Culture Craze
What strength looks like for women in 2026: Voices from the Barbie brunch
Pink outfits, bold conversations, and a room full of powerful voices set the tone at Barbie’s recent birthday brunch. Held shortly after International Women’s Day, the gathering brought together some of South Africa’s most influential media personalities to reflect on a simple but important question. What does strength actually look like for women in 2026?
For many of the women in attendance, the answer had less to do with perfection and more to do with authenticity, resilience, and self-belief.
Across industries, South African women are steadily reshaping spaces that were once difficult to enter. From media and fashion to activism and entrepreneurship, the message at the brunch was clear. Strength does not come from fitting into expectations. It comes from rewriting them.
Nandi Madida: Leading with grace
Media personality and podcaster Nandi Madida shared a deeply personal perspective on strength.
For her, being a strong woman today means leading with both boldness and kindness. Madida reflected on the influence of her grandmother, who was one of the first female principals in her village and helped establish a school for girls.
That legacy shaped how she approaches life.
Madida explained that her grandmother always emphasised the importance of grace. Not only grace for others but also grace for oneself. Mistakes are inevitable, and perfection is unrealistic. What matters is treating yourself with compassion while continuing to grow.
In a world that can sometimes feel harsh or overwhelming, she believes kindness paired with strong boundaries can be one of the most powerful forms of leadership.
Courage begins where fear exists
Presenter and Miss South Africa 2022 runner-up Ayanda G Thabethe spoke about courage in a slightly different way.
Having spent most of her schooling in all-girls environments, empowerment has been a consistent theme throughout her life. But she believes the popular idea that women must always be fearless misses an important point.
According to Thabethe, fear is not something to eliminate. Instead, it is what makes courage possible. Entering spaces where women were once excluded and pushing against outdated expectations requires bravery, and bravery only exists when fear is present.
That mindset continues to drive many women who are carving out new paths in leadership, business, and creative industries.
Yaya Mavundla: Strength through authenticity
For transgender activist, media personality, and fashion figure Yaya Mavundla, strength has always been rooted in authenticity.
She explained that she found her power in choosing to live truthfully, even in environments where being fully herself might have meant losing opportunities.
Remaining authentic in the face of pressure is not always easy, particularly when society tries to define who people should be. Yet Mavundla believes staying grounded in one’s identity is the ultimate form of strength.
Her story resonated strongly with many attendees who see representation and visibility as key parts of progress.
Confidence, resilience, and community
Television personality Naliyani Uma shared that her own definition of strength has evolved. In 2026, it means trusting herself more and allowing space to slow down when necessary.
Taking time for personal well-being has become just as important as ambition. Uma also highlighted how vital it is for women to uplift one another.
Hearing the journeys of other women, from where they began to where they are now, creates a powerful sense of motivation. It reminds many that success rarely follows a straight line.
Holly Rey: Sometimes strength is simply showing up
Singer, television producer, and diabetes advocate Holly Rey offered perhaps the most vulnerable reflection of the day.
Over the past year, she faced serious health challenges, including kidney failure. That experience completely shifted her understanding of strength.
For Rey, strength is no longer about constant achievement or resilience in the traditional sense. Instead, it can be as simple as waking up each day, choosing positivity, and doing your best despite difficult circumstances.
Her message struck a chord with many women navigating their own personal struggles.
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A conversation bigger than Barbie
The brunch itself celebrated Barbie’s birthday, but the event carried deeper meaning. Over the years, the Mattel brand has increasingly embraced diversity and representation, encouraging young people to see limitless possibilities for themselves.
A panel discussion moderated by Expresso presenter Clarissa Cupido featured creative voices, including Karabo Poppy, Cieola Kunene, Summer Clifford Kotse, and Dineo Lioma.
Each speaker reflected on the realities of pursuing authenticity, even when facing doubt from family, peers, or society. Their stories highlighted that success often grows from persistence through uncertainty.
The evolving meaning of strength
If there was one takeaway from the Barbie brunch, it was that strength no longer fits a single definition.
For some women, it is courage in male-dominated spaces. For others, it is self-acceptance, resilience through illness, or the quiet decision to keep going each morning.
What united the room was a shared understanding. Every woman’s journey is different, and that uniqueness is exactly where her power lies.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Pinterest/♥pinkbarbieprincess♥
