better addressed, if not solved, through unity and cooperation among its nations. This past Sunday, 25 May 2025, marked 62 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), created to embody this very sentiment.
Now commemorated as Africa Day, the occasion serves not only to celebrate how far the continent has come despite a history marked by colonisation, war, and internal rivalries, but also to reinforce the imperative of unity among Africa’s 54 countries.
While Africa continues to make strides toward realising its full potential, challenges such as ideological divisions, language barriers, ongoing conflicts and stark inequality persistently hinder progress toward genuine solidarity.
I often wonder: would Tata Mandela’s dream of a united Africa be more achievable if we prioritised the upliftment of women?
Read more
Women’s History Month: Let’s make history, together!
Women: The catalyst for unity in Africa we’ve been looking for?
African women have been sidelined for centuries, but what if the solutions to some of Africa’s greatest challenges lie within the very women who have too often been left behind?
To forge a more united continent, Africa needs empathetic, inclusive leadership. Interestingly, research shows these are qualities often demonstrated by women leaders. Women are known to lead with emotional intelligence, creating spaces that foster trust, dialogue, and collaboration.
Their leadership style often places focus on inclusivity and shared purpose, qualities that are essential for building cohesion. Studies also show that women excel in conflict resolution and bridge-building, helping to connect fragmented communities and agendas.
Yet, despite progress in recent years, gender inequality remains pervasive, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where gender inequality is the highest in the world. While women are legally permitted to hold power in Africa and many have, the barriers to access and support remain high. If it is true that unity is the goal, then this is the gap we must address.
Read more
Why Women Must Collaborate: Because Together, We Are Unstoppable!
Women making waves in Africa
Advocacy for Women, Breaking Barriers, Diversity and Inclusion, Gender Equality, Gender Parity, Leadership, Uncategorized, Women Empowerment, Women in Leadership, Work-Life Balance
The business case for working mothers: Debunking the mother of all myths
May
Somehow, along the way, society adopted a troubling stereotype: that when women become mothers, they become less valuable in the workplace and are, in turn, more of a liability than an asset. However, research tells a different story.
Instead of hindering professional performance, motherhood often enhances it. In fact, a foreign study by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis found that working mothers often bring unique strengths and perspectives that companies would do well to celebrate, not sideline.
South African women have participated in the formal workforce for over a century, and only within the last three decades have they received meaningful legal protection from workplace discrimination related to childbearing. Thanks to the country’s progressive constitution, the Labour Relations Act of 1995, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997, women are now safeguarded from being dismissed or treated unfairly because they choose to have children. These laws have significantly shifted how employers treat and think about working mothers.
In recent years, we’ve even seen the rise of “pumping rooms” in office spaces: designated private areas where breastfeeding employees can express milk comfortably. These small but powerful changes reflect a growing understanding that supporting mothers at work isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart investment.
Yet, despite all this progress, the gender gap in South Africa remains stubborn and so do the stereotypes. The idea that working mothers can’t be fully committed to their jobs continues to shape hiring, promotion, and workplace culture in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
Working motherhood: A double-edged sword
Balancing the demands of a career and home life is no small feat for any parent. But working mothers often bear an additional burden: the pressure to constantly prove that their role as a caregiver doesn’t compromise their value as a professional.A persistent societal contradiction expects mothers to be all-in for their children, while simultaneously viewing those who remain career-driven (allowing them to provide for their children and be positive role models) as either neglectful parents or insufficiently committed employees.
Studies abroad have shown that managers tend to perceive the most “dedicated” workers as those who stay late and attend after-hours social events, a model that naturally disadvantages mothers.
In this outdated mindset, a working mother’s need for flexible hours or maternity leave becomes a red flag rather than a sign of a responsible, balanced life. Some employers still view mothers as requiring “onerous” accommodations, or worse, as likely to exit the workforce entirely, making them seem like a risk.
This corporate culture not only devalues the very real contributions of working mothers but also reinforces the false idea that commitment must look like overwork and self-sacrifice, often without regard for personal well-being or family life.
Advocacy for Women, Breaking Barriers, Uncategorized, Women in Energy
Where are the women in energy?
Apr
Advocacy for Women, Empowering Women, Gender Equality, Personal Growth, Professional Growth, Uncategorized
Why Women Must Collaborate: Because Together, We Are Unstoppable!
Apr
For far too long, women were taught to compete for limited space at the table. We were told there’s only room for a few — that success is a solo journey, that scarcity is the rule. But here’s the truth: we were never meant to rise alone.
When Women Unite, Magic Happens.
The moment women choose collaboration over competition, the game changes. Walls come down. Voices grow louder. Opportunities multiply.
When we come together — across industries, cultures, backgrounds — we don’t just survive the system, we transform it. We build communities where doors are opened, where wins are shared, and where possibilities are limitless.
Shared Wisdom = Accelerated Growth
Every woman holds knowledge the world needs. Collaboration creates spaces where we can swap stories, share hard-won lessons, and pass on the playbook for success. When one woman grows, we all grow. When one woman wins, we all win.
Collaboration Creates Impact That Outlives Us
This isn’t about short-term success. It’s about rewriting the rules for the next generation of fierce, fearless women. When we collaborate, we lay the foundation for something bigger than ourselves — a legacy built on collective strength and shared purpose.
Smashing Silos, Building Bridges
Real change doesn’t happen in isolation. Collaboration helps women break through the silos that hold us back — in business, leadership, innovation, and beyond. When diverse minds come together, we spark bold new ideas that challenge the status quo and reshape the world.
It’s More Than Networking — It’s Sisterhood.
Forget superficial connections. This is about building real relationships rooted in trust, purpose, and accountability. It’s about surrounding yourself with women who’ll hype you up, hold you to your goals, and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Bottom line?
When women collaborate, we don’t just change our own lives — we change the world.
We rise higher, go further, and make history — together.
#WinTogether
And this is just one of the reasons why you can’t miss the WomenIN Festival — where real collaboration, connection, and community come to life!
Tickets start at just R999!
Pre-register today at www.wearewomenin.com — your future network is waiting.
Feb
