Key women leaders speak at Sandton conference

Women leaders from government, corporates, private enterprise and civil society will provide insight into the various aspects of our country, civil society and the economy, after which dialogues within small, breakaway discussion groups will commence. These dialogues will include topics such as unemployment, rape and abuse of women and children, education, funding policies for social change, models for growing the economy and redistribution of income, the role for women leaders and what it means to be a responsible citizen of South Africa, to list a few.

The idea is that each discussion group will produce three key action points that will be posted for all delegates to vote on during the conference. It is hoped that by the end of the conference, 300 people will have committed their support and action to materially changing or developing crucial ideas for the growth of our nation.

Speakers, dialogue hosts

• Angie Motshekga, Basic Education minister
  
• Nomvula Mokonyane, premier of Gauteng
  
• Helen Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance and premier of the Western Cape
  
• Deputy secretary general Thandi Modise, deputy secretary general ANC
  
• Monhla Hlahla, CEO, ACSA
  
• Phuti Malabie, MD, Shanduka Energy
  
• Dr Miriam Altman, executive director: Centre for Poverty, Employment and Growth
  
• Dorianne Weil "Dr D", clinical and organisational psychologist,
  
• Dr Lungile Ntombifuthi Bhengu-Baloyi, director: M&M Development & Social Justice Advocates,
  
• Claire Reid, inventor and director, Reel Gardening
  
• Nicky Newton-King, deputy CEO, Johannesburg Stock Exchange
  
• Nthobi Angel, chairperson, Kagiso Trust Investments
  
• Wendy Appelbaum, director of companies, chair De Morgenzon Estate
  
• Jenny Cargill, founder, Businessmap Investment Strategy Advisers
  
• Khanyi Dhlomo, MD, Ndalo Media; editor, Destiny Magazine
  
• Marianne Fassler, leading fashion designer
  
• Oya Hazel Gumede, director, Ashira Legal Advisors
  
• Heather Jackson, head: Socially Responsible Investments Asset Management, Cadiz
  
• Joan Joffe, IT and telecoms sector consultant
  
• Kunyalala Maphisa, national president & CEO, Businesswomen's Association
  
• Nina Morris, CEO, MorrisJones&co
  
• Futhi Mtoba, partner & deputy chairman of the board Deloitte
  
• Liz Naidoo, CFO & group financial director, Datacentrix
  
• Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, past deputy president of South Africa
  
• Donna Oosthuyse, MD & GM, Citi South Africa
  
• Carole Podetti Ngono, founder and MD, Valued Citizens Initiative
  
• Jane Raphaely, chairperson, Associated Magazines
  
• Monica Rubombora, senior executive, Accenture
  
• Monica Singer, CEO, Strate
  
• Andrea Spilhaus-Mitchell, business development director, Accenture SA
  
• Gillian Saunders, principal, Grant Thornton

The dialogue convenors will be Wendy Luhabe, social entrepreneur, chairman, director of companies and author and Lynette Finlay, CEO of Finlay & Associates., as sponsors, recognise the importance of a dialogue of this nature and the benefits it can bring about for the country as a whole.

Make Women's Month meaningful

"We need to shift August (Women's month events) to something more meaningful and substantial. We want women to recognise that a few women can change some things, but if we all get involved, we can change everything. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for all South Africans to impact on the events of the next five years through meaningful dialogue and interventions," states Luhabe.

"The event is intended to be an annual event, with greater participation from the various provinces. We are hoping to broadcast plenary sessions to all community radio stations, and we are negotiating to publish a book to capture the key challenges we face and possible solutions," concludes Finlay.

Vodacom and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange are sponsors of the event and its beneficiary is Nurturing Orphans of Aids for Humanity (NOAH), the charity supported by Finlay Events and Promotions. For more information contact Angela Clark on az.oc.yalnif@alegna or online at www.womensdialogue.co.za.