Finding strength in “Me Time”: How one woman’s dream now gathers thousands

RUSTENBURG - In 2014, Tebogo Modisane had a realisation that many woman carry too many responsibilities.

From being a wife, mother and a working woman, many have little to no time for themselves. 

The 49-year-old founder and director of the Isago Foundation thought how rewarding it would be for women to have time to themselves, even, if it's just for a weekend. 

And this idea gave birth to a women’s event that she calls "Me Time".

Eleven years later, the event has brought together over 2,000 women across South Africa and neighbouring countries, where women get a chance to relax but also to be empowered mentally, emotionally and financially by experts in different industries.

"This year, our focus and the topic is, ‘I am every woman,’ which basically means that as women, we wear different, multiple hats and as a result, it calls for a huge responsibility for us. We are saying, how then do we assist each other to remain a balanced woman over and above having so many responsibilities, or even maybe pursuing so many things in order for us to grow?

"Entrepreneurs come and exhibit their products, and that also encourages some of the women who are in attendance to also start their businesses, to show that you really don't have to start from the top but you can start from the bottom and go up."

Modisane said this space provides women with access to engage people who can assist in growing their businesses financially. 

The event kicked off at night, as the woman who were in attendance of the event painted Sun City pink in their t-shirts.  

The event felt less like a formal conference and more like a giant family reunion.

Refilwe Malorane (50) from Brits she has been attending the event for the last six years. As a single mother she has been able to equip herself with financial knowledge. 

"I am learning a lot as a woman, how to be independent, being unskilled to being able to start your own business and being confident as a woman. I don't see myself as a business woman but I want to find ways invest money and I'm looking at buying shares and the ladies here are teaching me something about that."

For Molebogeng Rafedile (45) the opportunity was more about sisterhood and finding a support structure in other woman. 

"I'm learning that even when you are going though a lot, there are people to speak to, other woman going through the same thing. It's all about being able to speak up."