Women in Business

Ask just about any entrepreneur, and they will tell you that of the many challenges they face, the most arduous are financial. Developing financial literacy, mastering financial planning and management, and securing the funding they need to grow their business are often Herculean feats. Due to the significant and persistent gender gap, none are more tested by finance-related constraints than women entrepreneurs.

During a recent experience, interviewing candidates for a role, I was struck by the variety of backgrounds each was coming from, all with a common desire to land up in strategy. I was excited to see that many were coming from an academic background in strategic brand communications, marketing and advertising communications and the like. I recall having to make up a mix of courses during my undergrad studies that would eventually lead to the route, as there was no straight forward path into the discipline.

In celebration of Women's Month, Chef Samantha Stone's inspiring journey as Group Food and Beverage Development Manager at First Group exemplifies the strides women are making in the traditionally male-dominated culinary industry. Stone's career trajectory since joining First Group in 2017 showcases both her talent and the positive impact of supportive work environments for women in hospitality.

Everybody wants it. But it’s hard to find, and even harder to keep. While female representation has improved generally across the Financial Services sector, most Board, CEO and C-suite roles remain male-dominated.

As we celebrate Women’s Month in South Africa, this is a time to reflect on the pivotal role male allies can play in amplifying women’s voices in the workplace, particularly in leadership roles. With a workforce comprising 70% women, Empact Group stands as a testament to the power of female voices in the workplace.

It’s Time to Stop ‘Manning’ Boardrooms, Women in Senior Positions Drive Transformative Change in the Workplace, says Afrika Tikkun.

In the high-stakes world of business, where boardrooms are often dominated by men, navigating a career can be daunting for women. But according to Simone de Freitas, Group Financial Officer at payroll and HR company CRS Technologies, with the right support systems, women can thrive and excel in any professional environment.

South Africa's unemployment rate climbed to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a rise of 0.8 percentage points. Women, particularly vulnerable in the job market, continue to face higher unemployment.

In Africa while women make up 58% of self-employment and contribute about 13% of the continent’s GDP, there is a gender funding gap in sub-Saharan Africa of US$42 billion (±R781 billion), highlighting the gender imbalance in support for women entrepreneurs.

Chief Operating Officer for Comcorp South Africa, Shanaaz Trethewey is a leading software innovator and authentication technology specialists. To celebrate Womens Day she shares her thoughts on women in the tech space. 

Women entrepreneurs play a key role in alleviating “period poverty” in South Africa for the estimated 3.7 million girls unable to afford feminine hygiene products, with menstruation-related issues the leading cause of school absenteeism. 

The empowerment of women has a far-reaching impact on their own lives, their families and communities, and society as a whole. Women who are empowered to make choices in all areas of their lives, have greater control over their health, their careers and their quality of life.

Despite concerted efforts to narrow the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, major inequalities persist. According to UNESCO, women account for a mere 28% of those pursuing STEM careers in Sub-Saharan Africa, below the global average of 30%.

The South African engineering sector has evolved to become more gender balanced, as employment equity measures increasingly ensure equal opportunities for men and women.

The workplace has transformed drastically over the last few decades and South Africa has become one of the leading countries in terms of equality for all, but many outdated corporate cultures and structures continue to pose barriers for the modern working women.