Presented under the overarching theme, ‘PressHER Forward’, this year’s Women in Print series celebrated how far women in the industry have come while encouraging them to move confidently towards new opportunities, stronger leadership and greater influence. The theme also reflected our collective responsibility to ensure that the progress achieved through Women in Print continues throughout the year and reaches the next generation of industry leaders.
Each regional event brought the national theme to life through a distinct pillar reflecting the character and contribution of its region:
Johannesburg – Print: Celebrating the foundations of our industry and the women whose leadership, expertise and resilience continue to leave an indelible mark.
Durban – Progress: Recognising the evolution of women within the industry and the determination required to advance, overcome barriers and create meaningful change.
Cape Town – Possibilities: Looking towards the future and exploring the opportunities presented by creativity, innovation, technology and collaboration.
A Growing Continental Movement
Since its inception, Women in Print has reached an audience of more than 3.1 million people across 34 African countries, establishing the initiative as an increasingly influential platform for women’s advancement across the continent.
The 2026 regional events also attracted a record number of attendees, demonstrating the continued demand for platforms that allow women to share their experiences, build meaningful professional relationships and engage openly on leadership, workplace culture, mentorship and personal development.
The success of this year’s series would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of the delegates, speakers, panellists, sponsors, partners and Printing SA members. Their participation has helped Women in Print grow from an annual event series into a powerful community committed to year-round empowerment
A particularly special moment during this year’s series was the presentation of the regional Women in Print Awards. Printing SA proudly celebrates the 2026 recipients:
– Central Chamber: Alinah Fosi, CEO of Government Printing Works.
– KwaZulu-Natal Chamber: Poonam Harry, Director of Harry’s Printers.
– Western Cape Chamber: Michelle Robson, CEO of Merpak and Rotunda.
These women were recognised for their contribution to the upliftment and empowerment of women, their leadership within the industry and their dedication to Printing SA through its formal structures.
Their recognition represents more than individual achievement. It symbolises the unwavering support they have shown to women throughout our industry and the example they continue to set for emerging leaders.
PrintHER Creates Year-Round Impact
One of the most important developments arising from the Women in Print platform has been the establishment of the PrintHER Mentorship Programme. In its first year, the programme has become a major catalyst in ensuring that the impact and relevance of Women in Print extend well beyond the regional events.
Over seven months, participants committed themselves to learning, reflection, personal growth and the development of meaningful mentor–mentee relationships. Their testimonials provide compelling evidence of the confidence, professional direction, industry exposure and sense of community they gained through the programme.
Printing SA congratulate every mentor and mentee who participated and thank them for embracing the programme with dedication and openness. Their experiences are helping strengthen the platform and create an even more impactful journey for future cohorts.
The response to registrations for the next PrintHER Mentorship Programme has been one of the standout highlights of this year’s campaign. The programme will launch in October 2026, with participant registrations closing on 18 September 2026. This response confirms the importance of structured mentorship and demonstrates the appetite among women in our industry for continuous professional and personal development.
Women in Print has become far more than a gathering. It is a movement built on shared experiences, courageous conversations, recognition, mentorship and the belief that every woman in our industry should have the opportunity to thrive.
As Printing SA look towards 2027, they encourage both women and men across the industry to continue supporting this initiative. Meaningful transformation cannot be achieved by women alone, it requires committed allies, inclusive leadership and organisations willing to create opportunities for women to participate, lead and succeed.
PRINTING SA
+27 11 287 1160
info@printingsa.org
www.printingsa.org
