Immerse yourself in conversations with like-minded people this Women’s Month as the inaugural Illumi.Nation event powered by Strawberry Lips brings you the opportunity to participate, share, reflect and step into your unique power.
Illumi.Nation is set to be an evening of constructive conversation and networking combined with fun and interactive experiences; the highlight of which will be a panel discussion with industry leaders on ‘The Power of Authenticity’ where speakers such as Lelemba Phiri will share their stories of how authenticity helped them achieve success in their business and personal lives.
Panellist Lelemba Phiri is an award-winning educator, writer, entrepreneur and angel investor with a focus on advancing women. She is passionate about women leadership and entrepreneurship development in Africa and has committed her life’s work to progressing equality and empowerment for women. Phiri says that although it’s a personal bugbear that in 2019 we still need to have a ‘Women’s Month’ for women to be celebrated and feel empowered, “These events are important as they give participants unique opportunities to network and access people they would not ordinarily meet in everyday life. In the context of South Africa, where the history of segregation along racial, social and economic lines can still be felt, this kind of event gives people the opportunity to grow and create personal, career and business connections without barriers.”
Another fierce believer in the collective interests of women, the panel discussion will be moderated by well-known SA personality, sports presenter and journalist Sibongile Mafu. To Sibs Women’s Month means “being resolute in our fight for gender equality. It means fighting for the safety of women in a country with a high rate of femicide. It means fighting for women who don’t look like us to also have a seat at the table,” adding that “as much as women share a lot of similar challenges, there’s also a conversation to be had around the importance of intersectionality because everyone experiences the world differently.”
These conversations are important because they show us how we’re not alone in the challenges we face as women from different backgrounds. They demonstrate how talking, connecting and empowering each other through tangible support structures can be the first step in pulling ourselves out of the darkness. Mafu explains.
Phiri also adds, “While it’s great to brand t-shirts and talk about what to do, let’s rather put words into actions, acknowledge the gaps and work on filling them. Let’s take stock of what we’re doing to action change, not only in August but all year around. Actions speak volumes.”
Impassioned by the narratives of women in the 21st century and constantly looking for opportunities to make a difference, Strawberry Lips is celebrated for encouraging and supporting a culture of strong, empowered and successful South African women. It is a brand that thrives on partnering with great SA initiatives and positively contributing to the future of the country.
And now, by connecting a group of inspirational young people with powerful role models, Illumi.Nation and Strawberry Lips expect the outcome to be truly illuminating.
Don’t miss Illumi.Nation taking place on 29 August 2019 so that together we shine brighter. Connect with Illumi.Nation and Strawberry Lips for updates on the event and additional speaker announcements.
