Whanganui's "Women Who Lead" Event Series Celebrates Female Leadership & Community Connection

Whanganui is set to witness a new initiative, the "Women Who Lead" event series, aimed at fostering connections among women in the community. This collaboration between Women’s Network Whanganui and Sport Whanganui seeks to celebrate and inspire female leadership across various fields.

The series will kick off with a dynamic launch event featuring Cath Cheatley, a former Olympic cyclist. Cath Cheatley will share her rich experiences and insights, both as a former professional athlete and as the owner of successful local businesses, Cycle Sport NZ and Velo Ronny’s Bicycle Store. Her story embodies resilience and innovation.

The concept for the "Women Who Lead" series emerged during the Covid-19 lockdowns when Carla Donson, the manager at Women’s Network Whanganui, contemplated future directions for the organization. Leadership emerged as a recurring theme, and the series builds upon the success of previous initiatives like La Fiesta and the Winter Wonderfest.

Carla Donson expressed her excitement about partnering with Sport Whanganui, citing their work in promoting governance skills and capacity in the community. The series aims to connect diverse women, enabling them to share their stories and inspire others by showcasing leadership in its various forms.

The launch event, scheduled for September 19, coincides with the 130th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in Aotearoa New Zealand, a fitting tribute to the suffragists' remarkable legacy.

Danielle Saunders, Sport Whanganui women & girls’ lead, emphasized the series' focus on knowledge-sharing and networking within a friendly, social environment. The initiative aspires to facilitate connections that are vital for women and girls to inspire each other to succeed.

The family-friendly launch event will take place at The Barracks Sports Bar, providing an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn, connect, and celebrate female leadership.