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The Women in Print (WiP) 2024 event, hosted by the Printing Industries Federation of South Africa NPC (PIFSA), marked its third year with unprecedented growth and impact. This year’s event, which sold out within the first two weeks, saw venues more than double in size—reflecting the increasing importance and influence of this annual gathering. Women in Print has become more than just an event; it has evolved into a trusted platform for women across the printing, packaging, signage, visual communications sectors, as well as allied industries. The event offers an opportunity for women to be celebrated, recognized, inspired, and motivated to continue striving for excellence in their professional, personal, and philanthropic endeavors.
In 2024, Women in Print has expanded its reach through a partnership with Impulsradio Africa, the continent’s leading online radio and podcast network. Impulsradio Africa focuses on news, education, and information—promoting the development and unity of Africa by streaming content to more than 44 countries. This partnership, along with collaborations with SABC and other broadcast outlets, aimed to amplify the event’s message across the continent. By capturing and streaming from all three events and including interviews with stakeholders, speakers, panelists, and guests, Women in Print 2024 ensures that its message of empowerment and innovation reaches a broad audience.
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A significant highlight of this year’s event was the launch of Women’s Month by the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD). For the first time, the Honorable Minister of the Department, accompanied by the Minister of Social Development, officially declared Women’s Month at the Cape Chamber Women in Print event on August 1st, 2024. This momentous occasion was a proud moment for the SA Printing Federation and its members, marking a significant milestone for women in the printing industry. The launch of Women’s Month at this event underscores the growing recognition of the industry’s importance and its role in shaping the future.
Bridging Print and Digital Media
The Women in Print 2024 agenda was designed to explore the intersection of print and digital media, focusing on how these two worlds can complement each other. The event featured a lineup of speakers ranging from young, dynamic social entrepreneurs, influencers, designers, and media personalities. These individuals—who predominantly operate in the digital realm—shared their perspectives on how print and digital media can work together to create vibrant, impactful pieces of art and communication.
During the second panel discussion, which I had the privilege of moderating, we explored how the printing industry has managed to stay relevant and bridge the gap between print and digital media. This panel included ladies who have made their mark in the print and/or packaging industries, like Ruth Shogoe, Ilisna O’Reilly, Justine Bufe, Michaela Franco, Lee-Ann Saunders, and Claudette Spider. We had no idea what the first panel of digital specialists would say about print; I had a range of questions prepared that would need to defend print, and we were all pleasantly surprised as this was not necessary. What we did have, though, was an authentic and insightful discussion on the evolving relationship between print and digital media. The panelists provided a wealth of knowledge, each bringing a unique perspective to the discussion.
Throughout the event, several key themes and insights emerged:
- Ruth Shogoe, Cape Chamber Chairperson at Printing SA and Executive Director at Novus Group, emphasized the importance of adapting to new technologies to remain competitive.
- Ilisna O’Reilly, Regional Sales Manager at Nutec Digital Ink, shared her views on how digital and print media can work coherently to deliver powerful messages.
- Terry Adinolfi, Managing Director of Redfern Long Run Labels, praised the event’s impact and collaborative spirit, noting the importance of women supporting each other in their roles.
- Justine Bufe, Managing Director of First Impression Labels, highlighted the need for the industry to market itself more effectively to attract young talent.
- Abisha Katerere, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Printing SA, emphasized Women in Print’s international recognition and its pivotal role in addressing critical industry issues and driving transformation.
- He noted that, in its third year, WiP has become a key platform for women to share insights on family, career, and mentorship while challenging the printing industry’s perception as outdated by highlighting its technological evolution and the vital role of young women in this transformation.
The conversation consistently returned to one key theme: Print is not dead, it is evolving. The printing industry has embraced new technologies and applications like QR codes, NFC, and RFID tags to remain relevant and valuable in the digital age.
As Women in Print continues to grow, so does its vision for the future. The South African Printing Federation has ambitious plans to keep expanding the event’s reach across the continent, drawing guests from all over Africa. With the support of partners like Impulsradio Africa and SABC, future events will capture and stream the content from all three locations—including interviews with key stakeholders. This approach ensures that the message of empowerment and innovation continues to resonate far and wide.
In its third consecutive year, the Women in Print series has gained acclaim not only in Africa, but also internationally. The event continues to attract support from various spheres of government and industry, providing a platform for women to share their experiences, insights, and aspirations. As we look ahead, it is clear that Women in Print will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the printing industry’s future—inspiring and empowering women to take on leadership roles and drive innovation in their fields.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
Women in Print 2024 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of growth, innovation, and the power of collaboration. By bringing together women from across the printing and digital media industries, the event highlighted the importance of embracing change and fostering partnerships to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market. As we move forward, the Women in Print series will continue to be a beacon of inspiration, offering valuable insights and creating opportunities for women to excel in their careers and contribute to the industry’s future success.
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