SPONSORED | Glow Up! Make a Difference hosts women’s event
The event was held at Shonga Events in Nkomazi on September 5.
The Glow Up! Make a Difference initiative successfully hosted its Young Women and Women Economic Empowerment Programme at Shonga Events in Nkomazi on Friday, September 5.
Stakeholders, leaders and entrepreneurs were brought together for a day of empowerment, cultural pride and transformative engagement.
The programme was hosted under the theme ‘#Queenspreneurship – Women Economic Empowerment in Action’. It created a powerful platform for dialogue, mentorship and skills development for young women.
The event featured a gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and HIV/Aids awareness outreach, stakeholder engagement, and an entrepreneurship exhibition, thus affirming the role of women as key drivers of economic growth, cultural preservation and social cohesion.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration between the Lucia O Foundation, Otdeyo Group, Mrs Curve Globe, and public sector partners in creating opportunities for women to thrive in business, culture and leadership.
The day unfolded in two sessions – the morning masterclass and partner sessions equipped participants with tools in leadership, personal development, branding and self-image.
Partners including the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency, the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency, the National Youth Development Agency, Otdeyo Aesthetics and the SAPS’ GBVF Unit delivered impactful presentations on empowerment, entrepreneurship and safety.
The midday and afternoon programme was attended by distinguished guests and partners. Messages of support were delivered by the Ehlanzeni District Municipality Women’s Council chairperson, Brand South Africa (Play Your Part), the Office of the Premier (Special Programmes Unit) and Lutsango la KaNgwane Women in Business (Eswatini).
Lucia Simelane-Ochan of Glow Up! Make A Difference said the highlight of the day was the Ignite SheStory Panel Discussion and Glow up Stakeholders Empowerment Masterclass, moderated by Brand SA’s Kutullo Matloga. During this discussion women leaders shared their journeys, challenges and triumphs, inspiring participants to embrace self-belief, resilience and leadership.
The keynote address was delivered by the honourable MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Leah Mabuza.
In her address she reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in Mpumalanga.
The programme concluded with the appreciation of speakers and panellists, closing remarks by Cllr Precious Manana, the MMC for social services, the EDM, and a heartfelt thanks by Inkhosikati Ngomane (Siboshwa Tribal Council), followed by a networking lunch and entrepreneurship exhibition walkabout.
“Glow Up! Make a Difference continues to stand as a beacon for women’s empowerment, intra-African trade, cultural diversity and community development, shaping a legacy of transformation for future generations,” said Simelane-Ochan.
