About ImPower’d Woman Book Club
“Our vision is for "an empowered woman who is celebrated for who she is.”
ImPower’d Woman Book Club is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and celebrating women. Founded in July 2019 by a group of three women, the organization has since grown into a thriving network of over 500 women worldwide. Through the power of books, education, and community, ImPower’d Woman Book Club provides a platform where women can connect, learn, and advocate for their rights and empowerment.
ImPower’d Woman is proud to have received the prestigious Accenture Gender Mainstreaming Award in both 2022 and 2023 in the Southern Africa non-profit category, recognizing our impactful work in empowering women within the community.
MAIN OBJECTIVES
Empower: To uplift and empower women through literacy, leadership development, and community engagement, creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Educate: To provide educational resources and platforms that promote continuous learning and discussions on topics that matter most to women, including gender equality, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Celebrate: To recognise and celebrate the achievements, talents, and contributions of women, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the network.
WORK WE HAVE DONE
Since its inception, ImPower’d Woman Book Club has made significant strides in empowering women across various regions. Our key achievements include:
- Reading and Learning: We have collectively read and discussed 52 books from July 2019 to August 2024. Our monthly book reviews, held on Zoom every last Sunday of the month, provide a space for women to engage in meaningful discussions that promote growth and empowerment.
- Global Reach: Our network extends beyond South Africa, with members from Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, and even Italy. We have created provincial hubs and fostered connections that empower women across borders.
- Vision Board Parties and Networking Events: We host vision board parties and networking events, creating spaces for women to set goals, share experiences, and support one another in achieving their aspirations.
- National Conference and Awards: Each August, we host a National Conference and Awards ceremony to celebrate the women in our network, recognising their contributions and inspiring continued empowerment.
Through our ongoing efforts, ImPower’d Woman Book Club continues to build a movement where women are educated, empowered, and celebrated for who they are. We are committed to driving positive change in the lives of women, one book and one conversation at a time.
MEET MULALO NEMATAHENI
Mulalo Nemataheni is a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to fostering inclusivity and empowering women. With a robust background in financial services, she is a Certified Financial Planner and the Founder and President of ImPower’d Woman. Her journey from the corporate world to becoming a trailblazer in financial literacy and community empowerment has been marked by a relentless pursuit of positive change. ImPower’d Woman was established in July 2019, as an action learning project, when Mulalo attended the Black Management Forum (BMF) Women in Power Programme.
Mulalo has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at uplifting and empowering women. The ImPower’d Woman Book Club, a network of over 500 women, is one such initiative that provides a platform for women to share their stories, learn from one another, and gain access to valuable resources.
The book club also tackles social issues like gender-based violence through education and awareness campaigns. Additionally, Mulalo’s professional venture, ImPowerX Advisory Services, focuses on making financial planning services accessible to underserved communities, promoting financial literacy, and enabling economic independence for women. She was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion award by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa. This award recognises financial planning professionals whose commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence has made an impact on various ethnic groups, races and diverse cultures in a positive way. This is recognition for the financial education work she does in communities, and for the advancement of the financial planning process.
Throughout her journey, Mulalo has faced and overcome numerous challenges. Leaving a secure corporate career to start her own venture was a significant leap of faith. She encountered resistance and scepticism but remained steadfast in her vision. These experiences have taught her the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the power of a supportive community. She believes that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and innovation.
The Mulalo envisions a future where inclusivity is not just an ideal but a reality. She believes that creating inclusive communities starts with education and awareness. Her vision includes expanding the reach of the ImPower’d Woman Book Club and similar initiatives to touch more lives and address more social issues. To achieve this, she emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts, where individuals, organizations, and policymakers work together to dismantle barriers and create equal opportunities for all. She is a Global Connector, and is committed to taking information and opportunities to the people within her network. Mulalo is committed to continuing her work in financial literacy and community empowerment, believing that these are essential steps toward a more inclusive and equitable future.