NorthPark Mall in Pretoria North transformed into a lively hub of inspiration and strength by hosting a spectacular Women’s Day celebration.
The event drew together women from many walks of life, including small business owners and women who thrive in male-dominated fields. The event, organised by the visionary Madani, provided a venue for networking, learning, and recognising women’s achievements.
As an attendee and interviewer at the event, I, Mbali Nzuke, got the opportunity to chat with various notable women, each with their own distinct story and perspective. The gathering emphasised not only the hurdles that women confront in business, but also their tenacity and resolve to succeed.
Overcoming Challenges in the Entertainment Industry: Hazel Kgwadi’s Story One of the most compelling conversations was with Hazel Kgwadi, an entertainment entrepreneur. Hazel related her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the entertainment industry was severely impacted by restrictions and lockdowns. She spoke with another BL Group speaker about the enormous challenges they faced after live performances and events were abruptly cancelled.
Hazel highlighted how the pandemic caused them to swiftly adapt to the “new normal”. Traditional revenue streams, such as concerts and events, were no longer sustainable, so they turned to social media for support. They were able to remain current and communicate with their audience in new ways by utilising online channels.
Despite the hardships, Hazel underlined the significance of persistence and adaptability, which kept their business afloat during one of the most difficult eras in the entertainment industry.
Madani Ramokgano: Creating a Supportive Platform for Women Madani, a woman who was highly motivated by her mother’s community activities, created the Women’s Day event. Madani’s goal for the event was to establish an environment in which women could interact, grow, and gain confidence through networking and exposure.
During our discussion, she discussed her purpose for organising such an event, emphasising the necessity of fostering relationships among women and creating opportunities for them to promote themselves and their businesses.
Madani’s enthusiasm for empowering women was palpable throughout the occasion. She discussed the value of marketing and networking as tools for personal and professional development. The event, which brought together women from various occupations, aimed to build a sense of community and empowerment.
Celebrating Diversity: Uplifting Women through Shared Experiences Another encouraging moment from the event was my interaction with Sharon Lauren, who underlined the significance of connecting and elevating women by expressing varied perspectives.
Sharon spoke strongly about the need to hear diverse stories and experiences, particularly in building a supportive environment in which women can thrive.
She emphasised the importance of diversity in creating a sense of community and understanding among women. Sharon and I agreed that gatherings like these are critical for giving women a platform to tell their stories, connect with one another, and develop a network of support that goes beyond the event itself.
Looking Forward: The Future of the Madani Women’s Day Event As the event concluded, it was clear that the Madani Women’s Day event had met its purpose of empowering and connecting women. Attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to network, learn, and grow.
Looking ahead, the organisers intend to grow the event, pushing it to new heights and reaching even more women who would benefit from such an uplifting experience.
Finally, the Women’s Day celebration at NorthPark Mall served as an inspiring reminder of women’s strength, perseverance, and potential.
Through the efforts of Madani and the dedicated speakers and participants, the event succeeded in creating a space where women could come together, share their stories, and inspire each other to reach new heights. As we look forward to future events, the impact of this gathering will undoubtedly continue to resonate, empowering women in Pretoria North and beyond.
