From Protest to Progress: Empowering Women in Corporate South Africa

Johannesburg | Thought Leadership

This year marks the 68th anniversary of South African women marching to the Union Buildings to protest against pass laws that limited the movements of Black, Indian, and Coloured women, restricting where they could work. Over 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to deliver a petition to the Prime Minister at the time, J.G. Strijdom.

Since that protest on August 9, 1956, South Africa has made significant progress. The focus on developing and educating women has been phenomenal. From teachers nurturing young minds to sanitary towel drives addressing “period poverty” and centers teaching older women income-generating skills, we have made strides in empowering women.

But what more can we do practically in a corporate setting to help our women develop? As a training office, I often ask candidates in interviews about their expectations. Many express a desire to learn, grow, and qualify as Chartered Accountants at the end of their articles.

This development can be achieved in a few ways:

The first is equipping young women with the necessary tools to find fantastic opportunities after articles. At Moore Johannesburg, we create a safe space to learn and grow—a space where we will catch you when you fall. We have a comprehensive training program that covers both technical and soft skills. Some of these initiatives include tracking SAICA competencies, monthly in-house training, and annual leadership sessions.

One of the first leadership books I read was Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I read it while on secondment in the USA, trying to find my feet in a very different world. The biggest lesson I took from that book (and the USA experience) was to say yes to a seat at the table.

I encourage up-and-coming talent to say yes to challenges, say yes to getting involved, and say yes to trying new things. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable!

Next, we foster a culture of innovation and critical thinking. By encouraging our professionals to question the status quo and analyze complex problems, we equip them with the tools to drive positive change. Critical thinking skills are invaluable for women in the workplace, enabling us to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to the firm.

Another platform we have created for developing aspiring leaders is a space to give back. Through various projects hosted during the year, we give back to the community, which fosters a sense of purpose and develops leadership skills. I also encourage young professionals to mentor new hires, helping them find their feet and guiding them through the challenges of articles. Teach. Be the connection that someone else needs.

Lastly, let’s celebrate the wins, the success stories, and the achievements. Ticked something off the goals list? Achieved that competency? Ran a half marathon? Expecting a baby? Let’s celebrate!

In conclusion, the progress made in South Africa since the 1956 Women’s March is undeniable. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that our future leaders are empowered to reach their full potential. By fostering a culture of learning, critical thinking, and giving back, we ensure the development of well-rounded professionals.

Manri van Wyk

Director

As a highly skilled Director of Audit at Moore Johannesburg, I bring a wealth of expertise to my role, where I head up the Non-Profit sector in the assurance department.

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