DR. MOLOI-MOTSEPE IS INDUCTED INTO THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FORUM HALL OF FAME

Thank you, Nana for that kind introduction.

Thank you, Kimberly, and the International Women’s Forum leadership for this incredible honour, which I receive with deep humility. 

I must admit, being inducted into the Hall of Fame brings mixed emotions. I am reminded of the slow and uneven path we’ve walked toward gender equality. The pandemic set us back in profound ways. We witnessed a historic reversal of gains we had fought so hard to secure. To hear that it may still take five generations to achieve equality is a heartbreak. 

But this moment matters.  This moment is affirmation that our individual and collective efforts have kept societies from slipping further backwards. Without the work we do to champion and support one another, we would likely be in a far more fragile state. 

And yet, it seems almost unthinkable that in this so-called progressive era, we continue to live in a world where women’s wellbeing is often met with indifference – or even hostility for some. 

The world today is increasingly fragmented by fear.  There is a growing shortage of psychologically safe spaces for women and girls.  We see women self-censoring when they should be speaking truth to power. We see women conforming when they should be advocating for their own dignity. 

As leaders who hold influence, we carry a responsibility. Across our different countries, cultures, and contexts, we carry different lived experiences. But we can agree on the core principles that guide us:  Equality. Autonomy. And the authority to shape the environments in which we live.  Now, more than ever, we must cling to these values. 

I believe we have a duty to recognise and promote our interconnectedness. This means understanding that the struggles and triumphs of one woman ultimately touches all of us.  Seen through this lens, this honour today is not mine alone. I share it with so many other women who are also advancing, also leading, also daring to make an impact in the world. 

None of the challenges we face today exist in isolation. From the climate crisis to economic instability, and from social fragmentation to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. These shifts all intersect.  And there is one ingredient we cannot do without if we are to meet these challenges: Trust. 

As leaders, we must act to reintegrate trust into our systems. We must act to build consensus in the face of division, and to bring coherence where cohesion is lacking.    

When I opened my medical practice many years ago, during the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, I encountered women – especially mothers – who were locked out of the economy by childcare, domestic duties, and deep-rooted social responsibilities. They were supporting communities, ensuring others could contribute economically and flourish, yet they remained vulnerable. 

For these women, their dream was not simply about employment.  Their vision was far more radical: a world where we see and value all forms of contribution, especially those too often dismissed or invisible. 

Today, AI is challenging us to respond to that very question: What does it mean to contribute to society?  Technology has reshaped how we connect with one another, and it is reshaping how we work, and how we define our worth. And without ethical intention, we are reorganising our society in a way that can harm us more than it helps.  That is why we need the radical voices of women at the forefront of this transformation. To help ensure that what we build is fair, humane, and inclusive.  We must create safe spaces for women to find their purpose, build their courage, and pursue their vision for the world. 

But this is not easy work to scale. Like many of you, I love to share moments with young women, mentoring them to unleash their full potential. Five years ago, I observed one of these young women who was talented, but uncertain. Inspired, but hesitant. Passionate, but afraid to advocate for herself. Over time, through trust and space to grow, I watched her transform into one of the brightest leaders in our organisation. She didn’t need a title or positional authority to alter her sense of self. She needed a safe environment to learn, experiment, and believe in her potential.  And that’s what our leadership needs to bring to others. 

I feel blessed to have my husband and our son, the youngest of our three boys, here with us today. They have been a source of love and encouragement for me as I work on my passions. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

I am also grateful to my late mom and dad for their unconditional love and for encouraging me to pursue my dreams.

I often credit my father for the role he played in shaping my early confidence. But since then, it has been the women and youth on the African continent who have inspired me to continue to take bold bets and to continue doing my part.

I want to close by thanking my IWF South Africa sisters. It is a privilege to know each of you, to grow with you, and to lean on you. It is because of this community that I remain resilient and ready to face the challenges ahead.

As Maya Angelou so beautifully said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

May we continue to do the important work of building a world where women like us are the majority – Where it is the status-quo for women to thrive, lead, and make a meaningful impact.

Thank you.