On Thursday, 05 March the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women in Business Forum, hosted the Women in Business Conference and Recognition Awards which was conceptualised as a tool to celebrate, motivate, educate, and empower women in business. Taking their cue from the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the objective of the conference was to chart a course which will contribute to the realisation of women’s economic empowerment in the KZN region for the next 50 years.  
The Chamber as the “Ultimate Voice of Business” understands the necessity to recognise Women in Business, for the integral role which they play in the private sector and economy at large.  The conference also looked at women who were able to succeed in male-dominated industries, as well as those who entered Business under difficult circumstances, but who were able to rise above their tribulations and make a contribution towards women’s empowerment.
The keynote speaker was Deputy eThekwini Mayor, Nomvuzo Shabalala who reminded the audience that this gathering was not just a feminist approach, but simply women getting up and doing things for themselves, and the contributions made today will change the mindsets of future generations to come.
Cllr Nomvuzo further stated that, “the city of eThekwini will assist in the realisation of the 50 year plan”. She also reminded the audience that government cannot work in isolation therefore partnerships the city has with the Durban Chamber are crucial and will assist in the realisation of this vision.
The Conference received a pleasant surprise when the Good Baroness, Patrica Scotland of Asthal, Judith Mac Gregory who is the British High Commissioner and Andrew Henderson, UK Trade Commissioner to South Africa blessed the audience with an unexpected visit. This comes after the Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the North East Chamber of Commerce from the United Kingdom, the night before the conference.
The Good Baroness addressed the audience and highlighted issues faced by women globally.
“Women need to understand that we are not the minority, we are the majority. We need to understand what this means for us, especially for our daughters”. She encouraged gatherings such as these as it gave women a untied voice to speak with. The conference also saw the launch of the KZN Women in Business Resource Guide which lists all women owned business in the KZN region. Copies are available at the Durban Chamber offices.
The Conference closed with the Durban Chamber Women in Business Recognition Awards, which were an opportunity to recognise women who have made positive contributions
to the local economic growth, against all odds, in their respective spheres of influence.  Recipients of these awards included:
â-  Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala - Women in Government
â-  Farzana Mall - National Woman Leader
â-  Pria Hassan - Women in Fuels and Oils
â-  Mrs Lindiwe Zuma - Women Traders
â-  Reverend Thato Tsautse - Women in Maritime
â-  Zamambo Mkhize - Women in Media
â-  Dr Kholeka Mlisana - Women in Medical
â-  Ms Lindiwe Ngcobo - Women in  Business
â-  Dr May Mkhize
â-  Mrs Zee Cele - Women at SAICA