“Know your worth, own the room, take up space.” Those are the empowering words that led an enriching event, exuberant audience, and informative discussion. In collaboration with Conscious LeadHers, ABSIP UP, a student society at the University of Pretoria, hosted the Own the Room Event: A Live Case and Confidence Workshop on Negotiation.
This event was put together by ABSIP Women in Focus Director Sharon Ndambuki and her team. Simone’ Masechaba Morwane, from ABSIP’s UP Student Chapter, served as the event’s moderator and brought her fire to the room.
Carmen Murray opened the evening by reminding women why negotiation is an essential skill when you strive to be a conscious leader. She further affirmed that this skill is not only for your career, but it also helps to negotiate policy change, create opportunities for others, and hold power with purpose.
The honourable panelists Dheshnee Naidoo CP. APMP (Conscious LeadHERS Institute Educator) and Khanyisa Phika (Deputy Chairperson of ABSIP Women in Focus and Conscious LeadHERs Advisory Board Member 2024) shared tips on how to negotiate:
- Be prepared with your material
- Know your worth
- Know your non-negotiables
- Bring creativity to the table
The panelists emphasised the importance of asking with confidence and gave tips on how to do exactly that. The attendees were split into five groups, and each group was given a case study to present to the panelists, who acted as judges. This opened up a space for more engagement, questions, and helpful tips about negotiating and knowing your worth.
PDBY spoke to an anonymous student, who confidently said, “This event was empowering. As a woman, I struggle to belong and to be confident in my voice. Now I know [that] we all go through the same fears. However, it is important to own the space, do it afraid, and never settle for anything less than what you deserve.”
The panel, the dialogue, and the energy in the room left everyone feeling inspired and empowered at the end of the event.
