69 years ago more than 20 000 brave women carved big shoes for us to fill when they marched to the Union building in South Africa, in protest of pass laws for women. While NEWF is fiercely Pan-African, as an organisation founded and based in South Africa, we are deeply honoured to observe Women’s Day on the 9th of August each year.

To us, paying tribute to these women is not just paying tribute to their momentous contribution to the freedom and dignity of South African women in the Apartheid era - but also presents a case study on how African women have led boldly; while maintaining compassion, empathy and a multifaceted sense of duty and purpose. And, to add to that legacy, they are passing the baton to a new generation of leaders

When we consider the women who have shaped so many of us as storytellers and leaders in conservation and beyond, each of us reflects on unique experiences and figures found along our path. For NEWF Dr. Gcina Mhlophe, Thando Shozi and the late Takalani Mulaudzi may come to mind as longstanding matriarchs and thought leaders. But we also think of female leaders and visionaries across Africa (past and present) who have shaped conservation and storytelling - and inspire us to constantly mould and redefine what it means to be a dynamic, influential, African woman.

As the climate crisis intensifies, and intersectional social justice and impact movements rise to challenge the ways of the world; these women are meeting each challenge with passion, determination, and insurmountable fortitude - advocating for culturally inclusive access, our wealth of niche expertise, the right to choose, the equity to lead, and to show up as ourselves while reimagining a better, more inclusive future for all people.

This living archive of women and stories celebrates the diverse, multitalented women from our community are making an impact as leaders, innovators, creatives, climate warriors, and mental health advocates.