Celebrating women who break barriers
South African women are forging new paths in professional life every single day, proving that ambition and femininity can coexist — much like the iconic doll that has embodied countless careers over nearly seven decades. That was the resounding message at a glamorous gathering held at the Palazzo Hotel at Montecasino in Johannesburg on Monday, where prominent businesswomen, media figures and influencers dressed in pink to mark Barbie's 67th birthday.
The beloved doll made her debut on 9 March 1959 at the American International Toy Fair in New York, and toy manufacturer Mattel has recognised this date as her official birthday ever since, with celebrations taking place across the globe each year on what is known as national Barbie Day.
A panel discussion featuring photographer Summer Clifford Kotzé — daughter of the late jewellery designer Jenna Clifford — alongside engineer and biotech innovator Dineo Lioma, artist Karabo Poppy Moletsane, and Cleola Kunene, executive head of small and medium enterprise development at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, explored themes of women's resilience, creativity and solidarity in the workplace.
Kunene emphasised that women need not sacrifice their gentleness or femininity to command respect in leadership positions. She acknowledged, however, that the road remains uneven.
"It's no secret that most women have to work two to ten times harder than their male counterparts to earn the same opportunities or respect in the workplace. The best we can do is strive for excellence and make sure our skills and abilities do the talking."
A firm advocate of collaboration over rivalry, Kunene told media she believes in friendships that function like communities — spaces where women strengthen one another while also holding each other accountable. She stressed that personal responsibility is equally vital, warning that failing to pursue one's own goals ultimately erodes self-confidence.
Following instinct and passion
Clifford Kotzé, who now heads marketing for the Jenna Clifford brand, urged women to resist judging one another by superficial standards. She described self-confidence as something that can be nurtured and developed over time, drawing on her own unconventional career journey as proof.
"You can never judge someone else, especially if you have not been in their situation yourself. I am someone who did not follow a traditional career path and initially did not have much confidence in myself or my abilities. I believe now more than ever before that you must not only follow your instincts, but also your passions — then you cannot be anything but successful."
She spoke movingly about her late mother, who launched a bespoke jewellery range with Barbie shortly before her passing last year, calling her the greatest source of inspiration in her life. She recalled Jenna Clifford as a formidable presence in the local jewellery industry who championed mentorship and freely shared her expertise — yet was always happiest at home in her slippers, far from the glamorous circles she navigated so effortlessly.
Both Lioma and Moletsane reflected on how their childhood Barbie dolls sparked their imaginations and planted the belief that no dream was out of reach. Lioma recalled spending hours immersed in play, letting her doll take on every role from mother to doctor — an ethos she believes the brand now embodies more powerfully than ever, pointing to its recent introduction of dolls with autism. Having turned down lucrative offers from major industry players to launch her own ventures, Lioma maintains that a woman's instinct is her most reliable guide.
"People thought I was crazy, but I just didn't feel that those opportunities were part of the plan the Lord laid out for me. It's a big burden to try to walk in shoes that are meant for someone else."
Moletsane, who was initially accepted into a medical programme at university, acknowledged that choosing a career in the arts seemed outrageous to her family at first. Today, however, she collaborates with global powerhouses including Netflix, Nike, Google and Coca-Cola. She told media that her desire to use creativity to positively influence hearts and minds ultimately won her parents over, adding that not being the perfect candidate for something can sometimes provide the very drive needed to prove oneself fully.
South African women continue to face significant workplace inequality, often needing to work considerably harder than male counterparts for equivalent recognition and opportunities. Events like this highlight the growing momentum behind female entrepreneurship and leadership across industries from biotech to finance and the arts. As more women build collaborative networks and pursue unconventional career paths, the broader economy stands to benefit from a deeper, more diverse talent pool, though meaningful structural change in corporate leadership remains a gradual process.
