When did you start your business?
Training Women of Excellence (TWOE), an educational platform dedicated to advancing the development of girls and women, was founded in 2021.

What was the inspiration behind your work/business?
I was profoundly touched by the myriad challenges confronting girls and women in their pursuit of education and opportunities, compounded by the scourge of gender-based violence and social exclusion. This deep empathy spurred me to establish a dedicated space aimed at advancing their development, confronting gender-based violence, and nurturing inclusion. At the heart of this endeavor lies my unwavering belief in the catalytic potential of education and empowerment to engender positive societal transformation. Recognizing the nuanced struggles faced by women contending with gender inequality, gender-based violence, and migration, particularly as they endeavor to establish themselves professionally in unfamiliar territories, fuels my resolve. My goal is to provide a supportive and empowering environment through this platform, where women can access the resources, training, and information they need to overcome these challenges and thrive.

What are you most excited about in your work/business?
I am most excited about the opportunity to serve and support communities in taking
ownership of their destinies and coming together to overcome challenges. The prospect of creating a platform where women facing gender inequality, gender-based violence, and the difficulties of migration can find support, resources, and a sense of empowerment is truly inspiring.

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your work/business?
One of the challenges has been navigating the complex landscape of addressing gender inequality, gender-based violence, and the unique challenges faced by migrant women in six countries. This requires careful consideration of cultural, social, and economic factors, as well as the development of comprehensive support systems to effectively address these issues.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a work/business?
Start small. You really do not need any special tools to make a difference. Each of us is
significant and can make immeasurable strides with just one step.

Why did you enter the Women Changing the World Awards?
Women Changing the World serves as a platform that not only acknowledges the
significant contributions of women on a global scale but also provides them with a valuable network for learning, growth, and development. My nomination by several schools and individuals to be a part of this esteemed initiative is a tremendous honor.

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
The most enjoyable aspect of being part of the Women Changing the World Awards was the
opportunity to connect with other women from around the globe. The international scale of
the awards allowed me to meet and learn from different professionals from various
countries, expanding my network and providing invaluable insights. I also got to become
friends with the most beautiful souls.

What surprised you most about the awards?
What surprised me most about the awards was the level of recognition and support provided by the platform. It was truly inspiring to see how the awards celebrated and uplifted women's achievements, shining a spotlight on their contributions and impact across various fields. The overwhelming sense of community and camaraderie among the nominees and winners was particularly surprising and heartwarming. It highlighted the importance of coming together to celebrate each other's successes, share experiences, and inspire one another to reach even greater heights. Moreover, witnessing the genuine support and encouragement from fellow nominees and industry leaders reaffirmed the power of collaboration and solidarity among women. It reminded me that we are stronger together and that by lifting each other up, we can create positive change and make a lasting impact in our respective industries and communities. Overall, the awards served as a powerful reminder of the incredible potential and resilience of women. It was a testament to the fact that when we come together and support one another, there's no limit to what we can achieve.

How did the awards help you in your work/business?
Participating in the Women Changing the World Awards has been beneficial for my work in several ways. Firstly, the recognition and validation from such a prestigious platform has boosted my confidence and motivation, inspiring me to continue my efforts in making a positive impact. Secondly, the awards have increased the visibility of my work, allowing me to reach a wider audience and attract more attention from potential partners, supporters, and collaborators. Thirdly, the connections and networks established through the awards have provided valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, learning, and growth. Lastly, being part of this esteemed community has opened doors to new possibilities and resources that can further advance the causes I am passionate about.

What advice would you give to other women thinking about entering the awards?
In addition to providing visibility, networking opportunities, and the chance to forge
meaningful friendships, the awards offer a valuable opportunity to take a well-deserved
break from daily responsibilities : ). This allows one to pause, take a deep breath, and truly celebrate your achievements – something that women should embrace more often.

What has been the best thing about starting your own work/business?
Having the privilege of collaborating with numerous individuals who deeply care and
harbor a fervent dedication to addressing gender inequality and the scarcity of
opportunities has been immensely fulfilling.

What’s happening next in your work/business?
Last year, we were wholeheartedly dedicated to fostering community unity and
collaborating with various stakeholders, including members of the communities, to create opportunities for all. Our initiatives encompassed the establishment of textbook lending programs, provision of textbooks, donation of uniforms, and covering school fees for children from child-headed households. In our unwavering pursuit to break the cycle of inequality, we launched a school and community nutrition garden and drilled a borehole to ensure a sustainable water supply for the project and the school's needs. Additionally, we conducted a series of training sessions and provided consultancy services. These accomplishments represented significant milestones in our journey. As we press forward, our commitment remains steadfast as we endeavor to further advance and build upon this progress.

How can we connect with you?

Instagram: siphilisiwe__ndlovu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/siphilisiwe-ndlovu-504b861ba