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The International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) will host the fourth edition of its Hall of Femme Awards on 1 October 2026 in Johannesburg, under the theme ‘Legacy in Motion’. Standard Bank is the anchor sponsor of the 2026 awards.
Established in 2022, the Hall of Femme recognises women who have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings and uplifted other women through leadership and service. The awards celebrate leadership, contributions to society and an ongoing commitment to empowering others.
Previous Hall of Femme inductees include:
2022: Mrs Zanele Mbeki; the late Dr Frene Noshir Ginwala; and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
2023: Dr Brigalia Bam; Advocate Mojanku Gumbi; and Ms Winnie Byanyima.
2024: Mrs Wendy Ackerman; Dr Naledi Pandor; and H.E. Mrs Monica Geingos.
The theme ‘Legacy in Motion’ asks a simple but powerful question: What am I setting in motion? The evening will explore legacy not only as what leaders leave behind, but as the influence, opportunities and possibilities they activate for others.
“Legacy is not simply about what we leave behind; it is about what we set in motion. The women recognised in the Hall of Femme remind us that leadership has the power to open doors, build institutions, empower others, and create possibilities that extend far beyond any one individual. ‘Legacy in Motion’ speaks to that continuing influence and to the responsibility we all have to consider what our leadership will set in motion for those who come after us,” said IWFSA President, Adv Thandi Orleyn.
The creative concept for the evening draws on ‘The Ripple Effect’, using the idea that one action, conversation, opportunity or possibility can create expanding influence across people, institutions and generations. Guests will be invited to reflect on the legacy they are setting in motion through a Legacy Wall and the event’s Signature Legacy Installation, where contributions will form part of a growing visual representation of collective impact and sisterhood.
“Our partnership with IWFSA reflects a shared commitment in recognising women whose leadership is creating lasting impact. The Hall of Femme provides an important platform to celebrate women who are breaking barriers, creating opportunities and contributing to a stronger future for generations to come,” says Margaret Nienaber, Chief Operating Officer, Standard Bank Group.
The Hall of Femme reminds us that leadership is not only about what we achieve in our own time, but also about what continues because we chose to act, lead and create space for others. Standard Bank is proud to support this journey and to play a role in amplifying these stories of leadership and impact,” adds Nienaber.
The programme will unfold in three chapters – ‘The Courage to Begin’, ‘The Ripple Effect’ and ‘The Impact that Continues’. Through performance, spoken word, contemporary youth dance and a keynote conversation on influence, stewardship, responsibility and impact, the evening will connect the stories of the inductees with the wider work of women leaders.
The Hall of Femme forms part of IWFSA’s broader commitment to advancing women as agents for systemic change and ethical leadership. Through initiatives including Young Leaders Connect, the Fellowship for Women Leaders Programme Alumni and IWF Fellows South Africa, IWFSA supports leadership development, mentoring, coaching and opportunities for the next generation of women leaders.
DID YOU KNOW?
The 2026 Hall of Femme inductees will be announced separately ahead of the awards evening.
The event is open to IWFSA members and select invited guests. Further event details will be shared directly with confirmed media.
ABOUT IWFSA
The International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) is the South African chapter of the International Women’s Forum, a global network of accomplished women leaders. IWFSA is a platform for women leaders committed to systemic change and ethical leadership, with a focus on connection, leadership development, mentoring, coaching and societal impact.
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About Standard Bank
The Standard Bank Group is the largest African bank by assets, operating in 21 African countries, 4 global financial centers and 2 offshore hubs. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, we are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with share code SBK, and the Namibian Stock Exchange, share code SNB. Standard Bank has a 163-year history in South Africa and started building a franchise outside southern Africa in the early 1990s. Our strategic position, which enables us to connect Africa to other select emerging markets as well as pools of capital in developed markets, and our balanced portfolio of businesses, provide significant opportunities for growth.
As at 30 June 2026, Standard Bank Group had 19.5 million clients, employed over 50 000 people (including Liberty) and had over 1 200 points of representation and over 5 600 ATMs across the African continent. The group’s largest shareholder is the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the world’s largest bank, with a 19.7% shareholding. In addition, Standard Bank Group and ICBC share a strategic partnership that facilitates trade and deal flow between Africa, China and select emerging markets.
For further information, go to http://www.standardbank.com
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