WomenIN Festival 2025 celebrates empowerment and leadership in South Africa
WomenIN Festival 2025 delivered a powerful two-day gathering at Newlands Cricket Ground on 13–14 November, drawing hundreds of women from across South Africa for a programme designed to inspire growth, connection and practical empowerment. Framed by the theme “Limitless: No Labels. No Limits. No Apologies,” the event created space for meaningful conversations and tools that supported women across personal, professional and creative spheres.
The festival featured a curated mix of panel discussions, dialogues, wellbeing-focused sessions and entrepreneurship development. Each segment explored identity, resilience, leadership and innovation, offering women insights that extended beyond the event. Radio and TV personality Leigh-Anne Williams served as MC, bringing warmth and energy that guided the festival’s momentum across both days.
With the event held during South Africa’s national Entrepreneurship Month, business and economic empowerment took centre stage. Women were equipped with practical guidance on financial behaviour, entrepreneurship pathways and strategies for building and scaling businesses.
Leadership, identity and women reshaping industries
Empowerment partner FNB led critical financial literacy and business growth sessions, with Nicole Sykes of FNB noting that the festival equipped women with financial knowledge, business skills and emotional resilience that would impact their lives long after the programme. Raksha Naidoo of Women in Mining South Africa added perspectives on transforming traditionally male-dominated spaces through structural reform and decisive leadership.
Cultural leader and UN Ambassador Thando Hopa delivered a standout session on representation and the power of narrative, highlighting how policy, culture and media shape perceptions of women. Behavioural strategist Joni Peddie expanded the conversation with insights on emotional agility, resilience and intentional leadership driven by self-awareness.
Conversations on wellbeing, safety and social impact
Women in sport took the spotlight with Babalwa Latsha, who detailed the rise of women’s rugby and the hurdles athletes continue to face, from visibility gaps to cultural expectations. Wellness experts Dr. Kate Klaasen and Dr. Simone Silver examined burnout as a growing concern for women, promoting an integrated wellbeing approach that spans physical, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions.
A deeply resonant session on gender-based violence titled Breaking the Silence, Rebuilding Lives brought together MOSAIC and Women For Change. Moderated by GBV advocate Merlize Jogiat, the conversation amplified survivor experiences, highlighted systemic shortcomings and shared grounded strategies for healing and safety.
The festival’s Marketplace showcased women-owned brands across beauty, wellness, fashion, homeware and lifestyle, offering a vibrant space for connection and economic upliftment. Fight Back SA closed the festival with a personal safety session centered on awareness and practical protection strategies.
Festival Founder Nazlee Fredericks-Maharaj said the 2025 gathering demonstrated the transformative impact of women claiming their space boldly and without apology. She shared that planning for WomenIN 2026 is already underway, promising an even more powerful return.
The event concluded with the 2025 Good Hope FM Warrior Women Awards, celebrating women whose leadership and influence continue to shape communities and industries.
