Change One Woman (C1W) is a new initiative dedicated to empowering women through connection, conversation and support. Launched as a women-led initiative, C1W aims to bring women together in the branding, print and signage industries, building a community where ideas, experiences and support can be freely shared and put in action to make a change to uplift women in these industries.
It starts with a single conversation that can cause a ripple effect. By helping just one woman, you can help create a chain reaction that uplifts many others.
C1W is not about large time commitments or complex programmes. It’s about doing what you can, when you can, to make a difference in your sphere of influence in another woman’s life. It’s about the power of small actions adding up to significant change. It’s about changing opportunities for women. It’s about looking at how you can make a difference to women around you.
In South Africa, women make up approximately 51.1% of the population, and women are more often than not responsible for their family’s well-being, yet they face challenges such as higher unemployment rates and persistent gender inequality. While our constitution is among the most progressive globally in terms of gender equality, the reality of inequality and gender-based violence remains. With youth unemployment reaching 60.8% in the second quarter of 2024, the need for job creation is critical.
C1W is open to everyone — men and women alike — who want to support the mission of empowering women in our industry. With no joining fees, C1W offers opportunities for companies to sponsor networking events, contributing to initiatives for women, and making training and learnerships available for women — allowing allows businesses to play an active role in supporting this movement.
Networking Events
The Sign Africa and Africa Print expos provide a platform where anyone interested in C1W can attend the networking events and share ideas. We will identify opportunities in training, learnerships and workshops for women, and any opportunities to uplift women-owned businesses and women in the industry.
Networking events will be held at the 2025 expos:
– Polokwane: Wednesday, 12 February 2025, Meropa Casino
– Durban: Wednesday and Thursday, 5-6 March 2025, Durban ICC
– Africa Wrap, Tuesday and Wednesday, 15-16 April, Focus Rooms
– Cape Town: Wednesday and Thursday, 14-15 May 2025, CTICC
– Johannesburg: NEW EXPO DAYS Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9-11 September 2025, Gallagher Convention Centre
Women-Led Editorial Content
C1W will focus on women-led industry-related content, features, trend and thought pieces. If you would like to submit your content, please email: meggan@practicalpublishing.co.za
First C1W Meeting
Thursday 14 November marked the first meeting of C1W. Ideas were discussed that will shape C1W as well as the networking events, with the aim to make these events accessible, inspirational and educational for attendees.
