WomenCan, a pioneering platform for women’s empowerment, will host its second annual State of Women Address (SOWA) on March 28, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Sandton.
The platform champions bold leadership, transformative stories and meaningful impact on gender equality across all sectors.
SOWA has become a vital mechanism for shifting narratives surrounding women’s rights and tackling the complex issues that affect women today, with the ultimate goal of creating a society where women can thrive.
From keynote addresses to panel discussions, it brings together thought leaders, experts, women’s networks, government representatives, corporates, policymakers, non-profit organisations, and individuals to celebrate, empower and advance progress for women on a global stage.
For WomenCan Founder Tumi Mthembu, SOWA represents more than a conference, it is a movement aimed at shifting societal narratives and creating a space where women can thrive.
“By uniting voices across genders, we are creating a platform for transformative dialogue and actionable, sustainable solutions to gender equality. The convergence of these intersectional perspectives aims to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes and build a future where equity, equality and well-being are not just ideals, but a lived reality for many,” says Mthembu.
SOWA is rooted in the belief that meaningful change requires a collective effort through advocacy, collaboration and lateral accountability.
“Our collaborative efforts unite stakeholders with a shared mission to re-imagine and accelerate gender equality. Through our partnerships with Primedia Outdoor, the Black Distributors Trust and Sanlam, we are able to amplify marginalised voices, bridge gaps in understanding and co-create strategies that address the systemic roots of gender disparities,” adds Mthembu.
Asked about the tangible outcomes that the platform aims to achieve through this year’s event, Mthembu explained that the initiative is shifting responsibility from institutions to individuals:
“The journey towards true gender equality is paved with daily individual choices. This year we are shifting the responsibility from institutions, government and corporates to individuals to take action in their personal capacity, at work, at home and in their communities, as a matter of urgency to accelerate gender equality. These personal actions include supporting women-owned businesses, mentoring a girl, speaking up against bias, promoting workplace equality and advocating for policy or systemic reform. We will partner with individuals, corporates, NGOs and government to champion different pillars and ensure programmes supporting women’s empowerment are implemented at the grassroots level.”
On the critical issues to be addressed at SOWA 2026, Mthembu highlighted the focus on economic empowerment, wellbeing and inclusive leadership:
“The theme for this year is Reimagining Power Structures, with economic empowerment as a key driver of gender equality progress and a measure of success. We will address the persistent gender wealth gap and promote financial inclusion by providing access to information and tools for stakeholders who are already working on these solutions. Another key focus will be the well-being of women, at work, at home, in relationships and within society.
“Finally, inclusive leadership will take centre stage. Systemic change requires a recalibration of leadership rooted in humility, introspection and a willingness to unlearn and relearn. We want leaders to critically examine their own assumptions, biases and privileges while actively creating spaces for marginalised voices.”
She also explained how discussions at SOWA will translate into practical outcomes for government, corporates and other stakeholders:
“We have realised that our community needs access to information and resources. Discussions will spotlight actions already taken by corporates and other stakeholders, serving as information-sharing opportunities and best practices that others can adopt.”
Saturday Star
