Women urged to own their influence, protect their wellbeing at EmpowerHER
- Ignited Woman
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
The message was clear from the outset: women cannot afford to shrink themselves in rooms they have worked hard to enter.
That was the spirit that filled Johannesburg on Saturday, 8 August, as about 100 women gathered for the fifth EmpowerHER Luncheon — a day of candid conversations about influence, ambition, wellbeing and the often uncomfortable work of becoming the woman one wants to be.
Hosted by Ignited Woman magazine, the luncheon brought together women from different walks of life to break bread, exchange wisdom and interrogate what it really takes to elevate their careers, businesses and personal lives.
For the organisers, however, EmpowerHER has always been about more than hosting another women's event.
“EmpowerHER was created because we wanted to build a room where women could come as they are, without the pressure to have everything figured out. We wanted honest conversations, meaningful connections and the kind of encouragement that women can carry with them long after they leave the room,” said Ignited Woman editor and EmpowerHER founder Kamogelo Seekoei.
She said the fifth edition was particularly meaningful because of the depth of the conversations and the willingness of women in the room to engage openly with issues that are often difficult to discuss.
“There is something powerful about women sitting around one table and realising that the woman next to you may have faced a completely different battle, but she understands something about your journey. That is the power of community, and that is what we want EmpowerHER to continue creating,” Seekoei said.
The speakers delivered different perspectives, but a common thread ran through the afternoon: growth requires women to be intentional about their voices, their relationships, their positioning and, importantly, themselves.
Entrepreneur Lerato Kadiaka challenged women to become more visible and to speak confidently about what they do. She emphasised the importance of intentional relationships and being in rooms that can accelerate personal and business growth.
Telabukosi Mabasa placed influence and reputation at the centre of her message, encouraging women to be deliberate about how they position themselves and the networks they build.
For entrepreneur Nomso Kana, ambition must be matched with sustainability. She urged women to protect their health, establish boundaries and understand their core skills while remaining open to new tools such as artificial intelligence.
Dr Puleng Makhoalibe turned the conversation inward, reminding women that self-knowledge is one of the greatest achievements. Her reflections on rejection and becoming challenged women to confront the distance between where they are and where they aspire to be.
Coach Tshego Maringa focused on mindset and habits, encouraging women to love themselves enough to honour their decisions and commit to the consistent actions required for intentional growth.
Wellness advocate Tebogo Thoka brought the conversation to ageing, encouraging women to embrace the process while taking care of both their outward appearance and their inner wellbeing.
The afternoon was facilitated by MC Itusue Motseo, while Ignited Woman magazine editor Kamogelo Seekoei closed the programme with a conversation facilitated by Dr Andile Molokomme.
For Seekoei, the luncheon is part of a bigger vision — creating spaces where women can meet one another beyond titles and achievements, share what they have learnt and leave with something that can be applied to their lives.
“We often talk about women needing to be in the room, but I think we also need to ask what happens once we get there. Do we use our voices? Do we understand our value? Do we build relationships? Do we protect our wellbeing? EmpowerHER is about having those conversations honestly,” she said.
The fifth edition of EmpowerHER ultimately offered more than inspiration.
It was a reminder that women’s advancement is not only about getting through the door. It is about having the confidence to speak once inside, knowing what you bring to the table and having the wisdom to protect yourself while building what comes next.
And perhaps the most important lesson from the room was that elevation does not happen in isolation. Sometimes, the right conversation, relationship or room can be the very thing that changes what becomes possible.
Acknowledging those who made the room possible
The EmpowerHER team extends its sincere appreciation to its main sponsor, Henley Business School, whose support helped make the fifth edition of the luncheon possible and contributed to creating a meaningful platform for women to connect, learn and grow.
Special thanks also go to the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) for its support of the initiative and its contribution towards creating opportunities for women to access conversations, networks and knowledge that can support their professional and personal development.
The organisers also extend their gratitude to every speaker, partner, exhibitor, guest and member of the EmpowerHER community who contributed to the success of the day.
“Events like EmpowerHER are never built by one person. They are built through partnerships, trust and a shared belief that creating spaces for women matters. We are deeply grateful to Henley Business School, FASSET and everyone who supported us in bringing this edition to life,” said Seekoei.
As the fifth EmpowerHER Luncheon closes another chapter, the invitation remains the same: take up space, use your voice, build meaningful relationships — and never confuse playing small with playing safe.
For more information:
Thompho Mashao
+27 79 541 6834
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