Honouring Unstoppable Females: The Contagious Women Awards 2024
The stage was set, and the energy was electric as excitement filled the air in anticipation of the RLabs Women Contagious Women Awards 2024, hosted at RLabs in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town on 26 March 2025.
This night was all about honouring the unstoppable women who inspire, uplift, and break barriers. It was a powerful celebration – a tribute to the women who are changing the game and paving the way for future generations.
The evening commenced with the ever-charismatic Genevieve Adams, who set the tone with her inspiring words: “Imagine a gender-equal world… Together we can forge gender equality.” With that, the night was officially in motion, sparking the spirit of empowerment.
Kim Busch then took center stage, warmly welcoming everyone to the prestigious event. As she highlighted, the Contagious Women Awards were about acknowledging and honouring the passion, determination, and resilience these remarkable women have demonstrated in transforming their industries, communities, and personal lives.
The evening’s program also included an interactive activity celebrating women entrepreneurs’ superhero qualities. Attendees formed small groups and brainstormed to create their own superhero businesswoman, complete with a superhero name, superpower, signature move, and biggest challenge they overcame. With creativity and imagination, the groups brought their superheroes to life through sketches or written descriptions. This engaging activity embodied the spirit of the evening, empowering women to recognize and harness their unique strengths and talents to make a lasting impact.
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of Impact Direct Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting our seniors. Their mission goes beyond providing resources and services, they empower older adults to live with dignity and respect. Their unwavering commitment to uplifting communities is a testament to the transformative power of collective action and care. There was a tribute to the late Pastor Jennifer Petersen, known to the community as Pastor Jenny or Aunty Jenny, whose deep compassion laid the foundation for this impactful work. Her legacy and love for the community continue through ‘The Legacy Project’, which provides support to women and children in marginalised communities.
Rene Parker, Pastor Jenny’s daughter, spoke passionately about her mother’s dedication to serving the community and emphasized how her vision of care, dignity, and empowerment remains alive through the organization’s initiatives. These initiatives include the Children’s Breakfast Run, Young Moms Initiative, and educational support programs. She reflected on her mother’s beliefs of serving the community and uplifting those in need. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one person can have when they lead with love and purpose.
A defining moment of the evening came when Rene Parker, Co-Founder of RLabs South Africa also honoured an extraordinary leader, Christine Nicola Taphel, CEO of RLabs South Africa. With admiration and deep respect, Rene presented Christine with an honorary award, recognizing her commitment to innovation, leadership, and impact. Although Christine Taphel could not be present at the event, as she was in Johannesburg receiving yet another prestigious award, her influence, and dedication were still felt throughout the evening.
Christine Taphel has been a force of transformation, leading RLabs with vision, resilience, and a passion for empowering marginalized communities. This award was not just a recognition of her work but a testament to her ability to inspire and lead with love.
In Rene’s words ‘’Leaders like Christine, don’t just shape organizations, they shape futures.”
Rene also issued a rallying call to the next generation: “Building on the shoulders of giants!” Emphasizing the importance of collective impact, collaboration, and diversity, reminding everyone that the foundation laid by pioneers is just the beginning of a better future.Mona Lisa, COO of the Silulo Foundation then delivered a speech that left the audience in awe. With a commanding presence, she challenged women to redefine leadership and success on their terms. “We must stop waiting for validation from others and instead recognize and celebrate our strength and resilience.” Leaving a clear message that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept, but rather a dynamic and inclusive journey that embraces the diversity of women’s experiences.
As the night drew to a close Cindy-Lee Stander, Chief of Enterprise Development at RLabs South Africa, took a moment to express a heartfelt gratitude to all the women who made the event unforgettable. With sincere appreciation, she thanked those who shared their wisdom, passion, and love, leaving a lasting impact on everyone present.
The event concluded with a group photo, capturing the essence of the evening and creating memories to last a lifetime. The Contagious Women Awards 2024 was not just a celebration; it was a movement, a testament to the power of women coming together to inspire, empower, and lead.
As the lights dimmed, one thing remained clear:
The impact of these phenomenal women would continue to ripple far beyond this night.
