The successful Change One Woman (C1W) networking event, sponsored by Kolok Graphic Supplies and NUtec Digital Ink, was held at the Sign Africa Bloemfontein Expo on 11 February. C1W is an initiative dedicated to empowering women through connection, conversation and support.
Both suppliers and women in branding, print, signage and other industries gathered to discuss their challenges, career journeys, and business opportunities at the valuable networking event. Thank you to Avery Dennison for the C1W badges, and to DTF Printing Africa for the shopper bags.
Ilisna Lane, Sales Manager Southern Africa at NUtec Digital Ink, said, ‘The idea is for us all to come together, and to talk about the challenges we face as women, being in the industry that we are in, and support one another. It doesn’t matter whether you are a driver or a finance lady, or you answer the phone or you’re in sales. Hopefully we can connect at these events every year, and share our success stories.’
Lane also said, ‘Look at the person next to you and say, ‘I have arrived’,’ to which the packed venue of attendees responded with enthusiasm.
‘We want to create a network of women that can support each other because we’re so busy with our day-to-day lives in our businesses, in our home lives, and we all have struggles, whether it’s business or personal,’ said Illze Bester, national sales manager at Kolok Graphic Supplies. ‘It’s something that we strive to grow in this industry, to empower women, without diminishing the role that men play in our industry. We are in such a privileged industry because it’s so broad, and we all have experience that we can share with one another.’
‘I am so proud and appreciative of Illze Bester from Kolok Graphic Supplies and Ilisna Lane from NUtec Digital Ink who sponsored and hosted the C1W networking event at the Sign Africa and Africa Print Bloemfontein expo,’ said Charnia Yapp, publisher at Practical Publishing and C1W event organiser. ‘Thank you to all the ladies who supported this event, there was a great turnout.’
The next C1W networking event is taking place at the Sign Africa Cape Town Expo on 12 March at the CTICC. RSVP: info@c1w.co.za.
The new C1W website, a platform featuring information on upcoming C1W networking events, news and informative women-led content and information on training opportunities, is live. Website visitors can also get an overview of what C1W is about, and how to get involved.
Get Involved
– Visit the C1W networking events at the expos.
– Get involved in this mentorship programme.
– We want to publish more interviews with women in the industry and articles written by women in the industry.
– If you offer any training, let us promote it to the C1W network.
– Share or use the expertise or services in the C1W network.
– We are always looking for sponsors of the C1W networking events and give-aways.
– Follow C1W on Facebook and LinkedIn to create an online community and attend the networking events.
CHANGE ONE WOMAN
https://www.c1w.co.za/get-involved/
