• Opening Act
• Welcome to Limitless: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies.
  Leigh-Anne Williams, radio & TV presenter - MC for WiN Festival
• Welcome & Introduction:
  Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, Founding Director, WomenIN Portfolio, VUKA Group
• Empowerment Partner Address:
  Nicole Sykes, Head of Women in Business, FNB
  
• Power Message:
  Tshepo Kgobe, CEO, Gautrain Management Agency

• Unapologetically HER – Owning her Brilliance, Breaking the mold
  Honourable Bridgette Motsepe-Radebe, Founder & Chairperson, Mmakau Mining & Goodwill Ambassador for Inter-Africa Trade, Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, Pan African Parliament

• Power Without Permission: Redefining Leadership, Labour, and Legacy
  President Zingiswa Losi, Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU

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She’s not waiting for a seat, she’s building the table, the room, and the rules. 

In industries like mining, energy, technology, mobility, and customer experience, the boardrooms and decision-making spaces have long been dominated by men. Yet, the women in these fields are not merely joining the conversation, they’re reshaping it. This unapologetic discussion celebrates the women who refused to be boxed in by titles, labels, or expectations, and instead carved their own paths to leadership. 

Moderator:

• Raksha Naidoo - Ceo, Particle Group & Chairlady WIMSA

Speakers:

• Yodika De Koker - Ceo , Ubufu Africa
• Kim Naran - Managing Director, Packtech Tooling
  
• Joni Peddie - CEO, Resilient People | Behavioural Strategist | Author of From Can’t to Can Do
  
• Anita Parbhoo - CEO, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital & Chief Director: Health & Wellness, Western Cape Government
  
• Tshepo Mathabathe - Head Of Marketing, Country Road Group RSA

Speakers:

Speaker:

• Lindy Goosen, Movement for Good Ambassador

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Three wellness leaders talk burnout, boundaries, mental health, and holistic self-care for women who carry the world. 

Women today often play multiple roles — leaders, caregivers, innovators, change-makers and while they hold communities, companies, and even economies together, the personal cost can be profound. Burnout has become a silent epidemic, with many pushing beyond their limits until mental, emotional, and physical health are compromised. 

In this intimate fireside chat, two renowned wellness leaders will have an honest, relatable, and inspiring conversation on: 

• Burnout – Recognising the signs early, and understanding the difference between being busy and being depleted.
• Boundaries – Setting them without guilt, and how to communicate them in personal and professional spaces.
• Mental health – Breaking the stigma, finding the right support systems, and integrating daily practices that safeguard emotional resilience.
• Holistic self-care – Moving beyond spa days to include nutrition, movement, rest, spiritual connection, and emotional well-being.
• The ripple effect – How prioritising your well-being empowers you to lead, nurture, and create from a place of fullness rather than fatigue. 

This conversation will offer practical tools, real-life stories, and a reframing of self-care as not a luxury, but a leadership necessity. Attendees will leave with permission and strategies to protect their energy, nourish their minds, and sustain their impact, because when women are well, the world is well. 

Moderator:

• Laura Johnston, Ceo, Phytoceutics

   

Speakers:

• Dr Kate Klaasen, Functional Medicine Doctor, Hormonal Health & Wellness Centre
• Dr Simone Silver, Founder & Medical Doctor, Hormonal Health & Wellness Center 

Moderator:

• Nicole Sykes, Head of Women in Business, FNB

Speaker:

• Thando Hopa, South African model and activist

How can we build a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving ecosystem for women across all areas of sport — from the field to the boardroom?

This panel brings together pioneering athletes, coaches, executives, and trailblazers who are redefining what it means to be a woman in sport. It explores the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for driving equity, visibility, and leadership, from grassroots participation and elite performance to governance, media, and business influence.

While women’s sport continues to gain momentum, barriers such as limited access to resources, underrepresentation in leadership, and persistent gender bias still exist. This conversation highlights how women are overcoming these challenges — breaking boundaries, changing narratives, and shaping the future of sport not just as competitors, but as visionaries and changemakers.

Moderator:

Marius Basson, Co-Founder & Director Of Menstruation Foundation, Entrepreneur, Pad Dad & Sports Coach

Speaker:

• Babalwa Latsha - South African Women’s Rugby Captain
• Natalie Du Toit, Paralympic Swimming Champion

Trailblazers in entrepreneurship discuss funding, failing, and flourishing.

