Gender equality, employability, health and education were hot topics at the IIE’s Varsity College annual Ladies to Legends event on Saturday.
The morning of motivation and inspiration kicked off with Johannesburg-born comedian Gilli Apter, 36, setting the tone with her tongue-in-cheek jokes before TV and radio presenter Hulisani Ravele and Sarafina Magazine founder Candice Berstein opened up discussions around issues affecting women in the workplace and in social spheres.
Ravele, 30, a former YoTv presenter and businesswoman, who attributed her successes and awareness to her spirituality, said when she recognised herself in other women she took it upon herself to learn from them.
“Being your most authentic self, that is when people are drawn to you, that is when people are drawn to your light.
“So often people get it wrong and will ask to be mentored, but they need to realise there are lessons to be learnt in every shape and form. You don’t have to ask for permission to learn from someone else and you just have to go ahead,” she said.
Speaking about how differently women approach their jobs, Ravele said: “As women we are concerned about rejection, whether it is with a guy or at work.
“And here’s the truth of the matter – those who will afford me will afford me, and those who can’t, it’s fine. But honestly, empower yourself with knowledge and education on a certain matter.”
Bernstein, 26, an actress and blogger, started Sarafina Magazine two years ago. Venturing into a career in which she had no formal training had seen her business iced out of the industry in its first year.
“Of course, feelings of doubt and fear started creeping in, but after we hit the one-year mark people started recognising us and things improved from there.
“It is a natural thing and it is scary to start something, but my advice would be to start with the resources you have available to you.”