Celebrating Local Women Change-makers on a Global Stage

The Garden Venue, Honeydew, South Africa – 28 August 2025 – For the first time, the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards will take place in South Africa, shining a spotlight on extraordinary women whose vision, leadership, and commitment are driving transformation across the nation.

The South African chapter is being launched in collaboration with PHOLA International, founded by narrative therapist and psychosocial specialist Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, who — after winning three global accolades earlier this year — now steps into the role of host for this landmark event. This marks a powerful full-circle moment in her lifelong advocacy and impact.

A Lifetime of Impact

With over 25 years of experience, Ncube-Mlilo has supported women, children, youth, and families affected by trauma, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Through PHOLA, she has created culturally grounded healing interventions, including the internationally renowned Tree of Life Methodology, now used in more than 60 countries. She also developed COURRAGE and O.U.T.R.R.A.G.E.D., programmes for GBV prevention and survivor healing. Each year, PHOLA trains over 1,000 mental health practitioners and reaches more than 100,000 individuals globally.

“Being celebrated is always humbling, but what excites me most is the opportunity to bring these awards to South Africa,” says Ncube-Mlilo. “It’s about giving local women the platform to share their stories, be recognised for their impact, and connect with a global community of change-makers.”

Event Timeline

• South Africa Launch Event: 28 August 2025
• Nominations Open: 15 September 2025 via wcwawards.com
• Awards Ceremony: 22 April 2026

Award Categories

The awards recognise excellence across numerous fields, including:

• Hall of Fame Woman Changing the World of the Year
• Rising Star Woman Changing the World of the Year
• Women in Leadership, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Humanitarian & Human Rights Impact
• People’s Choice Awards in areas like business, health, education, and inclusion

Nominees must lead initiatives or organisations with measurable impact. Submissions will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges from business, philanthropy, innovation, and social impact sectors.

About the Women Changing the World Awards

The Women Changing the World Awards is a global initiative co-founded by Dr. Tererai Trent, an internationally recognised scholar, humanitarian, and Oprah Winfrey’s “all-time favourite guest.” The awards also have the distinguished support of Sarah, The Duchess of York, who has presented special honours such as the Golden Heart Award. Together, they have built a platform that celebrates women’s excellence and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, amplifying women’s leadership and supporting their capacity to enact positive social transformation worldwide.

About PHOLA and Phola International

PHOLA, founded by Ncazelo Ncube-Mlilo, is a Johannesburg-based psychosocial organisation offering culturally grounded, trauma-informed support to those impacted by adversity. It focuses on healing, resilience, and empowerment through narrative methodologies.

Phola International, the complementary global arm, extends this mission through culturally grounded training worldwide. It offers practitioners narrative-based training—including the Tree of Life Webinar Series, Advanced Tree of Life Training, and COURRAGE introduction courses—rooted in real-world experience and designed to democratise trauma healing across diverse contexts (phola-international.co.uk). Led by Ncube-Mlilo, these programmes are endorsed by esteemed institutions such as the British Psychological Association, Tavistock, BAATN, and taught at universities including UCL, University of Melbourne, and WITS.

 NOTES TO EDITORS

• Launch Event: 28 August 2025
• Nominations Open: 15 September 2025
• Nominate at: wcwawards.com
• Awards Ceremony (South Africa): 13 -14 March 2026

Media Contact:

Khanya PR

Helga Klizanie

helga@khanyapr.co.za /084 400 3003

Lee Mocumi

Lee@khanyapr.coza /072 675 3372