Women leading the way

Student Village co-ordinated these conferences as a means to inspire and encourage women students to recognise and strive to reach their immense potential. Student Village committed to support women's empowerment in South Africa by introducing young women to role models who could inspire them to empower themselves. At the same time, the conference offered its sponsors the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the country's top female students.

The buzz started 6 months ago, when the initial call to exceptional students went out to campuses countrywide. The invitation was so compelling, that male students felt enticed to apply as well! Word quickly spread on campus about this exclusive event, generating interest and excitement, and soon thousands of applications were being received through the www.studentvillage.co.za/women website. The top delegates were then selected based on academic achievement, university involvement, social responsibility and leadership potential. The top 750 women students from all 3 provinces were chosen to attend the conference in their area.

In its efforts to reach the right students, Student Village targeted specific universities and technikons employing the use of flyers, posters, campus radio, campus newspaper and websites, reaching over 100,000 women students.

On the conference days, eager students crammed onto buses making their way to the venue. Brimming with excitement, and dressed for success, these students were primed for a day of intellectual stimulation and sisterhood.




In line with the theme of the conference, students were addressed by an array of top women speakers in their fields, addressing issues of leadership; career management; branding yourself as a leader; being your own inspiration and much more. Key speakers included Busisiwe Mahlaba - Editor Of True Love Magazine; Florence Masebe -702 presenter and TV personality; and Iona Minton - Financial expert and author of the popular book 'Financial Fitness for Women'.

These role models provided more than motivation, offering practical guidelines for the world of work such as financial fitness, and negotiation skills.

The efforts of the sponsors were instrumental in making this event a reality - special thanks needs to go to Edcon, First National Bank, Revlon and True Love Magazine.