Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII) Committee Members share their inspiring words of wisdom, in celebration of Women’s Day.
What does strength mean to you as a woman today?
Strength is getting up every morning and giving it your all, even when things are tough. It’s speaking up for yourself and for others, asking for help when you need it, and staying positive. It’s also about looking after your family and community while still going after your own dreams. What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?
Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Find people who cheer you on-mentors, friends, or teammates-and lean on them for support. Learn to say “no” when you’ve got too much on your plate. And don’t forget to celebrate your wins, even the small ones. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
Women’s Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come and to honor the women who came before us. It’s also a reminder to lift each other up now and to keep working to make things fairer and better for the next generation.
Candice Mclachlan
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
Strength is being true to yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s showing up with honesty, authenticity, setting boundaries, and leading with both heart and grit. It is also learning to say “no” as confidently as saying “yes”. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to the next generation of women leaders?
You don’t need to be perfect to lead. Trust your voice, take up space, and remember – growth often starts with discomfort. It is about showing up with intention and learning as you go. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
It’s a time to honour the women who have shaped me and a reminder to keep opening doors for others. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude and acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the quiet and often invisible strength of the women in my life.
Easvarie Naidoo
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
To me, strength lies in our capacity to care deeply about our families, our communities, our future, and the world around us. This sense of responsibility drives us to push boundaries and lead with empathy. In today’s world, women are constantly walking a tightrope between professional ambition and personal responsibility. To navigate that with grace, dignity, and compassion is not only powerful – it’s inspiring. What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women leaders?
Don’t let fear or self-doubt stand in your way. Women often hold themselves to impossibly high standards, striving for perfection before even stepping forward. This tendency to second-guess ourselves can mean missing out on opportunities we’re more than capable of owning. My advice is simple: trust yourself. You are stronger, smarter, and more capable than you give yourself credit for. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
I feel Women’s Month is a time to reflect, celebrate progress, and, more importantly, drive action. Personally, it’s very meaningful. I look at the young girls in my life, such as my niece and goddaughters, and I’m reminded why striving for transformation matters. They deserve a world where fairness and equality aren’t aspirational but expected. I’m honoured to contribute to that vision through my work with Gauteng Women in Insurance and the incredible women who make up our community.
Leigh Meyer
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
Strength is being true to yourself – kind, grateful, confident, and proud. It’s being productive and optimistic, a gentle person with firm boundaries. It means showing respect, being a caretaker of yourself and others, and always standing up for what you believe in. What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women leaders?
You are enough. You are strong. You are brave. Embrace your talents and build a strong network of support. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
It is a time to reflect – to look back and see how far you’ve come, the contributions you’ve made in the lives of those around you. It’s a time to be grateful for what you have and where you are in this present moment, and to look forward to even greater things to come.
Margaret Handy
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
Strength, to me, is about resilience, authenticity, and the ability to uplift others while staying true to yourself. In today’s world, a strong woman is one who can navigate challenges with grace, adapt to change, and lead with both courage and compassion. What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women leaders?
Never underestimate your voice. Speak up, even if it shakes, and always back yourself. Your perspective matters, and the spaces you step into are better because of what you bring. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
Women’s Month is a time to reflect on the journey of those who came before us, to celebrate the progress made, and to reaffirm our commitment to creating an even more inclusive and empowering future for all women. It serves as a reminder of our collective strength and the importance of supporting one another. However, this support should not be limited to Women’s Month alone – it should be as natural and essential as giving birth.
Michelle Schreuder-Rankin
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
Strength, as a South African woman, is the power to lead, nurture, resist, and rise – with grace, grit, and an unshakable sense of purpose, even when the odds are against you. What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women leaders?
Your strength is not just about survival – it’s about legacy, leadership, and light. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
It’s a time to celebrate the everyday strength of women – mothers, workers, daughters, leaders, and healers – who carry so much, often without recognition. It’s a moment to recommit to challenging the systems that still silence or endanger women, whether at home, in the workplace, or society. It’s about permitting myself to be: strong and tired, hopeful and angry, soft and powerful. It’s about honouring the women around me – not just the famous names, but the quiet warriors who hold families and communities together. Most of all, it’s about making space for every woman’s voice, story, and worth to be seen, respected, and protected – not just in August, but always.
Nadia Gouws
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
As women continue to redefine their roles in society, so too must we redefine what it means to be strong. For some, strength is found in the ability to balance motherhood, partnership, and a thriving career. For others, it lies in the bold choice to remain unmarried or child-free, living life on their own terms. True strength is not one-size-fits-all. It’s about showing up authentically, unapologetically, and on your own path. Every woman should feel empowered to lead, live, and love in a way that reflects her values. What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women leaders?
To the next generation of women leaders: dream boldly. Own your power. Show up every day with purpose and determination. Your journey is yours to define. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s honour how far we’ve come, and recommit to the work still ahead to achieve true gender equality and lasting parity for all.
Velene Peters
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
Strength as a woman today means having the courage to be authentic in a world that often tries to define you. It’s the resilience to rise after setbacks, the empathy to lead with compassion and the confidence to speak up for yourself and others. It’s not just about endurance, it’s about embracing your worth, supporting others and driving change, even when it’s uncomfortable. What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women leaders?
Own your voice. Don’t wait for permission to lead, speak or challenge the status quo. Trust your instincts, stay curious and build a community that lifts you up. Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould – it’s about breaking it to create a path that’s uniquely yours. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
Women’s Month is a time to reflect, honour and amplify the stories of women who’ve paved the way and those who are still fighting for equity. Personally, it’s a moment of both gratitude and motivation: gratitude for the progress we’ve made and motivation to continue advocating for a more inclusive, just world for all women, especially those whose voices are still marginalised.
Veerosha Sukdev
How do you define strength as a woman in today’s world?
Strength for women in today’s world is about harnessing mental resilience. From balancing motherhood and careers to embracing joy in everyday life, women demonstrate incredible courage and adaptability. What is one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women leaders?
Never hesitate to make your voice heard – but always do it with grace. Stand out through kindness and the positive energy you bring into every room. What does Women’s Month mean to you personally?
To me, Women’s Month is a time of inspiration – a chance to showcase the unstoppable power of women when they unite. It’s a celebration of collective strength and shared achievements.
Vianca Van Aswegen