1000 +

Participants

400 +

Companies Present

50 +

Speakers

2024 by the numbers

Women Leading Change

Reimagining the World With Courage

Johannesburg, South Africa
August 19, 2025

In an era defined by complexity and constant change, bold leadership is no longer optional, it’s essential. On August 19 in Johannesburg, Women Leading Change convenes visionary leaders, innovators, and catalysts who aren’t just anticipating the future, they’re boldly shaping it. This annual summit offers a space for action-oriented dialogue, fresh ideas, and the kind of leadership that moves entire systems forward. Women and Men at the forefront of business, policy, and innovation will share how they’re transforming challenges into opportunities, and how intentional leadership can unlock growth across industries and nations.

This is where powerful stories converge with purposeful strategy—where bold vision transforms into measurable progress. From high-level panels and breakout sessions to cross-sector collaboration and bold commitments, every moment of the day is crafted to catalyze lasting impact.

Join a community that’s not content with conversation alone, but determined to lead with courage, clarity, and purpose. The future we envision starts with the actions we choose today. Across generations, women are shaping business success while nurturing balance, sustaining well-being, and leading with resilience and empathy—for themselves, their teams and their communities.

From boardrooms to policy roundtables, the summit champions gender-inclusive leadership as a catalyst for innovation, sustainable growth, and national progress. In an AI-enabled world, true partnership with technology goes beyond adoption—it calls for visionary leadership that aligns digital advancement with human values, ethical integrity, and meaningful impact.

Key Themes

Women

Women Leading Forward

Across generations, women are driving business impact while cultivating balance, sustaining well-being, and leading with both resilience and empathy — for themselves, their teams and their communities.  

Globe

Inclusive Economies, Thriving Nations

From boardrooms to policy tables, the summit makes the business case for gender-diverse leadership as a driver of innovation, sustainable growth, and national development.

Legacy

Humanity & Technology

In an AI-enabled world, partnering with technology requires more than adoption — it demands leadership that aligns digital progress with human values, ethics, and impact.

Featured Event Speakers

Sharmla Chetty-4

Dr. Sharmla Chetty

CEO, Duke Corporate Education
Ronnie Chatterji-1

Ronnie Chatterji

Mark Burgess & Lisa Benson-Burgess Distinguished Professor, Duke University Fuqua School of Business
Sindi 2024

Sindi Mabaso-Koyana

Chairperson, AWCA Investment Holdings
Paul Norman-2

Paul Norman

Group Chief Human Resources Officer, MTN
Nolitha Fakude

Nolitha Fakude

President of IWFSA and Chair of Anglo-American Management Board
Fran Katsoudas-2

Fran Katsoudas

Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Cisco
Michael Fraccaro

Michael Fraccaro

Former Chief People Officer and Fellow, Mastercard
Shirley Machaba

Shirley Machaba

PwC South Africa CEO and PwC Southern Africa Regional Senior Partner, PwC South Africa

More speakers coming soon!

The Forum, The Campus

Location

Event location confirmed on registration.
Please check your email for full details.

Duke University
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Strategic Partners

IWFSA logo
AWCA logo

Platinum Sponsors

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mastercard-logo-mastercard-logo-png-vector-download-19
MTN
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Space is limited! Save your seat or request to join.

This event is an invite-only, in-person event in Johannesburg. Submit your information below to register with an invitation code or request to join.