This Saturday in Musgrave, history will be made as 500 pioneering women come together for the launch of Women on Fire — a groundbreaking platform for empowerment, collaboration, and real solutions.
Much like the G20 convenes world leaders to set the global agenda, Women on Fire is uniting South Africa’s brightest, boldest women to confront pressing challenges such as gender-based violence, unemployment, youth development, and inclusivity.
Founded by Rosy Govindasamy alongside a group of passionate women committed to uplifting their communities, Women on Fire is a direct response to urgent realities. An estimated 7.3 million women in South Africa experience gender-based violence each year, and 66 percent return to abusive environments due to financial dependence and limited support.
“This is more than an event,” says Govindasamy. “It is a national dialogue, a movement where women unite to build solutions, share best practice, and shape a future where our voices are not only heard, but lead the way.”
The timing is symbolic. Hosted during Heritage Month — a period when South Africans reflect on liberation, resilience, and identity — and in the season of spring, a time of renewal, Women on Fire calls for a bold new path forward. It emphasises freedom of association, cross-sector collaboration, and practical action that tackles gender-based violence with solutions rather than slogans.
Event Highlights
A powerful panel of trailblazers will take centre stage, including:
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Sanera Maharaj – Award-winning operations leader and Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans honouree
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Dr Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala – Respected strategist and thought leader
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Seeng Mokoena – Dynamic voice for youth and community development
This inaugural gathering also marks the launch of Women on Fire’s national and international mission to empower women, amplify their voices, and ignite a movement of change that transforms communities across South Africa and beyond.
Despite challenges in securing sponsorship, Govindasamy is unwavering in her commitment:
“This is our moment. We are calling every woman, every ally, every organisation to join us. Together, we will ignite a fire of change that spreads far beyond Durban.”
Event Details
Venue: The White Box, Durban
Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
Book your seat now: Women On Fire
