The Women Create Wealth Summit 2025, held in Johannesburg, featured a masterclass in human-centered leadership with Theo Sowa, CEO of the Graça Machel Trust, and Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. The session, focused on value-based leadership, emphasized the importance of courage, humility, and surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals.
Theo Sowa reflected on the influence of mentorship and intergenerational guidance, citing leaders such as Wangarĩ Maathai, Leymah Gbowee, and Mrs Graça Machel as examples of values-driven leadership. She noted that true leadership is not defined by titles, but by actions and values. Reeta Roy shared her journey from the private sector to civil society, highlighting the importance of collaboration and learning from mistakes.
The conversation explored the power of values in today’s rapidly changing world, emphasizing that values are not just words, but are reflected in behavior and actions. The discussion also touched on the importance of honoring the lessons of the past, leading with both head and heart, and the role of women in driving change.
The third day of the summit, themed Advocacy, Action & Celebration, featured discussions on enabling environments for women entrepreneurs, inclusive policies, and stronger networks. The conversations sparked momentum, with a focus on collaboration, policy change, and women’s collective power. The summit wrapped up on a high note, with a sense of gratitude to the women, partners, and allies who participated in the three-day event.
The Women Create Wealth Summit 2025 aimed to promote women’s economic empowerment and leadership, with a focus on creating a more inclusive and equitable society. The event brought together women from across the continent, providing a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. As the summit came to a close, it was clear that women are not just participating in change, but are leading it, driving momentum and advocating for policy change and inclusive practices.