Empowering our women

CELEBRATING phenomenal women from all walks of life, the atmosphere at the POST/ SAB Women’s Day Breakfast last Wednesday could only be described as euphoric.

Over 250 women were enlightened and motivated at the premier event held at the International Convention Centre in Durban.

The theme this year was women’s empowerment.

The event’s programme director, Maeshni Naicker, star of the hit movie, Keeping up with the Kandasamys, kept the audience in stitches with her quirky personality and sense of humour.

In his welcome address, POST editor Krisendra Bisetty thanked SAB and Shoprite, partners in the event since its inception three years ago.

“We value your ongoing support and commitment to the shared ideals and goals of uplifting and empowering women,” he said.

He said Independent Media had been at the forefront of not only black empowerment under new ownership over the past three years, but also black women’s empowerment.

“At POST itself, there’s women’s empowerment in action. Our entire newsroom, headed by News Editor Candice Soobramoney, is staffed by women, who bring the stories you all love to read.”

Bisetty said POST was more than just the best, most indepth, trusted, source of news and analysis, recipes, fashion, lifestyle and thought-provoking columns.

“We also have a social conscience. We are always trying to uplift our community. For example, as part of our Mandela Month and social cohesion initiatives, we raised funds, so a school in Chatsworth could buy much-needed books – valued at R20 000 – for its sparse library.”

Peter Thembani of SAB opened his address with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression. Our endeavours must be about the liberation of the woman, the emancipation of the man and the liberty of the child.”

He said that at SAB, they celebrated women and their freedom.

“To demonstrate this, the programmes run by SAB are either targeted at women directly or inclusive of women. When it comes to career choices, SAB’s flagship entrepreneur development programme is SAB KickStart, which was introduced in 1995 and which is one of the longest-running initiatives of its kind in South Africa.

“We have had many women entrepreneurs run through the programme since its inception and many women who are still active and thriving small business owners today.”

He added that Women’s Day acknowledged the power and strength of women.

“It is our duty to not only to empower women to rights they are entitled to but to also help lead our country success.”

The director of Keeping up with the Kandasamys, Jayan Moodley, spoke on the challenges she faced in the maledominated industry and the importance of good family support.

During a panel discussion, Naicker spoke on her career and how she carved a path for herself, while songbird Natalie Rungan discussed evolving from the typical stereotype of what an Indian women’s role is. The general manager of marketing, sales and events at the ICC, Marlene Govender, and success strategist, coach and mentor Usha Maharaj, shared the importance of motivating and uplifting other women.

A buffet breakfast, delightful goodie bags and lucky draw prizes were part of the day’s programme.

Independent Media strategist Vasantha Angamuthu, left, hosted a panel discussion with Maeshni Naicker (actress, MC), Usha Khan (success strategist), Marlene Govender (General Manager: Marketing, Sales and Events, ICC) and Natalie Rungan (singer).

The team from South African Breweries, from left, Seema Sookdewo, Judy Naidoo, Joshna Premchand, Peter Thembane, Chitra Naidoo, Shamla Naidoo and Kavitha Dooki.

The team from Shoprite, Asha Chinnapen, left, Vassie Naidoo, Priscilla Francis, Louanne Naidoo, Premilla Rassool, Vanessa Naidoo, Louette Dawson and Shashika Ramnath.

The ICC team, from left, Asimbonge Mkhize, Gwyn Heaton, Nokukhanya Mbonambi, Khanyi Mvumbu, Irene Vallihu, Marlene Govender, Thenashree Naidoo, Vishali Mariemuthu and Jabu Madikizela.

POST Editor Krissy Bisetty with the POST team, Nadia Khan, left, Chanelle Lutchman, Janine Moodley, Candice Soobramoney, Tashni Brigmohan, Phindile Mkhize and Charlene Somduth.

PICTURES: NQOBILE MBONAMBI Yogas Nair (Editor, Mercury), Usha Maharaj (success strategist), Fawzia Peer (eThekwini Deputy Mayor), Natalie Rungan (singer), Slindile Maluleka (Editor, Isolezwe) and Krissy Bisetty (Editor, POST).

Make-up artist Taskeen Vania, beautitian Nishani Shah, designer Haroun Hansrot and POST Live Editor Jolene Marriah-Maharaj.

Each guest at this table was presented with a box of Lindt chocolate after winning a game.

Some of the prize winners, Nerisha Rai, Rashika Sathkuman, Aritra Naidoo and Tas Chetty.

The director of Keeping Up with The Kandasamys, Jayan Moodley, spoke on how she overcame challenges to rise in the film industry.

Mom and daughter Julie Gounden and Cookie Moodley tucking into a buffet breakfast.

MC Maeshni Naicker, left, had guests enthralled with fun and games.

Thobile Ngubane, Brenda Mhlongo and Indrani Pillay.

Shivani Naidoo, Tasha Naidoo, Premi Appanah and Rayanne Naidoo.

The ICC’s Irene Vallihu had a blast.