A journey shaped by community, mentorship and shared vision
Mampoetsi Motsoeneng, Client Executive, Strategic Transfer Solutions, South Africa
“When women speak with one voice the ground shakes.”
The 2026 International Women’s Month theme, “Give to Gain” is a powerful reminder of how far I have come and how much I have received along the way. It reinforces my gratitude for the journey and the many women who have poured into my growth. It also reminds me that self-motivation and dedication alone was not enough. My journey has been nurtured through community, mentorship and shared vision.
I am a well-equipped and continuously evolving professional. A product of shaped vision, influence of female mentors, inspiring role models and impactful networks. Through their shared knowledge, lived experiences, commitment to diversity and inclusion. I have been deeply enriched and forever grateful.
From this place of fullness, I continuously give abundantly to individuals and the insurance industry at large. I have been elected a Council Member of the Insurance Institute of Gauteng and an Executive Member of the Young Insurance Professionals Africa, I embrace every opportunity to uplift and contribute meaningfully, grounded in purpose and gratitude.
For me, “Give to Gain” is not just for personal satisfaction but a desire to see a more diverse empowering environment and ensuring more women are represented in the African insurance industry at all levels. Due to patriarchal roles women remain underrepresented in the insurance industry while at home women play leading roles and are a pillar of strength for the society and decision making.
My leadership story: resilience is not just about endurance, but adaptation
I believe this is not a new challenge, women before me have had to overcome and thrive in the workplace and at home despite significant obstacles. My dream is to ensure that women that are coming after us have an easier journey and don’t have to have the same challenges we faced. Being a single parent is a complex journey to navigate and self-fulfilling. And like any challenge, when it is not fully understood, it becomes difficult to adjust and to find sustainable solutions and thrive in the society.
Through engaging with women who share similar experiences and being part of supportive communities, I have built resilience, gained perspective, remained goal focused and strengthened my ability to balance both personal and professional responsibilities. These spaces have become more than just networks, they are environments of shared understanding, where experiences are validated, lessons are exchanged and growth is collective rather than isolated.
In these communities, I have learned that resilience is not just about endurance, but about adaptation, finding practical ways to move forward despite constraints and recognising that there is strength in shared wisdom. Hearing the journeys of other women has allowed me to see challenges not as limitations, but as opportunities to approach situations differently and more strategically.
These shared experiences have also reinforced the importance of self-advocacy. I have learned to communicate my needs with clarity and confidence, to set boundaries that protect both my family, my well-being and my performance and to engage in solution-oriented conversations that acknowledge both personal realities and professional expectations. This means not only identifying challenges but also presenting thoughtful workable approaches that align with organisational goals while remaining true to my beliefs and values.
Ultimately, these spaces have empowered me to show up more fully grounded in self-awareness, strengthened by community and equipped to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.
For all women facing the same challenge let us never give up and we must own our seat at the table, the world and stereotypes are changing slowly and now it’s the time to embrace opportunities before us by supporting and mentoring each other.
Outer transformation comes from cultivating inner strength and clarity
I have come to recognize my internal “superpowers” as being self-motivated, grounded in my values and having a deep belief in my capabilities. This is how I see myself, and it is something no one can take away from me. That belief has been reinforced through consistent effort and discipline, as I worked diligently to achieve my qualifications and continue to grow professionally.
It is important for women to be self-driven, confident, committed to continuous learning in order to build independence and develop a resilient mindset. A strong and positive mindset can serve as a powerful catalyst. When women in all levels believe in their abilities, they are more likely to pursue opportunities, negotiate effectively, take on leadership roles and challenge limiting norms.
However, for meaningful change in our industry, introspection should not only be individual but also collective. This shared reflection plays a significant role in driving transformation and creating lasting change.
Word of wisdom to female executives and the next generation of leader
Our challenges whether in society or in the boardroom, are not new and they should not discourage us. Instead, they should be viewed as opportunities to grow and empower us. The obstacles we navigate shape us into more empathetic, goal oriented, curious minds, decisive and resilient leaders, while also creating the space and pathways for the next generation of leaders to rise.
When women speak with one voice the ground shakes.
