Women in Business Society
Behind every great women, is another great women
Leading with purpose
Women are redefining the business landscape, driving innovation, and leading with purpose across industries worldwide.
Since its inception in 1999, the Women in Business Club has been committed to empowering and advancing women in the business sector.
Immerse yourself in this dynamic environment to forge meaningful connections with accomplished female professionals, across diverse industries, while also gaining invaluable insights from esteemed industry leaders.
The Women in Business Club is the longest standing student society at the UCT GSB and as a society within the esteemed UCT Graduate School of Business, provides unparalleled opportunities for connection and growth. With the UCT Business School boasting a network of 23,000 alumni and a robust social media presence, attending our event opens doors to a vast community committed to mutual support and women's empowerment.
Immerse yourself in this dynamic environment to forge meaningful connections with accomplished female professionals across diverse industries, while also gaining invaluable insights from esteemed industry leaders.
Vision, Mission and Values
Our Vision
We want to shape a future where women not only succeed in business but lead with purpose, positive impact and authenticity.
Our Mission
Our Values
- Our ethos centres on cultivating a dynamic community characterised by connectivity, mutual support, empathy, networking, inclusivity and acceptance - fostering a sense of belonging and collective growth.
- We champion authenticity, underscore the importance of staying true to oneself, leveraging individual strengths and embracing personal truths. By promoting genuine care, compassion, and understanding, we recognise that true success arises from embracing our unique identities rather than emulating others.
- Our unwavering commitment lies in empowering both ourselves and others - with a dedicated focus on advancing the cause of women in business and the broader community.
Our Goals
Each of our co-horts aims to leave a legacy for future Women in Business students.
Scholarship Fund
We actively fundraise to support high-potential women who face financial barriers to education and increase female representation in the GSB MBA program - ultimately investing in the leadership of tomorrow.
Inclusive Access
Extending access of our valuable WIB initiatives to social partners with female entrepreneurial communities who traditionally have limited access to business networking.
Community Platform
Create a platform for women-owned and women-lead businesse to showcase their brands. Supporting the broader community, providing valuable exposure and creating an ethos for us to support one another.
Meet the team
The organisation is led by a team of seven MBA candidates from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Each member possesses a shared commitment to envisioning a future where women not only excel in the business arena but also emerge as purposeful, influential and authentic leaders.
Co-chair
Financial Controller
Co-chair
Event Logistics
Annual Conference
The Women in Business Conference at UCT GSB is an annual gathering of business leaders, change-makers, and aspiring professionals committed to driving gender equity in leadership and entrepreneurship. Each year, we explore cutting-edge topics, share inspiring success stories, and create a space for dynamic networking and collaboration."
What to Expect:
- High-profile keynote speakers and industry experts.
- Interactive panel discussions and workshops.
- Networking opportunities with professionals, alumni, and corporate partners.
- Insights on leadership, career advancement, and business innovation.
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the Women in Business Conference provides a platform for forward-thinking discussions and actionable strategies to empower women in leadership and business.
View Past Events Upcoming EventInitiatives
Join us in shaping the future of business leadership and making a meaningful impact together.
Conference Fundraising
Position your brand at the forefront of diversity and empowerment by collaborating with us . Connect with a dedicated audience committed to advancing women in leadership roles while accessing unparalleled networking opportunities with industry influencers.
Networking
Quaterly networking events on campus to connect all the women currently undertaking post graduate business programs with our prestigious alumni community.
The emphasis is placed on connection, learning, and networking.
WIB Awards
The WIB awards aims to recognise the achievements of senior women in four categories:
The Trailblazer Award
Community Impact Award
Entrepreneurial Achievement Award
Alumna Achievement Award
Be part of the movement
"Women, whether subtly or vociferously, have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world"
Join us for the next Women in Business Conference and connect with leaders shaping the future of business.
FAQ's
The student society is open to all current students, we also offer membership opportunities to alumni and faculty members.
- Contact us through the website.
- Current students can contact the current committee representatives for more information.
- Keep an eye on the GSB events page to attend one of our introductory meetings or events.
- Society members aim to meet regularly at our networking events and any other community initiatives the committee hosts.
- The schedule is communicated via our social media channels and emails.
- Additionally, we have special events throughout the year such as Women in Business Conference.
- Access to exclusive events, workshops and networking opportunities
- A chance to meet like-minded students and make new friends
- Leadership and volunteering opportunities within the society.
Upcoming Events
UNSTOPPABLE TOGETHER: 26th Annual Women in Business Conference 2025
Join us in empowering women & building communities. This year's conference celebrates the power of collective strength, highlighting how we can empower each other on our shared journey to success. We welcome professionals at every stage and aspiring leaders to join us in an inclusive environment of shared wisdom and mutual growth.
Learn more RSVPIdeas Exchange
Top 10 Women In Graduate Management Education
UCT GSB Director, Dr Catherine Duggan, was named one of the Top 10 most influential women in graduate management education by BlueSky Thinking – a think tank committed to the expertise and research of business school and university faculty from across the world, as well as influential management thinkers and business practitioners.
Read Article