Her Journey. Her Triumph: 100 Reasons to Champion Women in Business

Durban – When entrepreneur Shameem Kumandan launched her laundry service, it stemmed from necessity rather than ambition.

With just a washing machine, a repurposed family vehicle, and her family’s encouragement, she printed flyers and delivered orders directly to customers.

Today, that modest backyard venture has evolved into a nationally recognized business that employs around 60 individuals, collaborates with schools to clean sports uniforms, and even supplies sanitary products and life skills training to schoolgirls.

Kumandan has transitioned into a purpose-built facility, equipped with large-scale industrial machinery, and has garnered multiple industry accolades.

Her path, characterized by determination, ingenuity, and resilience, is now featured in one of 100 inspiring accounts included in a newly released book at the WomX Women in Business Conference in Sandton.

The book, titled “Her Story, Her Success,” compiled by WomX founder Jayshree Naidoo, explores the obstacles facing women entrepreneurs, such as challenges in accessing markets, funding, and unpaid family commitments.

This encompasses the countless hours women dedicate to cooking, cleaning, and caring for children or elderly relatives.

These “invisible” responsibilities frequently leave little time for business development, attending networking events, or seeking contracts.

The book also emphasizes the successes achieved when these obstacles are dismantled.

The narratives illustrate how women-led enterprises are driving growth, generating employment, fostering digital innovation, and creating a legacy for future generations.

“As an Indian Muslim woman in a predominantly white, male industry, I often encountered bias and exclusion,” Kumandan reflects.

“However, success is not defined by your starting point; it’s about the principles you uphold, the lives you elevate, and the bravery to continue building against the odds.”

Naidoo asserts that stories like Kumandan’s highlight the tangible impact of women-led businesses.

“Women are enacting change in innovative and unprecedented ways,” she states.

“What they require most is access to markets, practical development resources, and mentors who accompany them until their confidence evolves into readiness for more significant opportunities, translating that readiness into economic impact.”

The release of “Her Story, Her Success” coincides with a significant challenge.

Even though South African women are more inclined to start businesses than men, they still find it harder to secure the capital, networks, or procurement opportunities necessary for growth.

The WomX Accelerator program has already demonstrated the potential outcomes of eliminating these barriers: structured digital training and adoption increased participants’ revenue by 92% and collectively created over 150 jobs.

For Naidoo, the vision is straightforward: “We aspire for young women to see themselves within these pages and recognize that their dreams hold value.”

“These narratives prove that when women are given a fair opportunity, they don’t just endure; they excel, building communities and shaping the future of South Africa’s economy.”