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Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, [email protected]

PATRIARCHAL gender norms often confine women to domestic roles, limiting their participation in decision-making and hindering their confidence to tackle challenging responsibilities, which in turn stifles their potential for personal and professional growth.

Founded by four accomplished women, two marketing and strategic communication professionals specialising in international and two corporate lawyers who have all faced their challenges with confidence, “The Confidence Guild” seeks to help other women overcome similar struggles by providing practical tools and support.

The platform seeks to empower women to grow in both their professional and personal lives.

In addition, it addresses building blocks for women entrepreneurs focusing on the foundational aspects that include effective communication and leadership development, among other issues.

The platform targets women from diverse backgrounds, including businesswomen, executives, female students, and even housewives. The primary focus is to foster mutual empowerment and build confidence among participants.

According to one of The Confidence Guild founders Ms Nozipho Maphala, self-affirmation and believing in one’s abilities are crucial for building confidence, which in turn fosters a mindset of resilience.

Ms Maphala said confidence also grows when one steps outside the comfort zone, which becomes instrumental in business growth.

For women entrepreneurs, the platform also assists them in effective communication, which helps them articulate their vision, differentiate themselves and resonate with their targeted customers, which ultimately shapes a unique brand.

Ms Kiitumetsi Zawanda who is also one of the founders has urged women to defy odds and not always opt for the easiest tasks.

“If you have to choose between an easy thing and a hard thing, the hard one is usually a lot more fun,” said Ms Zawanda.

According to some of the participants who struggle with effective communication, the platform has opened their eyes to the importance of effective communication and they are keen to apply the skills in growing their businesses.

Bubi District’s Ward 14 women’s quarter Councillor, Mrs Nomuhle Ncube, expressed her gratitude for the bold beginnings training saying the programme helps her make informed decisions, which will drive positive change in her community.

“I am thrilled to be part of the “Bold Beginnings” programme considering that as a leader, effective communication is crucial,” said Mrs Ncube.

Some of the women highlighted that they used to let emotions drive their business decisions but the platform has opened their eyes to the power of fact-based decision-making, which will help them grow as leaders and entrepreneurs.

Women sometimes find themselves in a male-dominated industry or workplace that does not want to acknowledge their leadership role. However, genuine confidence fuels peak performance, acting as a wellspring for investment, commitment, hard work, persistence, and unwavering perseverance.