Young women continue to face barriers to leadership opportunities, professional networks, mentorship and entrepreneurship, despite their important role in economic and social development.
Held under the theme Leading from Ground to Growth: Cultivating Women Who Lead, Build and Transform, the conference focused on developing leadership potential, building sustainable ventures and equipping women to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy.
SWEEP promotes leadership, entrepreneurship and economic participation among women students. The conference provides a platform for learning, networking and engagement with successful role models, encouraging participants to turn their aspirations into action.
The two-day programme included opportunities for delegates to share insights into planning and organising the conference, fostering collaboration and developing practical knowledge of event coordination. On the second day, delegates attended the conference sessions, gaining insights into entrepreneurship, sisterhood, women’s empowerment and leadership.
UMP SWEEP Journey
UMP SWEEP emerged from the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) student chapter development agenda, which recognises that gender inequality, gender-based violence, limited resources and the underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurship restrict women’s full economic participation.
On 9 August 2023, UMP became one of the first institutions to establish a SWEEP chapter. The initiative brought together financial, business, professional and academic communities to support student women’s economic participation through knowledge, support and opportunities.
The two-day event allowed delegates to share insights into entrepreneurship.
The 2026 programme has connected students, academics and support staff across the University to discuss gender inequality and women’s underrepresentation in entrepreneurship. It has also created opportunities for members, including a South Africa–London residency for two members.
“Our work remains committed to these questions: Can student women recognise their business ideas’ potential, find mentors and funding, understand markets, confidently present ideas, and help shape entrepreneurship, finance, and economic development decisions,” said Ms Confidence Ndlovu from UMP SWEEP.
Looking ahead to 2027, UMP SWEEP plans to deepen partnerships, expand entrepreneurial support and access to funding, strengthen mentorship, and prepare student women for confident economic participation.
Through its engagement with leaders, entrepreneurs and stakeholders, UMP SWEEP supports the development of future women leaders and advances the University’s commitment to empowerment, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright ©️ UMP.