Female entrepreneurs redefining success in the face of systemic challenges

What began as a modest venture born out of necessity has grown into one of South Africa's standout small business success stories. 

Durban entrepreneur Shameem Kumandan started her laundry business with little more than a washing machine, a family car and sheer determination. Today, that backyard operation has transformed into a nationally recognised enterprise, employing about 60 people and uplifting communities by partnering with schools, washing sports kits and even providing sanitary towels and life skills training for schoolgirls.

She moved into a custom-designed facility, installed large-scale industrial equipment and won multiple industry awards.

Kumandan’s journey, marked by grit, resourcefulness and resilience, is now one of 100 stories captured in a new book launched at the WomX Women in Business Conference in Sandton.

The book, Her Story, Her Success, curated by WomX founder Jayshree Naidoo, explores the many barriers faced by women entrepreneurs from limited access to markets and funding to unpaid family responsibilities.

It sheds light on the countless hours women dedicate to cooking, cleaning and caring for children or elderly relatives — the often ‘invisible’ responsibilities that leave little time to grow a business, attend networking events, or pitch for contracts. The stories tell how women-owned businesses are powering growth, creating jobs, driving digital transformation and leaving a legacy for the next generation.

The launch of the book comes against a sobering backdrop. While South African women are more likely than men to start a business, they remain less likely to access the capital, networks, or procurement opportunities needed to scale.

The WomX Accelerator programme has already shown what’s possible when those barriers are removed: structured digital training and adoption boosted participants’ revenue by 92%, collectively creating more than 150 jobs.

Kumandan recalls how as an Indian Muslim woman in a white, male-dominated industry, she often faced bias and exclusion.

“But success isn’t about where you start, it’s about the values you live by, the lives you uplift and the courage to keep building despite the odds,” she said.

According to Naidoo, stories like Kumandan’s prove the real impact of women-owned businesses. 

“Women are driving change in new and innovative ways. What they need more than anything is access to markets, practical development and mentors who walk with them until their confidence becomes readiness for even bigger spaces, and their readiness translates into economic impact,” Naidoo said.

For Naidoo, the vision is clear: “We want young women to see themselves in these pages and to believe their ambitions matter. These stories prove that when women are given a fair chance, they don’t just survive, they thrive, building communities and shaping the future of South Africa’s economy.”