This year’s event, themed ‘Grace, Grit & Growth: A Season to Bloom’, celebrated the resilience, courage and leadership that women demonstrate every day, both professionally and personally.
The event promised an inspiring programme, meaningful networking opportunities and the chance to give back to women in need, while recognising the incredible women who continue to shape South Africa’s insurance industry.
Order of the day
Upon arrival, the ladies were welcomed with refreshing welcome drinks, sponsored by Paladin Underwriting Managers, and received stylish goody bags – thanks to our goody bag sponsors Chubb, Genasys, Gary Rom, Leppard, Michelle Ori, Milpark Education, My Glass and Net’ta Pragtig – for ensuring every guest received a thoughtful token.
The formalities of the day began with a warm welcome from GWII President, Velene Peters, who greeted guests and thanked the event sponsors for their invaluable support. Reflecting on the theme, Grace, Grit & Growth: A Season to Bloom, Velene spoke about the importance of leading with grace, encouraging women to choose “collaboration over competition” and to “refuse to shrink ourselves or tear others down.”
She also reflected on the resilience required of women in the industry, noting that “grit is the ability to rise in industries that were not originally designed with us in mind.” Her message was one of confidence and perseverance: “You do not need permission to bloom. You do not need a title to lead.”
Easvarie Naidoo, Deputy President of GWII, then had the honour of introducing keynote speaker Rachel Kolisi.
An inspiring keynote speaker
Headlining this year’s event was Rachel Kolisi, South African leader, philanthropist and storyteller, who inspired attendees with a keynote centred on resilience, identity and the different seasons women navigate.
Encouraging the ladies to reflect on their own journeys, Rachel asked: “What season are you living in?” She spoke about the different seasons of life – from joyful and exciting periods to difficult seasons of grief, loss and change – and encouraged women to recognise where they are and what that season may require of them.
A key message was identity beyond our roles, as Rachel reminded attendees that “your identity is not your roles”, encouraging women to take time to understand who they are at their core.
She also spoke about resilience and moving forward despite outside noise, telling the ladies: “Don’t look left, don’t listen to the noise. Keep going where you’re going.” Her message of growth through difficult seasons resonated strongly with the theme of Grace, Grit & Growth: A Season to Bloom, as she reminded attendees that “the greatest success comes from the worst seasons if you navigate them well.”
Gifts, treats, and celebration
After the keynote and messages of empowerment, the celebration continued with exciting giveaways. A host of fabulous prizes were handed out.
Guests also enjoyed a dedicated gin experience throughout the event, courtesy of Elite Risk Acceptances. A special acknowledgement goes to our Additional Sponsors, with Glasfit serving as the Photography Sponsor, Camargue Underwriting Managers as the Photobooth Sponsor and Lloyd’s as the Coffee Sponsor, helping to create memorable moments for all attendees
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors
GWII extends its sincere appreciation to the organisations whose generous support has made this year’s Women’s Day celebration possible.
A special thank you goes to our Platinum Sponsor, Discovery Insure, whose generous support has helped make this year’s event possible. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our Silver Sponsors – Chubb, Hollard, Innovation Group South Africa, Milpark Education, Santam and Sasria SOC Ltd – for their valued partnership.
Our thanks also go to our Bronze Sponsors: ABSA, Bryte Insurance, Credit Guarantee, Firedart Engineering Underwriting Managers, Howden, IBV International Vaults, Insurance Crime Bureau, Lloyd’s, ONE Underwriting Managers, QSURE and Yard Insurance, whose continued support has contributed to the success of the event.
We are equally grateful to our Activation Sponsors – 1st for Women Insurance, Camargue Underwriting Managers, Elite Risk Acceptances, Fulcrum and Paladin Underwriting Managers – for creating engaging experiences throughout the day.
Our appreciation also extends to our Supporting Logistical Sponsors – FAnews and Santam Specialist Solutions – for their invaluable behind-the-scenes support.
Finally, we also extend our sincere appreciation to our Prize Sponsors – Beyonda, Bryte Insurance, Commrisk Insurance Brokers, Consort, Ctrack, Digicall, F&I, Gary Rom, Genoa Underwriting Managers, Global Choices, HIC Underwriting Managers, Hollard, IBV International Vaults, iTOO Special Risks, Lireas Holdings, MUA Insurance Acceptances, Michelle Ori Paris, ONE Underwriting Managers, Santam, PG Glass and Western National Insurance – whose generous contributions will add to the excitement of the day’s celebrations through an array of fantastic prizes.
Their continued commitment to supporting women in insurance plays an important role in creating opportunities for learning, networking and professional growth.
Giving back
True to GWII’s commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the insurance industry, this year’s nominated charity was the Frida Hartley Women Shelter in Yeoville, Johannesburg.
The shelter provides care, dignity and hope to women rebuilding their lives. Every donation helps create a safer and more supportive future for women in need, reinforcing the spirit of compassion and community that lies at the heart of the Women’s Day celebration.
A special surprise
As part of the celebration, every guest received a special Women’s Day gift from Estée Lauder – a Bronze Goddess fragrance vial-on-card. The experience was made possible through the support of Fulcrum, adding another thoughtful touch to the memorable day.
A season to bloom
More than a celebration, GWII Women’s Day 2026 was an opportunity for women across the insurance industry to pause, reflect and celebrate the journeys that have shaped them. Whether through grace in leadership, grit in overcoming challenges, or growth through new opportunities, the event reminded every attendee that each season brings the chance to flourish.
With an inspiring keynote, valued industry partners and a shared commitment to empowering women and giving back to the community, GWII’s 2026 Women’s Day celebration was another unforgettable occasion.
