FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit 2020

In a world fueled with male dominated success, it is pivotal that females are celebrated all across the globe but within the Horn of Africa lies the success of Women from all over the continent.

06th March 2020 brought the Africa Forbes Woman Leading Women Summit 2020, #LWS2020KZN hosted by MasterCard and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Government. The event honored exceptionally driven and equally hard-working African women who have excelled and pioneered within their respective industries.

The Summit creates an initiative of allowing women from all walks of life to celebrate their stories,support one another and share knowledge towards becoming a success. The name speaks for itself: ‘Woman Leading Women’ and that statement spearheads the motivation women from all over Africa need to hear irrespective of their fields.

Upon arrival, guests were ushered into the Gala hall which exuded the presence of Forbes Africa within the city of Durban. Various exhibitions stands were centered throughout the venue such as: House of Bonang, The Elegantly Flower Backdrop provided by The Mercury newspapers, Makeup by Avon, Goodie Bags provided by Forbes Africa and not forgetting in-house McCafe with Lattes on a role!

But a definite guest favorite which further displayed a true sign of supporting black entrepreneurs were  Wine Exhibitionist from Ses’fikile Wines. ‘We Say IMBOKODO’!

The summit hand selected amazing women, storytellers and panelists from the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation- Dr Naledi Pandor, Sierra Leonise Activist – Ranya Kargbo, Media Personality, Philanthropist, Businesswoman- Bonang Mateba, Rwandan Poet- Malaika Uwamahoro.

Angolan Supermodel and Miss Universe- Leila Lopes mentioned: “I came from a war-torn country and left with nothing much but I had a dream and those dreams are why I stand here before you today. It wasn’t easy because of my background, skin color and native language but believe me when I say that through my message, Black Girl you are allowed to dream”.

The Summit brought to life the content behind Forbes Africa and beauty behind familiarizing yourself with women who look just like you. #BROWNSKINGIRL

The cherry on top was most certainly an evening of sheer glamour at The 2020 Forbes Woman Africa Gala Dinner – The theme: ‘The Ceiling Crashers 2.0: Power with Purpose’

This was the ultimate time and platform to celebrate and commemorate leading women in entertainment, science, sport, business and finance. Honourees such as Businesswoman, DJ Zinhle and Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma delved into the presence of being a woman and the privilege they are still yet to serve.

They both honoured the platform Forbes Africa has bestowed upon women within the continent and the determination it brings to ‘ the everyday woman’ trying to champion within their communities and working fields.

#AFWS #LWS2020KZN brought upon us change, hope and the willingness for women to celebrate and embrace each other more. We can only anticipate patiently as what is in store for 2021 but rest assured that Forbes Africa stakes can only get higher!

Images Courtesy: @maru_a_nele Photografik