4th Annual FMI Women in Leadership Conference 2026
“Stop Apologising”
4th Annual Women in Leadership Conference
The 4th Annual FMI Women in Leadership Conference 2026 has a vision: to redefine leadership models by placing women at the forefront of governance, innovation, and sustainable development.
About The
Women In Leadership Conference
This theme speaks directly to the essence of FMI’s mission: elevating women as architects of tomorrow’s solutions, not merely participants in today’s challenges. It encourages every woman to recognise that her voice matters, her knowledge is essential, and her leadership is non-negotiable. We are here to discuss and build:
- Women Leaders of Tomorrow
- Leading in Inclusive and Purpose-Driven AI and Tech
- Meaningful Connections
- Ideas That Move Forward
Our Conference Themes:
"Stop Apologising"
“Stop Apologising” is a bold call to action—an invitation for women to step fully and unapologetically into their power. For generations, women across the world, including on the African continent, have been socialised to downplay their achievements, dilute their ambitions, and soften their voices to be acceptable. This theme challenges that narrative. It reframes leadership not as something women must earn by shrinking themselves, but as something they fully deserve by virtue of their expertise, purpose, resilience, and lived experience.
Leading in Driving Sustainable Growth in Climate and Biodiversity
This focus empowers women to move from the frontlines of climate vulnerability to the center of global environmental negotiations and resilience planning.
Leading in Infrastructures, Energy, and Strategic Interconnections
Women are reframed as strategic innovators capable of breaking into traditionally male-dominated technical domains like renewable energy and smart infrastructure.
Women Leaders of Tomorrow
This theme encourages emerging female leaders to dismantle internalized doubt and step into their roles as unapologetic disruptors of the future.
Leading in Inclusive and Purpose-Driven AI and Tech
Women are called to confidently claim their space in the digital economy to ensure that the design and governance of technology remain ethical and inclusive.
Leading in Geopolitics, Preparing and Securing Peace
This theme demands that women assert themselves in high-level security and diplomatic spaces to actively shape global peace agendas rather than merely supporting them.
Leading in Education, Research, and Academia
Women scholars and researchers are empowered to disrupt biased knowledge systems and claim their status as expert custodians of information without minimization.
Upcoming Events
A conference designed to inspire and connect.
The 4th Annual Women in Leadership Conference 2026
- The Maslow Hotel, Sandton, South Africa
How It Works
Here’s how it all comes together
Get in touch with us to register for you or a group of women who you believe would benefit from this conference.
Register
Get Your Access
Join The Experience
Experience Growth
Speakers
Voices that ignite action.
Here is our speaker line-up for the 4th Annual Women in Leadership Conference 2026
K. Letsipa
Group Manager, Safety and Health
M. Baiocco
Chief Executive Officer
D. Bester
Chief Executive Officer
V. Govender
Managing Director
Get Started
Join the Movement
“Don’t just lead the way—pave it for others. Join our community of unapologetic glass-shatterers today and turn your individual influence into our collective power.
FAQs
Got questions? We've got answers.
The theme is a bold call for women to stop downplaying their achievements and softening their voices. It reframes leadership as something women deserve by virtue of their expertise and resilience, encouraging them to lead with clarity and conviction in sectors historically dominated by others.
The conference is designed for a broad spectrum of leaders, including C-suite executives (CEOs, CFOs, CTOs), Board Members, Directors, and General Managers. It is also highly relevant for entrepreneurs, women in STEM, policymakers, academic researchers, and young emerging leaders.
The conference will be held on the 10th and 11th of September 2026 at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa’s premier business hub.
The program is divided into eight strategic pillars, including:
AI, Tech, and Digital Transformation
Climate, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Growth
Infrastructure, Energy, and Global Interconnections
Geopolitics and Peacebuilding
Finance, Insurance, and Creative Industries
Yes. We welcome both women and men to showcase their brands. Registered exhibitors receive a tabletop display, 2–3 minutes of "stage time" to pitch their business, a social media mention, and inclusion in the official conference brochure.
For all communications regarding exhibitions, sponsorships, or attendance, please email info@federatedinstitute.co.za. When inquiring about exhibiting, please use the subject line “Exhibitor.”