South African illustrator and graphic designer Karabo Ppppy and presenter Ayanda G Thabethe at Barbie's birthday brunch.
Image: Supplied
When anyone describes the qualities that women have, words like resilient, confident, and fearless often come up and it’s no surprise that. Over the years, through generations, women have shown their strength and tenacity even when dealing with life’s adversities.
Many women in 2026 are owning their strengths and not shrinking themselves to society’s playbook but living life on their own terms, breaking ceilings in careers that were once dominated, or proving the naysayers wrong.
This was a strong recurring theme at Barbie’s birthday brunch. Dressed in pink, several notable South African media personalities gathered together for discussions that reminded each other that truly no one is you and that is your superpower.
With no journey being the same, strength looks different for every woman and IOL picked the brains of some of the women in attendance on what strength means to them in 2026.
South African media personality and podcaster Nandi Madida shared that being a woman in this time is to be bold and lead with kindness and grace.
Madida jokes about becoming known for the word “grace,” but she remarks that grace is everything, reminiscing about her grandmother’s teaching about being graceful in anything she does.
“My grandmother was a principal back in her day, one of the first female principals in her village, and she built a school for girls as well. She always said whatever you do, and she loved her husband a lot, my grandfather, who empowered her as well.
“And she said, ‘Whatever you do, make sure that you have grace. Grace for others, grace for yourself, most importantly, grace for yourself.’ You'll make mistakes, you won't be perfect. Please be good to yourself.
“That's how I lead, and I think for any female out there, it's important just to be kind to yourself, and kind to one another. This world is very dark at times. The only way you can enjoy it is to be kind to yourself and be gracious to others with boundaries.”
Presenter and Miss South Africa 2022 runner-up Ayanda G Thabethe shared that, having gone to a girls' school from primary to high school, empowerment has been a constant message in her life.
“Strength honestly looks like going into spaces where we weren't allowed to go; it's about breaking boundaries.
“I know that a lot of people talk about women being fearless, but I think that as women we need to be fearful because only when there is fear present can you be courageous,” said Thabethe.
Multi-award-winning transgender activist, media personality and style icon, Yaya Mavundla, recounted how she found her strength by ensuring that she lives her truth even in spaces where she was told not to be herself for opportunities.
“For me, I found strength in being myself, and it's never changed," said Mavundla.
TV personality and fashionista Naliyani Uma shared that in 2026, her strength is being confident, trusting herself, even slowing down and taking more time for herself.
“The Mommy Club: Sugar and Spice” star further added that it's important for women to remind themselves about their resilience.
“It's so important for us women to stand together, to cheer for one another. And most importantly, just to hear those stories of where other women have started and where they are now and how we can continue to stay motivated as well.”
Multi-platinum award-winning South African musician, Safta-winning television producer and presenter and diabetes advocate Holly Rey shared that over the last few years, the meaning of strength has changed.
“Last year, I battled with kidney failure, and strength became just waking up every morning and trying your best. I think that's all you can ask for.
“If you wake up, decide to be positive, and try to do the best that you can do that day, that is real strength. Because it's so easy to give up. It's so easy to make the choice not to try your best that day.
“For me, that's what it means to be a strong woman, waking up and just trying your best.”
Barbie’s birthday brunch fittingly took place after International Women’s Day. The Mattel brand's ethos has always been about women living authentically and breaking ceilings, and over the years, Barbie has become more inclusive and filled with representation for all young people to see.
A panel discussion consisting of Karabo Poppy, Cieola Kunene, Summer Clifford-Kotse, and Dineo Lioma, moderated by “Expresso” presenter Clarissa Cupido.
The panelists shared their stories of living authentically, even in the most challenging times when there were doubts from family and friends and even uncertainty and how they overcame the humps and came out stronger.
IOL