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EZEKIEL PHALANA
As South Africa marks the beginning of Women’s Month, renowned broadcaster, entrepreneur and former Miss South Africa, Jo-Ann Strauss, delivered a powerful message of purpose, financial independence and intentional living at the She Owns Her Success Media Jamboree, encouraging women to redefine success according to their own aspirations.
Centred around the thought-provoking theme, “Success has a number. The question is: What’s yours?”, the event brought together media, business leaders and influential voices to inspire women to take ownership of their personal, professional and financial journeys.
Reflecting on her own path, Strauss shared how winning the Miss South Africa title opened doors to a successful career in television, business and entrepreneurship, but emphasised that true success extends far beyond accolades and public recognition.
She explained that every stage of her life—from building a career and embracing entrepreneurship to marriage, motherhood and financial planning—has reshaped her understanding of success. Rather than measuring achievement through titles or comparisons with others, Strauss encouraged women to intentionally define the milestones that matter most to them.
Her message resonated strongly with the campaign’s central idea that every woman’s success is unique. Whether it is paying off debt, purchasing a first home, growing a business, investing for the future, achieving better health or building retirement savings, every goal has a number attached to it, and every number represents a personal story of determination and growth.
The Media Jamboree explored the evolving role of women in leadership, finance and entrepreneurship while addressing the barriers many continue to navigate. Through insightful discussions, the event equipped attendees with practical knowledge and encouraged women to make informed decisions that will shape their futures with confidence.
Strauss also highlighted the importance of financial independence, urging women to actively participate in decisions about their finances, invest in themselves and create opportunities that lead to lasting security and freedom.
The She Owns Her Success initiative continues to challenge outdated perceptions of achievement by encouraging women to stop measuring themselves against societal expectations and instead pursue purposeful, meaningful goals that reflect their individual ambitions.
As Women’s Month unfolds, the campaign serves as a powerful reminder that success cannot be defined by a single standard. Every woman has her own journey, her own aspirations and her own measure of achievement.
With Jo-Ann Strauss’s inspiring story setting the tone, the She Owns Her Success Media Jamboree opened Women’s Month with a clear and empowering message: true success belongs to every woman who chooses to define it for herself.
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