Empowering women together

On Saturday, 26 October, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Commercial Development team hosted FemFEST, a one-day celebration dedicated to empowering women from all walks of life. Held at the Protea Hotel in Mowbray, the event attracted close to 200 participants for a day of connection, learning and celebration.

Designed to foster unity and amplify women’s voices, FemFEST gathered a dynamic community of participants, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors, all contributing to an atmosphere of shared goals and inspiration.

UCT’s Commercial Development team underscored their mission to create an inclusive space where women could learn, network, and share stories that shape their journeys. “FemFEST was born from the desire to create a safe space where women could connect, learn, and inspire each other,” said Deidre Raubenheimer, the manager of Connect. Meet. Collaborate at UCT. “We envisioned FemFEST as a platform to empower women and foster a sense of community, which speaks to the university’s commitment to inclusion.”

The day’s events began with a yoga class led by Linda Dlamini, encouraging participants to start with mindfulness and self-care. Kennethea “Kenny” Jackson Williams followed with “Connect the Dots”, an interactive session prompting women to reflect on their life paths and explore new opportunities. According to Raubenheimer, this session was particularly impactful. “I believe Kenny’s talk resonated well with the audience.” Attendees participated actively, creating a dynamic atmosphere that set a collaborative tone for the day.

Business, wellness, and cultural connection

The event spotlighted business and entrepreneurship, with insights from Terrill Christians, an expert in success-driven design. Her talk inspired attendees to leverage their unique skills, providing practical tips on building and sustaining successful businesses. FemFEST offered something for everyone, enabling participants to leave with insights they could apply in both their personal and professional lives.

“We envisioned FemFEST as a platform to empower women and foster a sense of community, which speaks to the university’s commitment to inclusion.”

The lunch break allowed women to explore various food and vendor stalls, highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs. This provided an opportunity to support women-owned businesses and network in a relaxed setting, with 16 vendors onsite showcasing a variety of products and services. This relaxed environment fostered connections that could continue beyond the event.

Entertainment and education in equal measure

FemFEST balanced its line-up with both entertainment and educational content. The afternoon programme began with a stand-up performance by comedian Mel Jones, whose humour about the complexities of modern womanhood resonated deeply with the audience. Paschelle Moodley, founder of Spice Table, followed with a live cooking masterclass, encouraging participants to celebrate the art of cooking as a means of self-expression. “The feedback from participants has been incredibly positive,” Thobile Dlamini, the director of Hospitality at UCT, noted. “Attendees felt inspired, connected, and empowered with valuable knowledge and skills. The well-organised event was not only informative but also incredibly fun, with plenty of laughter, singing, and dancing.”

In an empowering session on sexual health, Dr Eve addressed critical issues around women’s wellness, reinforcing the day’s focus on holistic empowerment. “Dr Eve created a safe, judgment-free space for women to ask questions and seek advice,” Raubenheimer said, “and it was clear from the engagement that her talk had a profound impact.”

The day closed with performances by the jazz band Scarlet and headline musical act Summer Heynes, whose powerful vocals left the audience in awe. Heynes’ music celebrated the strength and resilience of women, encapsulating the spirit of the event and leaving attendees feeling united and inspired.

A platform for change and community impact

FemFEST was also a unique platform for organisations that are passionate about empowering women, with exhibitors and sponsors contributing to its success. “Exhibitors and sponsors played a pivotal role in the success of FemFEST,” Dlamini explained. “Their generous support enabled us to offer a diverse range of activities and speakers. Additionally, the predominantly female exhibitors showcased their passions and provided opportunities for women to connect and support one another.” This mutual collaboration with businesses allowed sponsors to gain valuable brand visibility while supporting a cause aligned with their values.

“We are excited to continue the tradition of FemFEST and make it an even more impactful event in the future.”

The feedback from business partners was overwhelmingly positive. “Our partners were incredibly enthusiastic about FemFEST and have expressed their satisfaction with the event. They appreciated the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of talented women,” Dlamini said.

UCT’s Commercial Development team anticipates that FemFEST will continue to grow in the coming years. “We are excited to continue the tradition of FemFEST and make it an even more impactful event in the future,” Raubenheimer said. “By building on the success of this year’s event, we aim to create even more inspiring and empowering experiences for women.”