IWFCI South Africa
IWFCI South Africa is a non-profit, non-government, member-based organisation established in 2022. It is one of 14 chapters of IWFCI. IWFCI was founded in 1992 by Diana Abruzzi in Melbourne, Australia. It was established with the purpose of supporting women entering business and developing trade across the globe.
Sign-UpThe IWFCI South African Chapter was established in 2022 by Vino Pillay. Today, IWFCI South Africa remains first and foremost an empowering opportunity for women to meet and engage with like-minded entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in a supportive network.
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That all women, despite location and situation can live, work and have a better life, in dignity and higher self-esteem; Having equal opportunity for economic freedom and wellbeing for them, their families, dependents and community.
IWFCI is the world’s first International Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Australia’s first dedicated Chamber of Commerce for women.
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What an inspiring and insightful day it was!
The energy from our Trade Finance Tools Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs, hosted by ABSA CIB, still lingers.
We explored how external forces — from shifting markets to new technologies — can either challenge or fuel our growth. With the right mindset, partnerships, and financial tools, we saw how these forces can become powerful catalysts for innovation and opportunity.
Together, we also demystified trade finance — discovering how it can open doors to new markets, build trust, and strengthen our competitiveness under AfCFTA.
Our Risk-Sharing Partner Panel reminded us that progress thrives on collaboration — between banks, development agencies, and women-led enterprises.
Most importantly, the day reinforced a truth we at IWFCI South Africa hold dear: women entrepreneurs are not a niche market — we are an economic force.
A heartfelt thank-you to Michelle, Koena, Nonzwa, and the incredible Absa team for your vision and commitment to empowering women in business. And to all our speakers, panelists, and participants — thank you for your stories, insights, and passion.
Together, we are not just learning about trade finance — we are reshaping the narrative of women in trade.
#IWFCISA #Absa #WomenInBusiness #TradeFinance #AfCFTA #EmpowerHer #WomenInTrade #PartnershipForGrowth
🌍 Gratitude & Appreciation 🙏
A heartfelt thank you to Jane Masite for hosting a powerful Virtual Workshop on Risk Management and Addressing Challenges Thereof, as we continue our mission to empower IWFCI SA members in global trade. 💼✨
Jane is a dynamic leader and a passionate advocate for women’s participation in international business. As the Treasurer of IWFCI South Africa, she plays a vital role in strengthening our financial governance and driving programs that advance women’s economic empowerment. 💪👩🏽💼
Beyond her leadership within IWFCI SA, Jane is the Founder of CIAGOL SA Trade Finance Specialists, an organization dedicated to delivering innovative financial solutions advisory services to businesses — including those involved in cross-border trade. 🌐💡
In this workshop, Jane shared her wealth of knowledge and practical insights, guiding us through the critical topic of managing risks and overcoming challenges in international trade — a cornerstone of every successful business venture. 🚀📊
#iwfci #WomenInTrade #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness
🌸 Celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child with Purpose and Partnership 🌸
In the true spirit of collaboration and compassion, World Speech Day Women/South Africa, IWFCI South Africa, Ladli Foundation, Ruhi Lifestyle & Sewing Co-operative, and Red Alert came together in a joint initiative to support Guild Cottage in Johannesburg — a shelter that provides care and hope to vulnerable girls.
💖 Through this collective effort, the girls at Guild Cottage received:
✨ Sanitary pads donated by Ladli Foundation as part of their “1Mission1Million Sanitary Pad Project”
✨ Thoughtfully repurposed bags upcycled from the IWFCI SA GWTS event banner, along with remaining summit swag - transforming purpose into impact
✨ Care items and sewing services contributed by Ruhi Lifestyle & Sewing Co-operative
✨ Additional support from Red Alert
This initiative also builds on the ongoing commitment of World Speech Day South Africa, as Guild Cottage proudly hosts one of the WSD SA SDG Book Club Reading Corners — nurturing not just health and dignity, but also literacy and lifelong learning for girls.
Together, we reaffirm our belief that when we uplift a girl, we empower a generation. 💪💗
#InternationalDayOfTheGirlChild #WSDWomen #IWFCISA #LadliFoundation #RuhiLifestyle #RedAlert #GuildCottage #GirlsEmpowerment #SDGBookClub #CollaborationInAction #EmpowerHer #1MillionPadProject #SDGs
