Women Speak Out - Why “I am Every Woman” Matters in 2025

• The Me Time Event at Sun City united over 2,000 women to empower them through a new women-run co-op bank for loans and a focus on wellness
• The Isago Foundation director, Ms Tebogo Modisane, spoke exclusively to Briefly News, stating that the 2025 event showed women are poised to lead in Southern Africa
• Women at the conference formed cross-border partnerships to expand their businesses and network, demonstrating the event's significant economic impact on the North West province

Sun City, North West - The weekend was taken over by over 2,000 women, youth, and people with disabilities, turning Sun City Resort into a hub of inspiration, courage, and growth at this year’s Me Time Event, hosted by the Isago Foundation (12–13 September).

Titled I Am Every Woman, the event was not just a conference but an open invitation for women to break down walls, share solutions, and empower their communities.

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Why this matters

In conversation with Briefly News freelance journalist, Mkhululi Chimoio, Isago Foundation Director Ms. Tebogo Modisane expressed that the 2025 edition proved that women are poised to rise.

“This year’s Me Time Event was a celebration of what can happen when women come together with one purpose - to empower, to grow, and to lead,” she said.

“Empowerment is not an individual act - it’s a community mission. When we collaborate together, we multiply impact, and when one woman grows, we all grow.”

Modisane extended the invitation to even more women from across the Southern Development Community (SADC) to join the movement, network, and be part of the solution.

Highlights of the Weekend

Women take financial power – The launch of Me Time CFI, a women-run co-operative financial institution, will provide business loans, study bursaries, and home loans, empowering women to accumulate wealth together.

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Collaboration across borders - They created real partnerships. Dimakatso Mokaila had this to say to Briefly News:

“I connected with women from Botswana and Lesotho who are in the same industry. We have already decided to start a cross-border project together.”

Wellness at the Centre - Dr. Komane, Somatologist at the University of Pretoria, praised the focus on self-care.

“Women cannot lead effectively if they are burnt out. Me Time reminded us that nurturing ourselves is not selfish – it’s strategic.

“Economic impact” - While Sun City was fully booked and neighbouring businesses thriving, the event boosted the North West economy and brought attention to women as a catalyst for growth.

Voices of change

Life-altering for all who attended.

Memory Dube from Zimbabwe described:

“I left with mentorship prospects and prospective investors for my small-scale farming venture. Outside of business, the sisterhood we felt was invaluable.”

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Newcomer Boitumelo Madimabe contributed:

“The speakers inspired me to believe that my small business can be grown into something that offers job opportunities. I am leaving Sun City empowered and ready to make a difference.”

The Spirit of “Me Time”

Programme Director Queen Munyai said the event caught its theme:

“The discussions were sincere, the performances were heartfelt, and the collaborations will be fruitful well beyond this weekend. We witnessed all women standing tall, proud, and prepared to lead."

As the weekend drew to a close with an inspiring live recording by Paul K with Minister Spokes, Omega, and Zaza, the mood was celebratory - but firm.

What’s next?

“Me Time” 2025 delivered on empowerment in action — cheap talk, but results are gold. Empowerment is about solutions, not rhetoric. Empowerment is about creating a future for women where they are not left behind.

For Modisane and the Isago Foundation, it's all clear: “keep pushing boundaries, empowering women, and doubling impact in Southern Africa”.

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In 2025, “I Am Every Woman” is not just a theme - it's a promise. Women together are rising higher, stronger, and unstoppable.

Tebogo Modisane talks about the 2025 'Me Time' event

In an interview with Briefly News ahead of the event, Tebogo Modisane discussed the 11th edition of Me Time, highlighting its focus on empowerment through entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, leadership, and women’s resilience.

“The 'Me Time Event' was conceived in a dream to create a safe, empowering platform where women, youth, and people with disabilities could network, learn, and grow,” said Modisane. “A small meeting became a large annual affair with more than 1,000 people dropping by and forging networks that outlive the event itself.”

Source: Briefly News