Dream it and do it – It’s in our hands!
- September 5, 2008
A performance by Hecate highlighted the importance of knowing your status
The foyer of Montecasino’s Il Grande theatre in Johannesburg filled up quickly on August 28 with 250 of South Africa’s most dynamic and vibrant young women. They were there to learn from the best in business.
These women, all nominated by their peers because of their drive and influence, share a determination and eagerness to make their mark on South Africa’s business landscape.
For them, attending the 2008 Women’s Leadership Conference was a chance to network, gain inspiration and share insights.
For 46664 it was an opportunity to address the group most vulnerable to HIV infection – young women. Generally speaking, young people aged 15 to 24 account for 45% of all new infections in South African adults, and amongst these, women are four times more likely to get infected, making them most susceptible to the virus. In fact, a survey done in 2005 estimated that between among women aged 25 to 29, the rate was as high as 40%.
Thus, this women’s leadership platform provided the ideal occasion for 46664 to deliver some of its strongest HIV/AIDS related messages around protection, gender inequality, the “sugar daddy” syndrome and so on.
The conference is now in its fourth year. It’s an initiative by Student Village, a portal for online communities providing a platform for students from all over the country to interact with one another, in association with 46664, Absa and other sponsors such as Santam, Nando’s, Clinique, Sasol, Edcon and Coca-Cola. The Monte Casino event in Johannesburg was the last leg of a national tour which also included Durban and Cape Town – where 46664 also featured prominently.
Brainchild of Student Village’s Mark Kornberger, the event was inspired by the need to create an arena for young woman to debate and gain inspiration and knowledge from key business women in South Africa, as they shared their success stories.
Featuring speakers such as Angie Burton, executive director of marketing and communications at Absa, Dr Nolwandle Mqoqi, head of network solutions at Santam, and Liberty Life group executive of HR Audrey Mothupi, the Johannesburg leg of the event was well received by delegates following events in Durban and Cape Town earlier in the month.
“The conference opens doors for women to connect with other students and build a network that could lead to future business partnerships and friendships,” said Unathi Twala, the online editor for Student Village. “All these people are special and have something to give, and that’s why they are here.”
The women at the event were nominated by their peers to attend the leadership conference
The theme of this year’s event was “dreams”, their importance and their role in achieving success.
Speakers talked about the importance of having a well-defined dream, and told personal stories of how they had attained these dreams in their professional lives. The need for women to support each other in business was a common theme throughout.
“We need to lift each other up as we climb the corporate ladder,” said Mgoqi.
In a short inspirational film featuring successful South African business women, Margaret Canca, 46664 project manager, spoke about her own business career and emphasised the importance of individuality.
“Being in a space where you are comfortable with who you are and mindful of the professionalism you project is vital in succeeding,” Canca said.
The conference also highlighted the need for all aspiring women to empower themselves by knowing their HIV status. The 46664 HIV/AIDS play Khululeka – It’s in our hands was performed by Viva Hecate Productions at the event. The play, which is based on true stories of people living with HIV and AIDS, encourages young people to get tested, know their status and break the silence.
The day’s events were concluded by master of ceremonies Elle Tisane, who shared her story as a singer and songwriter. She urged all delegates to make sure that they were the stars in their own life stories, saying no woman should ever settle for being their own supporting act.
“Your background means nothing unless you make something of it,” she said.
The conference ended with Tisane singing one of her own songs and saying that it’s not about how many mistakes we make in life, but how many times we have the courage and strength to get back up and try again.
More information on the Student Village Women’s Leadership Conference can be found on the Student Village website.