Entrepreneurship is a journey of risk, resilience, and reinvention. In this intimate fireside chat, leading women entrepreneurs share their real-world experiences of starting, scaling, and sustaining successful businesses.

Moderator:

• Nicole Sykes - Head of Women in Business, FNB
  

Speakers:

• Kathleen Quillinan - Founder, Pesto Princess
• Vusi Vokwana - Founder & Director, Kasi Catalyst
• Shahnaz Cola-Wrensch - Founder, Lumi Glo
• Kim Palmer - CEO & Founder, On the Ball College

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Moderator:

• Nicole Sykes, Head Of Women In Business, FNB

Speakers:

• Riana Prins, Regional Fudiciary Head, FNB
• Thandeka Guma, Human Capital Partner, FNB
• Florence Van Rensburg, Sales Segment Head, FNB

Building resilience + purpose-driven goal setting for the year ahead 

This energising and interactive session empowers attendees to unlock their human edge , the distinctly human capabilities that AI will never replace. Drawing from neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and her signature CAN DO™ Adaptive Leadership Framework, award-winning behavioral strategist Joni Peddie will guide participants through a process of clarifying purpose, strengthening resilience, and designing a roadmap for a life , and leadership style, that is adaptive, energised, and intentionally CAN DO.

Key components of the session include: 

• Purpose & foresight mapping: aligning your goals with what truly matters, so every decision and action reflects your core values and long-term vision.
• The CAN DO™ Framework in action: learning the five micro-habits of adaptive leadership—Curiosity, Agility, Nurture, Decisiveness, and Optimism to stay focused, flexible, and future-ready.
• Adaptive goal setting: replacing rigid goals with science-backed, resilient strategies that flex with life’s changes and challenges.
• Energy & wellbeing reset: practical tools to manage stress, sustain energy, and build physical and mental vitality for the year ahead.
• From CAN’T to CAN DO mindset: identifying and reframing limiting beliefs into empowering perspectives that fuel confidence, courage, and growth. 

By the end of the 30-minute masterclass, attendees will leave with a clear, purpose-driven action plan, renewed vitality, and the mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world, embodying what it truly means to Bounce Forward™. 

Moderator:

• Joni Peddie – CEO, Resilient People | Behavioural Strategist | Author of From Can’t to Can Do

• Priscilla Urquhart - Head Of Public Affairs, Communication, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (Pty) Ltd

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What if the clothes you no longer wear could help build a better world? 

This session explores how H&M’s Garment Collecting Programme, in partnership with Clothes to Good, is transforming textile waste into opportunities — creating impact that stretches from sustainability to social empowerment. Discover how fashion can move from closet to community, driving both environmental change and human upliftment. Through real-world examples and an inspiring conversation, we’ll unpack how circular fashion and social enterprise intersect to reduce waste, promote inclusion, and empower women entrepreneurs in South Africa. 

Key discussion points include: 

• Circular fashion in action, how H&M’s Garment Collecting Programme gives new life to old textiles through recycling and upcycling.
• Community empowerment, exploring how partnerships like Clothes to Good create micro-business opportunities and uplift local communities.
• Sustainability and innovation, how H&M integrates sustainable design, material reuse, and responsible sourcing to close the loop.
• Global commitment, local impact, connecting global sustainability goals to on-the-ground social change in South Africa.
• The future of circular fashion, practical lessons and insights for brands and consumers to contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.

Moderator:

• Tejal Somaru, Associate Partner, EY
  

Speaker:

• Lauren Hartzenberg - Press & Communications, H and M Hennes and Mauritz (Pty) Ltd

How women are leveraging artificial intelligence to drive innovation, advance gender parity, and reshape the future

This panel highlights women at the forefront of STEM, technology, and AI, exploring how they use cutting-edge tools to create impact, break barriers, and empower others. The discussion will focus on the intersection of AI, innovation, and gender equality, showcasing strategies for inclusion, leadership, and influence in tech. 

