KZN Premier Calls for Stronger Women's Leadership and Equality

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has highlighted the important role of women in driving social transformation, strengthening communities and shaping institutions during an Office of the Premier Women’s Empowerment and Wellness Conference in Pietermaritzburg.

The Premier addressed the conference at the Grey’s Hospital Recreational Hall, where women from different levels of the Office of the Premier gathered for discussions on women’s empowerment, workplace wellness, resilience, leadership and professional development. The event was held as part of Women’s Month.

Premier Thamsanqa praised women for their strength, compassion and leadership, recognising their contribution to families, communities and broader society. He said women continue to play a central role in promoting social progress and described them as “pillars of hope, healing and transformation”.

Key Highlights

• Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli addressed the Women’s Empowerment and Wellness Conference
• He recognised women as pillars of hope, healing and transformation
• Thamsanqa called for stronger gender equality and women’s leadership opportunities

The Premier also highlighted the significance of gender equality, women's empowerment and workplace inclusion programs. He emphasized that gender-based violence must be combated and more opportunities must be provided for women's career growth.

Thamsanqa said that women need to be encouraged for both professional and personal development. He has called for workplaces that are conducive to the empowerment, participation and leadership of women.

The conference was an opportunity to share knowledge, promote wellness issues and take collective action on issues that impact women in the workplace. Additionally, the resilience-building and improving support systems that can support women's wellbeing were discussed.

Premier Thamsanqa encouraged female participants to strive for leadership and actively participate in developing their institutions and communities' future. His message underscored the need for women's leadership and involvement in fostering social and work transformation for the long term.

The event connected different levels of women to build momentum on career development, wellness, inclusion, and leadership development.

The continued investment of women's development and wellbeing was also emphasised in Premier Thamsanqa's address. His comments embraced a wider theme of building safe and welcoming spaces where opportunities for women to contribute and lead are valued and supported.

The Women's Empowerment and Wellness Conference ended as an opportunity to acknowledge women's contributions and foster more collaboration, leadership and personal wellness. The event highlighted the importance of supporting women in their advancement, as it is critical to a stronger family, community and institution.

The conference is part of the initiative to create an environment where the voices, wellbeing, leadership and professional development of women are integral to the progress of the organisation and society.