A powerful new chapter in the fight for gender equality has begun. At the State of Women Address (SOWA) held in Sandton on 28 March 2026, the WomenCan iPledge movement was officially launched—marking a shift from conversation to collective, personal action.

Designed as a transformative, people-powered grassroots movement, WomenCan iPledge seeks to complement government and organisational efforts by redefining how individuals actively contribute to women’s empowerment and gender equality.

From Awareness to Action: What WomenCan iPledge Stands For

At its core, the movement encourages individuals to take a personal pledge—a conscious commitment to advancing gender equality in everyday spaces. These pledges focus on tangible, impactful actions, including:

• Elevating women’s voices in meetings, leadership, and decision-making spaces
• Mentoring and sponsoring women across professional and community networks
• Supporting women-owned businesses through intentional spending and partnerships
• Challenging bias and promoting inclusive practices in workplaces and institutions
• Standing in active solidarity with women through advocacy and accountability

This approach transforms gender equality from a distant policy discussion into a daily, lived responsibility.

Reimagining Power Structures for Women

Under the theme “Reimagining Power Structures,” SOWA 2026 convened a dynamic network of thought leaders, policymakers, corporates, non-profit organisations, and individuals. The focus was clear: inclusive leadership, economic empowerment, and the holistic wellbeing of women.

The event created a powerful platform for dialogue, but more importantly, it catalysed action.

A Movement Rooted in Ownership and Accountability

Delivering the keynote address, WomenCan founder Tumi Mthembu emphasised the urgency of shifting responsibility from institutions to individuals:

“Equality is everyone’s responsibility, and the WomenCan iPledge is about ownership. For too long, gender equality has lived in policies and promises. This movement shifts that power into the hands of individuals—especially women—to actively shape the spaces they are part of.”

She further highlighted that the initiative is designed to move beyond passive support:

“WomenCan iPledge aims to transform support into accountability and action. Our collective commitments can drive measurable progress for women everywhere.”

How to Take the Pledge

Participants can take the pledge via www.womenCan.co.za, where they will receive a personalised digital badge—a visible symbol of their commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This badge not only represents intention but also reinforces accountability, encouraging participants to actively live out their pledges in their personal and professional lives.

A New Era of Collective Impact

The launch of WomenCan iPledge signals a powerful shift: gender equality is no longer just a policy goal—it is a personal mission.

As more individuals step forward to take the pledge, the movement has the potential to reshape workplaces, communities, and leadership spaces across South Africa and beyond.

Because real change doesn’t begin in boardrooms alone—it begins with each of us.