3 Career Inspiring Meetups For Women

Women are getting better and better at putting their ambitions first and not worrying about whether the world will like them less for it. While men have been great at networking over whiskies, cigars, strip clubs, breakfasts, meetups and getaways, women are now finding their own space to have a conversation about what we can contribute towards the work environment, as well as our own careers.

This is where men have been good – they’ve understood that it’s up to them to get involved. And, fair enough, they haven’t been judged for it like women are (no man is ever too bossy, too power hungry or has to be marketed as a dad or a husband to get the job), but now that the conversation is evolving women need to be better at “leaning in”.

While mentorship remains a strong request from women, it’s a two way street – be someone worth mentoring. Dress up, turn up. Here’s how and where:

Red Bull Social Club – Career Focus

What is the Red Bull Social Club

“Each month social influencers and inspiring South African businesswomen are paired and brought to Red Bull Studios in Cape Town for a casual conversation in front of their peers. All Social Clubs will be live streamed on Facebook, with an opportunity for those watching to interact and ask questions.”

My Experience at Red Bull Social Club

I attended my first Red Bull Social Club at the end of July and really enjoyed the conversation. July’s event saw Nicola Cooper (trend analyst) and Danielle Clough (designer/photographer) team up to communicate their experiences in their creative processes, work experience, personal journey that led them to where they are now, challenges as well as the peaks and pits behind their careers. You can read more about the Red Bull Social Club specifics here.

We’ve kicked off the second of our monthly #redbullsocialclub sessions. On the couch are @NicolaCoop and @Fiance_Knowles, currently discussion feminism, trends and breaking gender barriers. pic.twitter.com/ShikmGcRQI

— Red Bull (@RedBullZA) July 26, 2018

The key takeaway for me that was women don’t need to agree with one another all the time. Being the “same” is often a bonding mechanism women use, but it’s ok to be different, to disagree and to still like and respect one another. Definitely something we all need to work on.

The informal conversation takes place at the Red Bull Studios in Bree street with the next one on the 30th of August, 2018. Guests will be, “Boni Mnisi from This Is What Makes Us Girls: an intersectional feminist zine, which focuses on providing a platform for the underrepresented: young women, queer folk and people of colour.” And second guest Colleen Balchin from Pussy Party / Broaden A New Sound. “Pussy Party is a femme / queer event that provides safe spaces in the club environment and acts as an incubator for new talent.” Click here for more info and tickets.

• Entrance: Free
• Location: Red Bull Studios in Bree Street

Future Females – You in the Workplace

What is Future Females?

“The Future Females mission is to accelerate the success of aspiring and existing female entrepreneurs – to provide an environment where females can connect, and access the key resources (mentorship, funding, education) needed to succeed! We are pro-women, not anti-men, therefore men are very welcome at all our events.”

My Experience at Future Females

This was the first event I attended with a friend at the Workshop 17 at the V&A. The theme was The Power of Personal Brands. We were warmly welcomed by the two hostesses for the night, but they forgot to explain who they were and how they got involved!

On this occasion, the speakers were Candice Bodington (fitness entrepreneur), Tiara Pathon from Dress For Success and Chwayita Nqiwa – PR entrepreneur is probably the best way to describe Chwayita! Questions are encouraged and engagement on a more casual bases takes places after the talks. Enjoy a snack or glass of vino while networking with other women at the event. Future Females has a loose theme every month so that you can attend the events most relevant to you. Here are the next Future Female event listings with the next Cape Town event:

• Entrance: R80
• Location: Workshop 17

SheSaid.So – Gender Realities & Responsibilities in the Workplace

What is SheSaid.So?

“Shesaid.so is a curated network of women with active roles in the music industry. Our vision is to create an environment that supports collaboration, creativity and positive values.”

My Experience at SheSaid.So

I attended SheSaid.So to support my friend ANG (the hostess) and ended up loving the night. With a focus on women in the creative industry, I initially assumed I’d feel quite, “been there, done that” having been a radio present for a number of years. However, the night isn’t a “how to” evening, but rather a discussion about how women fulfil their roles in the creative arts and entertainment industry.

Held in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, SheSaid.So addresses the challenges, the current perceptions, personal experiences and future goals for women in the creative industry.

• Entrance: Free
• Location: TBC
• Theme: TBC

The world’s not going to wait for anyone to get with the program. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Support one of these local initiatives and let’s fast track the integration of preferences across the country.