Gugulethu ‘Madam G’ Msimanga, popularly known as Madam G, is the founder of The Embraced Woman (TEW).
Her vision was born from a deep passion to see women heal, grow, and fully embrace who they are.
“I was inspired by my own personal journey and by witnessing how many women silently struggle with identity, trauma, self-doubt, and lack of support.
“I felt called to create a space where women could feel seen, heard, supported, and empowered to step confidently into their purpose.
“When I started in 2017 as Events by Madam G, the focus was mainly on hosting gatherings,” she explained.
“Over time, I realised the work was much deeper than events; it was ministry, healing, empowerment, and community development.
“The needs in the community grew, and so did the vision. Transitioning into a non-profit organisation in 2022 allowed me to operate with greater structure, intention, and impact, and to serve women in a more sustainable and community-driven way.”
Msimanga said she recognised a gap in safe, intentional spaces where women could openly discuss leadership and wellness without judgement.
She expressed that many women lacked access to mentorship, emotional support, and holistic development platforms.
“The Embraced Woman was created to bridge that gap, to nurture the whole woman: mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
Gugulethu Msimanga invites women to her upcoming event. Photo: Gugulethu ‘Madam G’ Msimanga
“I have organised women’s empowerment brunches, wellness sessions, panel discussions, prayer gatherings, networking events, and personal development workshops.
“These events revealed the depth of the need for continuous support beyond one-day gatherings,” she said.
She emphersised that her events have helped shape direction by pushing her to focus more intentionally on healing programmes, leadership development, and long-term empowerment initiatives, curated experiences rather than once-off events.
“One of my flagship initiatives has been our Women in Leadership Summit, where founders, editors and change-makers shared practical insights on navigating leadership, negotiation, and visibility.
“The impact was tangible, attendees reported increased confidence in pursuing their own dreams, launching ventures, and advocating for themselves in professional spaces,” she said.
Msimanga cited that some women carry invisible wounds from societal pressure, personal trauma, career setbacks, or silent struggles. Without healing, she says, true empowerment is difficult.
She highlighted that wellness ensures that women are not just surviving but thriving holistically as it positively influences families, communities, and future generations.
“Creating safe spaces is intentional work. Our facilitators and speakers are carefully selected to reflect diverse experiences and voices.
“I also create structured sharing spaces where every woman feels heard, not dismissed. Kindness and empathy are the key,” added Msimanga.
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Msimanga testified that her events help women, saying Angie Sehloho, a teacher at Matshediso LSEN School, attended one of her events feeling completely broken after experiencing personal loss and career disappointment.
Sehloho shared that she had lost her sense of identity, but through one of the summits, she rediscovered her voice.
“Months later, she launched her own foundation and now mentors widowers in her community. She once said that The Embraced Woman reminded her that she is not her pain, but she is her purpose. That testimony captures the heart of my work,” shared Msimanga.
Msimanga is gearing up for her TEW-Women’s Health Walk-A-thon event to be held from May 10 to 16.
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“This event is more than a fitness event; it is a movement for wellness, unity, and visibility. The walkathon is designed to promote physical health, mental clarity, and community connection.
“Women from all walks of life will come together to walk in solidarity, symbolising progress, strength, and collective empowerment,” she mentioned.
She urges women from Kwatsaduza to join the walk, socialise and get to know one another.
“It will serve as an opportunity for women to move their bodies, clear their minds, and connect with a powerful sisterhood in a safe and uplifting environment. I invite every woman to come walk with purpose, walk in healing, and walk in power,” she concluded.
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