Forbes’ ceiling crashers meet
INFLUENTIAL women who are doing phenomenal things across Africa will gather at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre for the Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit on Friday.
Dr Aisha Pandor, chief executive of Sweepsouth, will be among highprofile speakers. Pandor said she was a tad nervous to be speaking alongside her mother Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations, but was looking forward to spending some time with her, which did not happen often because of the minister’s busy schedule.
One thousand leading women are expected to attend. The programme will include pop-up talks, discussions, panel sessions and an awards gala dinner.
Graça Machel, former first lady, also has a slot in the main speakers’ arena.
“This year’s event is in the context of some very real economic, political, and social challenges which are going to heavily influence leadership decisions on the continent in 2020 and beyond,” said Pandor.
“The theme for this year, ‘The Ceiling Crashers 2.0: Power with Purpose’ really speaks to how we need to use our power purposefully to take the continent forward in the midst of these hurdles, and some huge potential opportunities they will present.”
Pandor will be speaking about the experience of starting and growing her family business Sweepsouth, a cleaning services company she co-owns with her husband Alen Ribic.
Looking at the challenges faced by women across the continent, Pandor said one summit could not solve all problems, however, it was relevant in sharing ideas that could bring about the needed change.
“It is an opportunity for a diverse group of influential, purpose-driven change-makers to convene, share learnings and insights, and use our combined networks to drive positive change and good business.
“In the context of women still being under-represented in leadership positions, particularly in business, forums like this are incredibly important as a basis for continuing to push for better representation.”
Pandor encouraged Kwazulu-natal women to come out in their numbers to listen to successful speakers share their wisdom.
“It will also be a great place to meet a diverse but like-minded group of women and hopefully have a bit of fun to boot,” she said.