Seen Here: When women empower women, industries grow and futures change. The EmpowerHER Luncheon 2026 will once again bring together visionary entrepreneurs, executives and leaders to build meaningful connections, unlock new opportunities and inspire women to lead boldly under the theme, “For Women Who No Longer Want to Play Small.” Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, businesswomen, entrepreneurs, executives and emerging leaders will once again gather for one of the country’s growing platforms for female empowerment when the fifth annual EmpowerHER Luncheon takes place on 8 August 2026.
Hosted by Ignited Woman Magazine, this year’s event will be held at Mercedes-Benz Bedfordview under the powerful theme, “For Women Who No Longer Want to Play Small,” challenging women to embrace bigger ambitions, stronger leadership and greater confidence in both business and life.
Far more than a networking event, the EmpowerHER Luncheon has evolved into a catalyst for collaboration, mentorship and economic participation, creating an environment where women build meaningful relationships that extend well beyond the event itself.
Building Businesses Through Connection
Over the past four years, EmpowerHER has become known for creating genuine opportunities for women to connect with mentors, clients, investors, collaborators and future business partners.
Founder Kamogelo Seekoei says the platform has demonstrated the extraordinary outcomes that emerge when women intentionally support one another.
“Over the past four years, we’ve witnessed remarkable connections being formed around the EmpowerHER table. Women have found mentors, business partners, clients, collaborators and, perhaps most importantly, renewed belief in themselves.”
She believes these authentic relationships continue to fuel entrepreneurship, leadership and professional growth across industries.
Challenging Women to Think Bigger
The 2026 theme speaks directly to one of the biggest barriers many women continue to face—not a lack of ability, but a lack of confidence to fully embrace opportunities.
Seekoei says too many talented women continue to underestimate their potential, delay pursuing their dreams or accept less than they deserve.
The luncheon aims to shift that mindset by encouraging attendees to lead boldly, pursue ambitious goals and confidently occupy spaces where they can influence meaningful change.
“We want every woman who walks into the room to leave believing she belongs in every space she has been called to occupy.”
More Than Women’s Month Celebrations
While Women’s Month provides an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, organisers believe meaningful empowerment requires sustained action rather than symbolic recognition.
The EmpowerHER Luncheon focuses on equipping women with practical opportunities to expand their professional networks, exchange knowledge and explore new avenues for business growth.
This year’s gathering is expected to attract entrepreneurs, corporate executives, professionals, business owners and aspiring leaders from diverse sectors, creating an environment where collaboration becomes a driver of innovation and economic opportunity.
Strengthening Women’s Voices
The event also reinforces the broader mission of Ignited Woman Magazine, which continues to spotlight women making significant contributions across business, entrepreneurship, leadership and community development.
By creating platforms that celebrate achievement while encouraging collaboration, the publication seeks to amplify women’s voices and inspire future generations of leaders.
Creating Lasting Impact
As South Africa continues to pursue greater gender equality and economic inclusion, initiatives such as the EmpowerHER Luncheon demonstrate the important role networking platforms play in advancing women’s leadership and entrepreneurship.
Beyond inspirational conversations, the event seeks to generate tangible outcomes—new partnerships, business opportunities, mentorship relationships and collaborations that continue long after the luncheon concludes.
With its message of confidence, courage and collective advancement, the fifth EmpowerHER Luncheon promises to once again remind women that success is not achieved alone, but through communities that encourage one another to think bigger, lead fearlessly and refuse to play small.
On 8 August, EmpowerHER will once again bring together women determined not only to celebrate their achievements, but to shape a future where ambition is embraced, opportunities are shared and every woman is empowered to realise her full potential.
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