Lionesses get ready to dominate the new year
SANDTON – Founder Melanie Hawken thanked the women for their continued support for not only the lioness movement itself but their continued support and cheerleading for their fellow entrepreneurs.
The power of African female entrepreneurs continues to live on.
Africa’s ambitious and hungry female entrepreneurs hosted their final virtual Lioness Lean In power session for the year on 4 December. The lioness movement, which would traditionally host sessions at the Volkswagen Group South Africa offices in Sandton, transitioned to the virtual space earlier this year on account of the lockdown.
Going on six years now since its inception, the fierce community has grown to more than one million members in 54 different countries. “Each and every time it is so great to see powerful women come together, network and inspire one another to do better and be the best that they can be,” said Lioness Lean In ambassador Hlubi Mboya Arnold.
In the final session, the movement’s founder Melanie Hawken thanked the women for their continued support for not only the lioness movement itself but their continued support and ‘cheerleading’ for their fellow entrepreneurs. “Without the women behind the roars, this community would not have grown into such a powerhouse – something that we really needed and many of us looked for during this year,” she said.
Hawken added that she looked forward to seeing first-hand just how the community would grow in the coming year. Also in the session was Volkswagen Group South Africa promotions and events manager Lindi Hilliar who announced that that automotive company would be partnering with the lionesses next year, for a third consecutive year.
“Each and every one of these women represents what the VW brand is all about – determination, motivation and inspiration,” said Hilliar.
Guest speakers included entrepreneurs Nokuthula Magwaza, founder of Bloom Infinite, and Devaksha Maharaj, founder of Ikigai Engineering. While both women are exploring completely different industries, their goals remain the same – breaking the barriers and stereotypes for female entrepreneurs.
For Maharaj it was particularly challenging in the engineering space because it is an infamously male-dominated space. Magwaza, however, continues to encourage women, no matter the industry, to go after what they want in the business world.
“Don’t wait for anyone to give you permission, you need to bloom from within, be the boss lady that you know you can be,” said Magwaza.
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