Women empowered at business conference

THE Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women in Business Forum hosted the Women in Business Conference and Recognition Awards recently. The event was conceptualised as a tool to celebrate, motivate, educate and empower women in business. Taking their cue from the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the aim of the conference was to chart a course which will contribute to the realisation of women’s economic empowerment in the KZN region for the next 50 years.

Deputy eThekwini Mayor, Nomvuzo Shabalala, was the keynote speaker who reminded the audience that this gathering was not just a feminist approach, but simply women getting up and doing things for themselves, and that the contributions made today will change the mindsets of future generations to come. She also reminded the audience that the government cannot work in isolation, therefore partnerships the city has with the Durban Chamber are crucial and will assist in the realisation of this vision.

The Good Baroness, Patrica Scotland of Asthal, Judith Mac Gregory who is the British High Commissioner, and Andrew Henderson, UK Trade Commissioner to South Africa, surprised guests with an unexpected visit.

The conference also saw the launch of the KZN Women in Business Resource Guide, which lists all women-owned businesses in the KZN region.

The event ended with the Durban Chamber Women in Business Recognition Awards, which was an opportunity to recognise women who have made positive contributions to the local economic growth, against all odds, in their respective spheres of influence. Recipients of these awards included: Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala (Women in Government), Farzana Mall (National Woman Leader), Pria Hassan (Women in Fuels and Oils), Lindiwe Zuma (Women Traders), Reverend Thato Tsautse (Women in Maritime), Zamambo Mkhize (Women in Media), Dr Kholeka Mlisana (Women in Medical), Lindiwe Ngcobo (Women in Business), Dr May Mkhize and Zee Cele (Women at SAICA).