The 2026 Banking on Women Colloquium, organised by the Centre for Women and Gender Studies (WDBT) at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), focused on promoting practical change for women.
The purpose of the event, which brought together prominent scholars, businesswomen, community leaders and economic experts, was to recognise the legacy of former First Lady Zanele Mbeki, her lifetime of work and her dedication to improving the lives of women, as well as to mark the 35th anniversary of the WDB Trust.
Mbeki’s vision and advocacy work have inspired women and opened doors for them to strive for financial independence and self-reliance.
Wits University Chancellor Judy Dlamini reflected on the key priorities discussed at the gathering during an exclusive interview on YOU FM News Hour.
“The Colloquium looked at the implementation of practical strategies to change women’s lives; it also assessed inequality in the economy, the recognition or lack of care work, pay disparities, women’s unemployment and barriers to access,” Dlamini said.
She highlighted the significance of ensuring that the recommendations from the dialogue are translated into actionable change.
“As the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF), we have signed an MoU with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) to start a Women in Innovation Hub. We will use the three research chairs that we have at NMU, which are focused on entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, and one on gender equality and gender-based violence and femicide at Wits University. We will explore models to fund academic research to ensure that practical solutions benefit communities across the country,” she continued.
Moreover, WDBT CEO Riah Phiyega hopes the theme of the colloquium, which was inspired by the work and motto of the Trust, will encourage growth and invite key role-players to meaningfully invest in sustainable initiatives aimed at developing and empowering women.
