WomenIN Portfolio Director believes in sisterhood and building empowerment:

Nazlee Fredericks is a formidable force in the realm of women’s empowerment as she continues to lead with purpose and inspire with determination.

Fredericks has proven herself to be a woman who actively rolls up her sleeves to build relationships and bridges that cross exclusivity. She works tirelessly to encourage and uplift women — not only to know their value but also to claim their rightful place in the world.

“To me, calling myself a ‘builder’ means I see myself as someone who doesn’t just occupy a role, but actively shapes spaces, structures, and opportunities: I build bridges, platforms, and communities,” says Fredericks.

Leading with resilience

Fredericks is comfortable with change and evolution. She stands firm in her values of gratitude and the dignity of hard work.

Coming from a modest background, she sees her humble upbringing as a guide to her leadership style — one of service. She believes in leading not just for others, but alongside them, lifting as I climb. For Fredericks, the values of resourcefulness and humility drive her to stay grounded as a leader who advocates for inclusivity.

Her upbringing also taught her resilience: “If you fall, you pick yourself up, you learn, you adapt, and you keep going.”

Women on the rise

After being faced with a challenge where she had to prove her worth in a male-dominated space, Fredericks was inspired to create the WiN (WomenIN) movement.

“…to ensure that other women did not have to face that barrier alone,” says Fredericks.

She continues, “Leadership is not about never failing, but about how you respond when you do.”

The WiN movement encourages women to claim their spaces, have their voices heard, and work to break down barriers of exclusivity. Fredericks explains, “For me personally, ‘women rise’ is a reminder: our ascent is unfinished until we ensure that behind us there is a path, a welcomed invitation, a community of support.”

Fredericks sees the women in her life as heroes, women in the family, neighbours, and teachers who have quietly influenced her belief system.

“Without always being recognised for their courage, resilience, and constraints, these women said, ‘Yes, you can,’ when circumstances suggested differently.”

She adds, “They showed me that leadership is not always about grand titles, but often about persistent presence, integrity, and lifting others as you rise.”

WiN Festival 2025 helps fight barriers

The WiN movement recognises women across diverse sectors, mining, mobility, energy, gaming, and the green economy. The aim is not only to inspire women from all industries but also to bring real tools, real alliances, male allies, structural systems, and a movement that refuses to silo them.

With its focus on filling a gap and building a community ecosystem, the festival is more than just a conference.

Fredericks highlights that one of the main barriers women face is the lack of visible role models in leadership, limited access to capital or deals for women entrepreneurs, and a shortage of holistic support.

Another challenge, she says, is “the tendency to treat women’s advancement as a niche rather than a mainstream strategy, meaning that women are still ‘added on’ rather than built in.”

Fredericks explains, “We still see women having to prove themselves more, endure more, accept less, and compromise more. That holds us back.”

She emphasises that systems must change, and both men and women need to shift,“culture, mindsets, and policies.” Unless these change, progress will remain limited.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fredericks says that bringing men into the conversation is essential: “Because gender equity is not a women’s issue alone, it’s a societal issue.”

For her, the importance of male allies cannot be underestimated.

“I often say: we don’t want men to hijack our conversation; we want them to support it, to help open doors that were closed, to disrupt biases, to sponsor women, and to be part of the solution.”

Fredericks encourages women to believe in their own vision, even if others don’t yet see it:

“Seek allies, mentors, and peers. Learn constantly. Embrace risk and failure as fuel. Know your worth and negotiate it. Build networks across sectors. Take care of your wellbeing. And remember, your rise matters not just for you, but for all the women who follow. Rise with purpose, lead with empathy, and pave the way wide so others can follow.”

The 2025 WomenIn Festival

Date: 13 – 14 November 2025 | Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

WHAT TO EXPECT AT WiN FESTIVAL 2025:

• Two days of unfiltered energy & inspiration: Engage in bold, high-impact panels featuring powerhouse voices, cross-sector innovators, and change agents shaping tomorrow.
• Fireside chats that move you: Hear raw, real stories from trailblazers who’ve broken barriers and continue to rise fuel for your own journey.
• Next-Level masterclasses: Step into transformative, hands-on learning spaces designed to equip you with tools, tactics, and strategies to lead and thrive.
• Networking that goes beyond business cards: Build meaningful, cross-industry connections with women and influential male allies committed to lasting change.
• A safe space to be seen and heard: Share your truth, have your story heard, and contribute to a movement rooted in empathy, authenticity, and sustainable impact.
• Elevated lifestyle activations: Explore and engage with female owned businesses that speak to your lifestyle

Speakers

Visit the website for a full list of speakers.