The Woman of Stature Awards has been recognising women who are doing phenomenal work in society.
For the past ten years, countless women have had their careers elevated through the help of the mentorship and networking opportunities that the platform gives.
What makes the awards unique is that each nominee is taken through a journey where they are empowered before any of them can be crowned a winner. It celebrates women who are not only excelling in their own businesses, but are uplifting others in their communities.
This year's media launch occurred on Friday, 15 August, at the stunning Hotel Sky in Sandton. The event brought together women from different parts of the country who are currently flourishing in business.
The incredible Tandi Potgieter led the program with ease and maintained a lively atmosphere. She engaged the audience and reminded each attendee that they were winners in their own right.
The CEO of the Woman of Stature Awards, Charlotte du Plessis, spoke about having a support system. She shared her journey and how the support from fellow women has been her greatest motivation.
Speaking to Time Out Johannesburg, Charlotte, who spearheaded the Woman Rise program and founded the Woman of Stature network, says she is intentional about helping women shine.
" I wanted to really make an impact in the lives of women. I had a mother who I looked up to; she was my role model, and she really made me the woman I am today," Charlotte said.
The philanthropist says her journey started with her running a fundraising charity organisation before it turned into a woman empowerment and networking business.
" In the early years, we raised funds for cancer, and then we raised funds for child welfare. That is actually how it started. In 2015, I then changed it to focus on the women and not the charity. Then I started woman empowerment as the main objective."
Speaking about the success of her initiatives, Charlotte says that through the Woman of Stature, they have provided a home for one woman who was a mentee.
" I have got several stories that stand out, but one that is current is about a young mother of two sons. She started on the Women of Stature journey about four years ago. Through all the contacts that we have, we have now built her a house. She was living in a shack before that. That to me is the most inspiring story."
Charlotte says the woman worked as a domestic worker and after losing her job, she approached Woman of Stature for mentorship on how to run her own business.
" She now runs her own cleaning business. She contracts cleaners to go work at different places. She does post-construction cleaning as well. Her personal aspirations is what led her to us."
The keynote speaker at the media launch was Annemarie Mostert. The former recipient of the Woman of Stature award shared pearls of wisdom and encouraged women to take care of themselves because one cannot pour from an empty cup. She also reminded women that they must never look down on themselves, but must know that they are more than enough.
Women were empowered through the panel discussion which featured advice from women who excel in their professional and community roles.
Eighteen of the 2026 nominees were recognised and attendees enjoyed delicious treats from the Sky Hotel chefs.