中文Printing SA has announced the return of its flagship Women in Print initiative as the platform celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2026 under the theme #PressHERForward. What began five years ago as a local effort to recognize and empower women in the sector has grown into a continental movement spanning 34 African countries and engaging more than 2.5 million online participants, a striking measure of how far a focused inclusion effort can travel.
The milestone arrives as Printing SA itself marks 115 years of industry excellence and innovation, guided by its enduring commitment to “Print. Progress. Possibilities.” Within that long arc, Women in Print has become a respected national platform that champions visibility, leadership, opportunity and industry advancement for women across South Africa’s print, packaging, signage and visual communications industries.
Over five years the initiative evolved from an annual event into a sustained movement. A pivotal step came in 2025 with the introduction of the PrintHER Mentorship Programme, which pairs emerging women professionals with experienced industry leaders. In 2026 the programme reaches an important milestone as its inaugural mentors and mentees are recognized during the national series, reinforcing the commitment to developing the next generation of women leaders.
The 2026 theme, #PressHERForward, is a call to action for the industry to keep creating opportunities for women to lead, build and reimagine the future. It is deliberately structured around three cities, each representing a pillar of the movement. Johannesburg, on 7 August, celebrates “Women Who Lead” and focuses on leadership, visibility and influence. Durban, on 21 August, honors “Women Who Build” through entrepreneurship, resilience and sustainable industry development. Cape Town, on 27 August, spotlights “Women Who Reimagine” via innovation, creativity and future-focused leadership.
Together the three editions form one journey, recognizing the women who lead, the women who build and the women who reimagine, while creating space for dialogue, collaboration and growth. Attendees can expect keynote presentations, leadership conversations, panel discussions, networking and industry insights designed to inspire and connect women across the print value chain.
Abisha Katerere, Head of Business Development & Marketing at Printing SA, described the significance of the milestone. “Women in Print represents one of the most important platforms within our industry, creating opportunities for women to connect, lead, innovate and inspire meaningful change,” Katerere said, adding that what started as an initiative has grown into a national movement that elevates voices and builds networks for future generations. The numbers, 34 countries and 2.5 million participants, underline how digital campaigns and collaborative partnerships amplified a local idea into a continent-spanning one.
The programme is designed to reach well beyond attendees. By engaging industry professionals, entrepreneurs, partners, sponsors, government stakeholders and emerging leaders, Women in Print aims to shape a more inclusive and progressive future for South Africa’s print, packaging, signage and visual communications industries. The PrintHER Mentorship Programme extends that impact year-round, turning a single event into an ongoing investment in talent.
Ticket information reflects broad accessibility. Printing SA members pay R870 (incl. VAT) per person or R8,700 per table of ten, while non-members pay R1,200 per person or R12,000 per table of ten. Seats are limited and early booking is encouraged, a sign of both demand and the intimate, high-value nature of the gatherings.
As the industry continues to evolve, Women in Print stands as a reminder that representation is not a side project but a driver of resilience and innovation. Through mentorship and the #PressHERForward campaign, the initiative keeps strengthening leadership, collaboration and opportunity across South Africa and the African continent, five years in and clearly still building momentum.
Source: FESPA (report on Printing SA’s Women in Print, July 28, 2026).
