Call for Speakers

in 36 days

IWD 2026: Break the Pattern in Tech

event date

6 Mar 2026

location

Cape Town, South Africa


Celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with an empowering session around the theme “Break the Pattern.” This event highlights stories, insights, and strategies from tech leaders, innovators, and changemakers who have challenged norms, disrupted biases, and stepped into spaces where they weren’t expected.

Each speaker will deliver a 20-minute talk followed by 5 minutes for audience Q&A, providing a deep dive into personal experiences, actionable strategies, or projects that redefine the rules of who shapes technology’s future. After the talks, a 15-minute panel discussion will bring together all speakers for a dynamic conversation, audience interaction, and additional insights. Attendees will leave inspired, informed, and equipped to break patterns in their own careers and organizations.

open, 24 days left
Call for Speakers
Call opens at 12:00 AM

23 Jan 2026

Call closes at 11:59 PM

21 Feb 2026

Call closes in GTB Standard Time (UTC+02:00) timezone.
Closing time in your timezone () is .

We Invite Proposals On:

  • Personal journeys of breaking barriers in tech or related fields.
  • Innovative projects, tools, or methods that disrupt traditional workflows or norms.
  • Mentorship, inclusion, or diversity initiatives that challenge the status quo.
  • Lessons learned from stepping into unexpected roles or spaces.

We welcome proposals from all backgrounds and career stages, as long as you are passionate about reshaping the future of technology.


Each session should:

  • Be 20 minutes long—talks must fit within the 20-minute slot, allowing 5 minutes for audience Q&A afterward.
  • Align with the theme—content should reflect “Break the Pattern” by showcasing stories, strategies, projects, or insights that challenge norms, disrupt expectations, or empower change in tech.
  • Engage and excite the audience—talks should be inspiring, thought-provoking, or actionable, leaving attendees motivated and equipped to break patterns in their own careers or organizations.
  • Be clear and accessible—speakers should communicate ideas in a way that resonates with a broad audience, including people at different career stages or from diverse backgrounds.


In short: your session should inform, inspire, and energize, giving the audience a memorable experience that sparks reflection and action.


Please submit the following:

Talk Title: Max 10 words

Abstract: Max 200 words, describing the talk and key takeaways

Speaker Bio: Max 50 words

Optional: One visual or slide sample

Deadline for Submission: 16 February 2026



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