Mapping Her Way: Creating Spaces Where Women Rise, Speak, and Lead

On the 29th of March 2026, GeoConnect brought together a powerful community of women for Mapping Her Way: Maps & Mingle, a Women’s Month celebration designed not just to honour women, but to create space for them to be heard, seen, and empowered.

Set against a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, the gathering was more than an event. It was a safe, intentional space where women could speak openly about their realities, challenge perspectives, and collectively shape solutions to the barriers they face in professional and personal spaces.

From Conversation to Collective Wisdom 

At the heart of the event was a simple but transformative approach:  Women were invited to bring their burning questions, the ones often left unspoken.

What followed was not a panel, but a shared dialogue. One of the central questions asked was:

“How do women keep going up the success ladder and not give up?”

The answers were practical, honest, and deeply rooted in lived experience:

These weren’t abstract ideas, they were survival strategies, shared woman-to-woman, grounded in resilience and determination. 

Addressing the Hard Truths 

The conversations did not shy away from uncomfortable realities. When asked, “Why are women missing in the room regardless?”, participants openly reflected on both systemic and internal challenges:

• Persistent biases from employers

• Assumptions about women’s capabilities

• Structural barriers linked to gender roles

• And, critically, the need for women to step forward, take risks, and claim space

This dual reflection, both inward and outward, created a balanced, honest narrative rarely seen in conventional forums. 

Redefining Professional Experience 

A significant portion of the dialogue focused on professional etiquette and visibility, particularly in male-dominated spaces. Women shared practical guidance on how to navigate professional environments with confidence and intention:

• Communicating effectively and professionally

• Maintaining simplicity and authenticity

• Meeting deadlines and delivering with excellence

• Setting boundaries early

The emphasis was clear: visibility is not accidental but it is built through consistency, presence, and intentional action. 

Beyond Employment: Building Economic Resilience 

The conversation expanded beyond careers into economic empowerment.

Women shared side ventures they are actively building ranging from crochet and catering to perfumes, fashion, and even carbon credit initiatives.

This highlighted a critical shift: Women are not just participating in the economy they are diversifying their income streams and building resilience.

Well-being as a Foundation for Growth 

In a moment of reflection, participants were asked:

“How do you stay sane amidst everything happening in your life?”

The responses were deeply human:

• Resting and taking breaks

• Cooking, baking, and reading

• Spending time with friends

• Rewarding oneself after milestones

This segment reinforced a powerful message:  empowerment is incomplete without well-being.

Navigating Safety and Boundaries 

The discussion also addressed sensitive but critical topics such as sexual advances in the workplace.

Women spoke candidly about the importance of:

• Setting clear boundaries

• Maintaining professionalism

• Refusing special treatment that compromises integrity

The Core Challenge and the Call to Action 

Across all discussions, one theme remained consistent: women continue to face systemic challenges in male-dominated spaces. From being underestimated to being judged based on others’ mistakes, the barriers are real. But so is the response. The collective recommendations from participants were clear:

• Give women a fair opportunity to prove themselves

• Judge individuals based on their own merit

• Encourage women to show up, deliver, and lead

• Create more safe spaces for honest dialogue

GeoConnect’s Role: Building Spaces That Matter 

What made Mapping Her Way impactful was not just the conversations—but the intentionality behind them. GeoConnect is actively positioning itself as a platform that:

• Creates safe, inclusive spaces for women to speak and grow

• Bridges the gap between geospatial technology and community empowerment

• Encourages women’s participation in technical and leadership spaces

• Fosters peer learning, mentorship, and shared growth

This aligns directly with our broader mission:  to empower communities through geospatial innovation, capacity building, and inclusive participation.

The Movement 

Mapping Her Way was not a one-day celebration.
It was a reminder that transformation begins when the right spaces are created.

Spaces where:

• Voices are not interrupted, but amplified

• Experiences are not dismissed, but validated

• And solutions are not imposed, but co-created

As one underlying sentiment echoed throughout the day:

Looking Ahead 

GeoConnect remains committed to expanding these spaces—ensuring that more women not only enter the room, but thrive within it.

Because when women are empowered to map their paths,  they don’t just transform their own futures —  they reshape communities, industries, and generations to come.