Mon–Fri: 08h30–4h30 · Durban, South Africa
ABOUT US

“Intentionally creating inclusion where it hasn’t existed before”

— South Africa's first global chamber dedicated to women and youth in business.

What we do

Our Value Proposition

1

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards, fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in all our work.

2

Inclusivity

We embrace and celebrate diversity, creating an inclusive environment that supports businesses of all sizes and backgrounds. Through targeted workshops and focus groups—especially focused on financial inclusion for women—we provide mentoring, leadership development, and financial literacy training in collaboration with industry leaders.

3

Collaboration

We build strategic partnerships and champion collaborative initiatives that drive collective impact and foster shared prosperity across sectors.

4

Innovation

We promote forward-thinking solutions and embrace technological advancements to position South Africa as a global leader in innovation and progress.

5

Empowerment

We are dedicated to empowering women through leadership and governance training, building confidence, and equipping them to lead and thrive across industries.

6

Advocacy

We actively engage in policy dialogue, partnering with government and stakeholders to shape inclusive economic frameworks that support sustainable growth and enhance business competitiveness.

7

Excellence

We pursue excellence in everything we do—delivering exceptional value through expert insights, world-class services, and steadfast support—aimed at empowering women and driving transformative change globally.

Our story

A non-profit built on lived experience, not theory.

In 2024, driven by a desire for freedom, flexibility, and meaningful impact, I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey. After navigating the business landscape, I encountered the deep-rooted inequities that so many women in South Africa face: systemic barriers, a lack of tailored support, and persistent under-representation in key economic spaces. Time and again, I heard the same frustrations echoed by other women entrepreneurs: stories of isolation, overlooked potential, and the limits of traditional networking spaces not built with them in mind. This created the impetus for change. That change became GBWCCI: the Global Business Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. More than just a chamber, GBWCCI is a movement built to equip, empower, and connect women entrepreneurs in South Africa and around the world. Our mission is to create a platform where women are seen, heard, supported, and celebrated as the powerful economic drivers they are. Together, we are redefining what it means to lead, succeed, and uplift others. Our dynamic network spans industries and borders, supporting women from startups to multinational companies, offering visibility, trade opportunities, and strategic partnerships. At GBWCCI, we unite professionals and businesses to drive economic development and build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa.

Fawzia Peer

Fawzia Peer

Founding President
MEET THE team

driving the chamber forward.

Dr. Thandi Ngxongo

Dr. Thandi Ngxongo

Deputy President
Snegugu Tshabalala

Snegugu Tshabalala

CEO & Policy
Philisiwe Danisa

Philisiwe Danisa

Secretary
Praneetha Jugdeo

Praneetha Jugdeo

Treasurer


Tasleem Shaik

Tasleem Shaik

Executive Director
Alaia Peer

Alaia Peer

Global Development & Technology
Masoom Bagdadi

Masoom Bagdadi

Finance Department


Board of Directors
Nozibela Sogoni

Nozibela Sogoni

Enterprise Development & MSME
Fathima Mohamed

Fathima Mohamed

Women Entrepreneurship&Development
Fatima Lockhat

Fatima Lockhat

Education & Skills Development
Asha Harkoo

Asha Harkoo

Communications
1M+
Voices amplified nationally
2024
Founded in Durban
4
Pillars of impact
100%
Member & non-profit led

“Together, we can reshape the system, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have equitable access to funding opportunities and recognition. We can lead the systemic changes with your involvement.”

Become a Member →