Moderator:

• Jamie Thurston Wyngaard - CXO & Co-founder, Loop

Speakers:

• Mags Shivanda - CEO, Digital Shero
  
• Marushka Johannes, Community Engagement Lead - Southern Africa Executive Team, Women In Ai 
• Nobukhosi Dlamini - Director, Information Technology, Department of Health & Wellness, Western Cape
  
• Suvana Rohanlal, Southern Africa Cpt City Lead And Partnership Engagement Lead, Women In Ai 

This session explores the legal frameworks that protect and promote women’s rights at international, regional, and domestic levels. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key instruments such as CEDAW, the Maputo Protocol, and domestic equality laws, and examine how these laws interact to advance gender equality. Through discussion and real-world examples, the session highlights both successes and ongoing challenges in ensuring women’s rights are effectively implemented and protected. 

Moderator:

• Katie Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer, Brandfusion Pty (Ltd)  

Speakers:

• Lebogang George - Consultant Partner, Corporate Commercial & Data Protection, Akheel Jinabhai & Associates | Women in Mining Botswana Organization (WiMBo)
  
• Khanyo Farisè - Senior Researcher & International Human Rights Lawyer, Amnesty International

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Empowering Women in E-Mobility - From Kickstarter to Leadership

As part of the 2025 Women in Festival, we are proud to present our partnership with Uyilo, the official Women in Mobility Partner. This collaboration will spotlight Uyilo’s transformative initiatives that empower female-owned SMMEs within the electric vehicle (EV) and broader e-mobility sectors. Through engaging dialogue and storytelling, the session will explore how Uyilo is breaking barriers, accelerating women’s participation in sustainable mobility, and shaping the future of inclusive innovation. 

Key Discussion Points: 

• Showcase Uyilo’s Kickstarter Program and upcoming 2026 initiatives supporting women-owned SMMEs in the EV sector.
• Share real-life impact stories from program beneficiaries, illustrating tangible transformation.
• Explore the challenges and opportunities women face in e-mobility and how Uyilo is driving change.
• Highlight Uyilo as a thought leader and catalyst for women’s advancement in mobility and clean-tech ecosystems. 

Moderator:

• Tejal Somaru, Associate Partner, EY
  

Speakers:

• Amiene Van Der Merwe Managing Director The Green Cab
• Vuyolwethu Mostert, Programme Coordinator, Uyilo E-Mobility Programme

Leaders navigating parenthood, career, and personal purpose 

Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of leadership and personal ambition is a complex, often unspoken challenge. This fireside chat brings together accomplished women leaders to explore how they integrate parenthood with career, purpose, and self-care, sharing candid insights, strategies, and lessons learned along the way. 

Moderator:

• Ntlantla Skweyiya - E-commerce Channel Manager, Himalaya Wellness

Speakers:

• Naledi Masopha-Msibi - Director, Greysun Media
• Caly McCall - Co-founder/Director, Jabula Bets
• Aatifah Latief - Professional Officer in Sustainable Energy Facilitation, City of Cape Town
• Merlize Jogiat - GBV Advocate & COO, Women for Change

Intergenerational wisdom and the power of mentoring, collaboration, and community. Success and growth are rarely achieved in isolation. This panel explores how women supporting women — across generations, sectors, and experiences, creates exponential impact. From mentorship to collaboration, and from networking to community building, the discussion will highlight how intentional relationships can accelerate personal and professional development.

Key discussion points include: 

• Mentorship and guidance – how experienced women can share insights, lessons learned, and strategies to empower emerging leaders.
• Intergenerational collaboration – bridging gaps between young professionals and seasoned experts to foster mutual learning and innovation.
• Community as a catalyst – building networks of support that provide resources, advice, and encouragement through challenges.
• Sisterhood in practice – actionable ways to create inclusive spaces where women lift each other up and celebrate each other’s wins.
• The ripple effect – understanding how empowering one woman can influence broader societal and organizational change. 

This conversation will provide attendees with practical strategies for leveraging mentorship, building meaningful connections, and cultivating a supportive sisterhood that drives growth, resilience, and collective success.  

Moderator:

• Professor Asanda Makubalo, Executive Assistant To The Premier, Gauteng Office Of The Premier 

Speakers:

• Megan Jarvis- Partner & Corporate Head, Infrastructure Sector , Webber Wenzel
• Nafi Abrahams, Chief Of Staff, Loop
• Sonja Woolff, Personal Brand And Brand Strategist, Her
• Noli Mini , Modern Spapreneur, Relax Spa Group, Africa 

Artists, creatives, and thought leaders on navigating identity, labels, and freedom of expression.

