28 March @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
WomenCan Calls for Action at 2026 State of Women Address
WomenCan, a pioneering platform dedicated to women’s empowerment, will host the second annual State of Women Address (SOWA) on 28 March 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Sandton. The event aims to spark bold conversations and accelerate meaningful action toward gender equality.
SOWA is more than a conference—it is a growing movement focused on reshaping the narrative around women’s rights and addressing the complex challenges women face today. By creating a space for dialogue, collaboration, and accountability, the initiative seeks to drive tangible change in building a society where women can thrive.
The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought-provoking conversations that bring together leaders from various sectors. Participants will include thought leaders, women’s networks, policymakers, government representatives, corporates, non-profit organisations, and individuals committed to advancing women’s rights.
According to Tumi Mthembu, the platform is designed to create meaningful engagement that leads to real solutions.
“By uniting voices across genders, we are creating a platform for transformative dialogue and actionable, sustainable solutions to gender equality. The convergence of these intersectional perspectives aims to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build a future where equity, equality and well-being are not just ideals, but a lived reality for many,”.
says Mthembu
The State of Women Address is grounded in the belief that real progress can only happen through collective effort. Through advocacy, collaboration, and lateral accountability, the initiative aims to mobilise stakeholders to take shared responsibility in addressing systemic gender inequalities.
WomenCan has also partnered with key organisations to amplify the event’s impact. These collaborations are designed to ensure that diverse voices are represented and that discussions translate into concrete strategies.
“Our collaborative efforts unite stakeholders with a shared mission to re-imagine and accelerate gender equality. Through our partnerships with Primedia Outdoor, Black Distributors Trust and Sanlam, we are able to amplify marginalised voices, bridge gaps in understanding, and co-create strategies that address the systemic roots of gender disparities,”.
adds Mthembu
As WomenCan prepares to host the 2026 State of Women Address, the platform continues to position itself as a catalyst for change—bringing together influential voices committed to turning dialogue into action and accelerating progress for women locally and globally.