WomenCan iPledge launched at SOWA to empower women through grassroots activism

The State of Women Address (SOWA), held in Sandton on the 28th of March, launched WomenCan iPledge, a transformative, people-powered, grassroots social movement designed to complement government and organisational efforts through redefining how individuals engage with the global agenda for women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Through the WomenCan iPledge movement, participants can take a personal pledge across key areas that directly advance women’s empowerment, including:

• Elevating women’s voices in meetings, leadership, and decision-making spaces
• Mentoring and sponsoring women across professional and community networks
• Supporting women-owned businesses through intentional spending and partnerships
• Challenging bias and redefining inclusive practices in workplaces and institutions
• Standing in active solidarity with women through advocacy and accountability

Under the theme "Reimagining Power Structures," SOWA brought together thought leaders, experts, women's networks, governments, corporates, policymakers, non-profit organisations, and individuals with a focus on inclusive leadership, economic empowerment, and the well-being of women.

During her keynote address, WomenCan founder Tumi Mthembu said, “Equality is everyone’s responsibility, and the WomenCan iPledge is about ownership. For too long, gender equality has lived in policies and promises. This movement shifts that power into the hands of individuals, especially women, to actively shape the spaces they are part of, be in business, leadership, and everyday life.”

“Built to move beyond awareness, WomenCan iPledge aims to transform support into accountability and action as we believe our collective commitments form measurable progress for women everywhere," concludes Mthembu.

Participants can take the WomenCan iPledge on www.womenCan.co.za, and they will receive a personalised digital badge, making their commitment both visible and accountable.