The Change 1 Woman (C1W) networking events and booth brought women in the industry together to connect, network, share ideas and build meaningful relationships at the Africa Print expo at Gallagher Convention Centre from 8-10 September 2026.
The C1W booth, which was sponsored by the Africa Print expo organisers, Expo Guys and Exhibition Building Solutions, featured a car wrapping activation, made possible with the support of Eco Signage Supplies and Wrapture, who provided the car door, wrapping materials and give-aways for the activation. Industry partners came together to support the C1W initiative and bring its message of empowerment and teaching skills to visitors at the expo.
Thank you to everyone who bought a C1W shirt on the booth and at the C1W networking events. R9750 was raised for the FESPA Foundation due to the generous support from DTF Printing Africa, T-Shirts South Africa and Northern Vinyl Supplies for the use of their heat press. C1W supports the FESPA Foundation in their efforts to use Print For Good at six rural schools around South Africa. Find out more and support them here.
C1W hosted inspiring speakers at the daily networking events who shared their experiences, insights and advice, encouraging women to grow, lead and take action.
Talitha Oosthuizen (1st Princess Mrs South Africa) shared an inspiring message on conquering your mountains and living life to your full potential.
Key takeaways:
– Adapt, adjust, accept and move on. When things do not go according to plan, keep moving forward.
– Take it one step at a time. No matter how big your mountain may seem, keep climbing.
– What is your mountain? Identify your goals, understand what you need to achieve them and remember to look back at how far you have come.
– You do not have to climb alone. The people who support and walk alongside you can make all the difference.
– Create a ripple effect. Living to your full potential is not only about what you achieve yourself, but about the impact you have on others.
Liezle Barrie, National Sales Manager: Consumables at Intamarket Graphics, shared ‘Growth Through Reinvention’, a powerful reminder that growth begins with authenticity.
Key takeaways:
– Learn who you are underneath expectations. Stop becoming who others think you should be and step into who you are meant to be.
– You do not need to be ‘ready’ to lead. Growth starts before you feel fully prepared.
– Leadership has no title. Your growth, courage and example can inspire others.
– Do not hide your scars, they may become someone else’s roadmap.
– Becoming is not one giant transformation. It is a thousand small, intentional choices repeated over time.
– Stop striving for perfection. Start becoming authentic. You are allowed to become someone new.
SA’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Taryn Hunter Sharman, shared powerful insights on navigating the entrepreneurship journey and building a successful business.
Key takeaways:
– Fear can be a signal that something important that deserves your attention.
– Faith and fear can exist together, giving you the courage to move forward despite uncertainty.
– Get comfortable with money and take control of your financial future.
– Not every opportunity deserves a yes. Know your worth and choose what aligns with your goals.
– Do the ordinary extremely well, build your reputation and stay consistent.
– Work on yourself as hard as you work on your business.
– Leadership is built through the everyday choices and actions you take.
Like The Protea
All attendees received an engraved protea as it is a symbol of strength, resilience and transformation, and it represents the spirit and colours of the C1W. Purple represents courage and equality, empowering women to rise, lead and inspire. Orange represents hope and determination, fuelling dreams, ambition and positive change. Pink represents compassion and love, building connections, lifting each other and spreading kindness. Just like the protea, stand tall, be resilient and bloom where you are planted.
A huge thank you to our incredible C1W event sponsors for supporting this platform where women across the printing, signage and branding industries can connect, share their stories and inspire one another: Nutec Digital Ink, KGS, Avery Dennison, DTF Printing Africa, Midcomp, Intamarket and Graphix Supply World. Thank you for helping us make a change, one woman at a time.
C1W Initiative
Change 1 Woman (C1W) aims to empower women in the branding, print and signage industries. As part of this initiative, Sign Africa would like to spotlight women-focused content like this piece. If you have any trend/business articles related to the signage, branding and printing industries, please email content to: info@c1w.co.za. Follow C1W on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.
CHANGE ONE WOMAN
https://www.c1w.co.za/get-involved/
