Boldly Visible: My Journey at the Women in Tech JHB Meetup

In 2023, I walked into the Women in Tech Johannesburg Meetup all by myself. Nervous, a little unsure, but curious.

In 2024, I wasn’t alone anymore; a colleague and a client joined me.

And this year? I walked into the JSE Atrium with three colleagues and five clients by my side. 

That shift, from walking in solo to arriving with a community, says so much about the power of showing up, year after year, and inviting others along. These events feel different when you don’t just attend for yourself, but when you get to share the experience, reflect together, and keep the conversations alive long after the day is over.

What “Boldly Visible” Means to Me

The theme this year was Boldly Visible. And it really hit home.

One line in particular has been echoing in my head ever since:

“My work doesn’t have a mouth, I need to speak up about my contributions and impact.”

How often do we quietly do the work, hoping someone notices? I know I’ve been guilty of that. But the truth is, visibility doesn’t just happen. We have to step forward, claim our voices, and own our impact. That’s what being boldly visible is all about.

My Reflections from the Day

As I sat in sessions, listened to the speakers, and chatted with so many incredible women, a few reflections kept bubbling up for me:

• Being seen is intentional. It’s not luck. It’s choosing to walk into rooms that stretch you, even when you feel nervous. It’s raising your hand. It’s inviting others along so that the circle grows wider.
• We all carry quiet battles. Whether it’s imposter syndrome, doubt, or systemic barriers, no one is walking this road without a backpack full of challenges. That reminder made me both softer with myself and kinder toward others.
• Soft skills are powerful. Yes, we need technical know-how,  but it’s the human side of us that makes things work: listening, adapting, connecting. Those are the skills that make spaces safe and keep doors open.
• Belonging changes everything. When you feel like you can show up as yourself, you’re more willing to contribute, to risk, to grow. That’s what diversity and inclusivity really create, the freedom to be.
• Courage feels scary. But that’s the point. The fear doesn’t vanish; you just learn to walk with it. And in doing so, you often light the way for someone else.

For me, events like this aren’t just about networking or inspiration, they’re about rewriting the story of who “belongs” in tech.

At Retro Rabbit, we talk a lot about inclusivity, but days like this remind me why it matters so much. From smashing stereotypes to building world-class innovations in UX/UI and development, women are shaping the future of tech in real, tangible ways. And the more visible we become, the more the next generation gets to believe: I belong here too.

Here’s to showing up, speaking up, and being Boldly Visible together.