On 26 January, Mel Jay & Iron Sharpens Iron successfully hosted their annual Women’s Empowerment Conference at the Ennerdale Ext 9 Hall.
This dynamic gathering brought together inspiring speakers, life coaches and professionals to equip women with the tools necessary for personal and professional growth. With an initial plan to accommodate 40 attendees, the overwhelming interest saw the event grow to 80 women, reinforcing the need for such empowering platforms.
The conference focused on work-life balance, providing actionable strategies to help women manage their careers, families and self-care effectively. Through networking opportunities, attendees engaged with like-minded individuals, fostering collaboration and support within the community.
A key theme throughout the event was upskilling and financial security. Women were encouraged to embrace continuous learning and professional development. Thought-provoking discussions emphasized the importance of having a registered business and securing their financial future, including planning for assets and drafting wills to protect loved ones. The conference’s timing, held in January, was intentional—setting the tone for a year of growth, empowerment, and transformation.
The conference featured a remarkable lineup of women who are making a difference in various fields:
Lady S – Born in Alexandra and raised in Hartswater, Northern Cape, Lady S has built a fulfilling life centered around faith, education, and leadership. She has been married for 27 years to Pastor Denver Johnny Vorster, and together they lead the Restoration Worship Centre. She is also an Academic Coordinator at the University of Johannesburg and a Part-time Lecturer at Stadio Higher Education. A Certified Transformational Life & Leadership Coach, she has dedicated herself to motivating women to pursue their dreams. In 2023, she completed her MBA and is set to embark on her PhD in 2025.
Desiree “Coach Dee” Nicholls – A passionate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) life coach and the director of the Sisterhood Foundation SA, Coach Dee has committed her life to empowering survivors of GBV. Through her Circles of Support initiative, she provides safe spaces for women to heal, rebuild, and thrive. Recognized as a Living Legend in Eldorado Park, her influence extends far beyond her community, offering hope and resilience to countless women across South Africa.
Raylene Martin – A High-Performance Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Mentoring Expert, Raylene is dedicated to transforming lives. As co-founder of Operation Hope Child, she works to provide early intervention programs for youth. Through her Getto Girls workshops, she inspires young girls to realize their potential. She also co-directs Solutions by A&R, a business she runs with her husband, proving that resilience and faith can break barriers. Her life philosophy is anchored in Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV): “For the vision is yet for an appointed time… though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.”
Coach Shana Naidoo – Founder of BrightSouls.co.za, Shana is a visionary life coach focused on helping individuals find purpose, resilience, and joy. Although she was unable to attend in person, she provided attendees with a vision board exercise guide, ensuring that they left with tangible steps toward their goals.
Each speaker delivered messages that resonated deeply, emphasizing the power of education, self-care, and goal-setting. Women were encouraged to believe that everything is possible if managed well. The event also rewarded proactive attendees—prizes were given to those who paid early, brought the most guests, and lucky winners received coaching vouchers to help them become the best versions of themselves in 2025.
The event was facilitated and hosted by Mel Jay, an award-winning author, speaker, life coach, paralegal, and serial entrepreneur. Passionate about uplifting women, Mel Jay continuously strives to pay it forward, acknowledging that her own success is built upon the support of other women.
Iron Sharpens Iron is a network and platform for local entrepreneurs, designed to help them introduce their services and products to various communities. It also provides individuals access to exclusive discounts and opportunities for economic growth.
The Women’s Empowerment Conference 2025 was a remarkable success, leaving attendees feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to take charge of their futures. The impact of this event will undoubtedly ripple throughout the year, as these empowered women continue to break barriers, uplift one another, and create meaningful change in their communities.