In a world that constantly tries to define who we are, how we should look, think, and create, staying true to yourself as a creative can be both revolutionary and challenging. This fireside chat brings together artists, creatives, and thought leaders — including Danica Delaray Jones — to share their journeys of breaking molds, defying expectations, and embracing their authentic selves. 

Key discussion points include: 

• Navigating identity – understanding and owning your personal and artistic identity in spaces that may try to confine you.
• Challenging labels – how society, industries, and even peers often categorize creatives, and strategies for reclaiming your narrative.
• Freedom of expression – the courage it takes to create boldly, authentically, and unapologetically.
• Overcoming barriers – addressing systemic and internal challenges that limit creative potential.
• Inspiration and mentorship – how established creatives guide emerging voices and foster inclusive creative communities.

This session will offer candid conversations, personal stories, and actionable insights for anyone looking to embrace their creativity without compromise. Attendees will leave inspired to push boundaries, redefine their own narratives, and create with confidence and freedom. 

In a world that often rewards performance over presence, this conversation explores the courage it takes to lead from a place of truth. In this intimate 15-minute fireside chat, Lenore Maatjies shares her insights on leading with authenticity in high-pressure environments. The conversation will focus on the value of showing up as your true self, balancing expectations with integrity, and the power of presence over mere performance. 

This panel delves into the dynamics of female competition, rivalry, and solidarity in personal and professional spaces. While society often celebrates women who “rise to the top,” it also sometimes frames success as a zero-sum game, fostering jealousy, insecurity, or undermining behaviors. This discussion explores why women may unintentionally (or consciously) challenge each other rather than collaborate, and how shifting mindsets can transform competition into collective empowerment.

Presented by:

• MOSAIC Training Service & Healing Centre and Women For Change 

In a society where silence often surrounds the trauma of gender-based violence (GBV), this session aims to amplify the voices of survivors, advocate for systemic change, and provide practical tools for healing and support. Through a collaborative approach, MOSAIC and Women For Change bring together their expertise to address the multifaceted challenges of GBV and explore pathways toward empowerment and justice. 

Key Discussion Points: 

• Understanding GBV: Defining gender-based violence and its impact on individuals and communities. 
• Survivor-Centered Approaches: Discussing the importance of placing survivors at the center of interventions and support systems.
• Legal and Social Support: Exploring available legal avenues and social services for survivors of GBV. 
• Community Engagement: Highlighting the role of community in preventing and responding to GBV. 
• Advocacy and Awareness: Strategies for raising awareness and advocating for policy changes to combat GBV.

Moderator:

• Tina Angelos , Managing Director, Allied Valve Specialists (Avs) 

Speakers:

• Ronel E. Stevens, Acting Executive Director , Mosiac
• Sabrina Walter, Founder, Women For Change
• Lucinda Evans, Director, Philisa Abafazi Bethu 

POWERED BY FIGHT BACK SA

Empowerment and safety tools taught by certified professionals. 

In a society where gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive threat, personal safety is not just a right — it's a necessity. This 30-minute self-defence class, led by certified professionals from Fight Back SA, is designed to equip women and girls with practical, effective tools to protect themselves in real-world situations. 

What to Expect: 

• Foundational Techniques: Learn basic self-defence moves rooted in Aikido and Krav Maga, focusing on leveraging an attacker's energy against them.
• Situational Awareness: Understand how to assess and respond to potential threats, enhancing your ability to avoid dangerous situations.
• Confidence Building: Engage in exercises that boost self-assurance, helping you trust your instincts and abilities.
• Practical Application: Participate in scenarios that simulate common GBV situations, practicing responses in a controlled environment. 

Why It Matters: 

Empowerment begins with knowledge and preparedness. By participating in this class, you'll gain the skills and confidence to stand strong in the face of adversity. Fight Back SA's approach emphasizes not just physical techniques, but also mental resilience and situational awareness, ensuring you're equipped to handle various challenges. Whether you're new to self-defence or looking to refresh your skills, this session offers valuable insights and tools to help you reclaim your power and safety.  

Intro:

• Nicole Mirkin, Founder And Director, Fight Back Sa 

Instructors:

• Jean De La Querra, Muay Thai Coach And Fitness Expert 

• NPO handover
• Festival reflections - WomenIN & FNB
• Closing image