In a powerful celebration of women, the SPU Employee Wellness Office hosted the Women’s Month Series throughout August, a programme dedicated to uplifting and empowering female staff through meaningful conversations, knowledge sharing, and activities that nurtured both mind and body.
Every Thursday brought a vibrant lunch-hour session designed to inspire and equip women in various aspects of life. From a dialogue on gender equality in the workplace by the Commission on Gender Equality, to practical guidance on wills and estates by Sanlam, to an energising fitness session led by Virgin Active – the series was a blend of empowerment, education and wellness.
The celebrations culminated on Friday, 29 August, when women from across the University gathered for a special Women’s Brunch under the theme “Crowned in Confidence.” The event was hosted at the historic Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Gardens, a landmark rich with heritage and symbolism. The Gardens, currently being rejuvenated by SPU into a vibrant cultural and botanical hub, perfectly captured the spirit of renewal and empowerment at the heart of the occasion.
Director of Human Resources, Ms Neo Bila, set the tone with a heartfelt welcome, recognising both the event partners and the invaluable contributions of women to the institution.
Sanlam’s Head of Financial Inclusion & Stakeholder Relations, Ms Lebo Monyatsi, shared practical insights during her talk “Women & the Psychology of Money.” She highlighted the importance of financial independence, the cultural and legal dynamics of marriage, and urged women to seek legal and financial advice to safeguard their well-being and long-term stability.
The brunch also featured a moving keynote address by Prof Debra Meyer, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, who spoke candidly about overcoming fear, finding her voice, and building confidence through preparation, persistence and resilience. She reminded women of the power of positive thinking, community support and self-care, encouraging them to set realistic goals and celebrate progress along the way: “I’ve always had a list of everything I wanted to achieve, and every time I ticked off a goal, I added something new,” she shared.
A special highlight was a doek-wrapping activity, where women embraced creativity and cultural pride by styling their doeks in unique and meaningful ways. This collective expression beautifully tied back to the theme Crowned in Confidence, symbolising dignity, identity and the shared strength of womanhood.
The Women’s Month Brunch was more than a Women’s Month closing event. It was a radiant celebration of empowerment, unity and self-worth, where women were encouraged to thrive, grow and continue to walk boldly, crowned in confidence.
