A champion of female empowerment
FOR Marlene Govender, women empowerment means sharing information with employees so they can take the initiative to make decisions and solve business challenges.
Govender, the general manager of marketing, sales and events at the Durban International Convention Centre, and a panellist at the POST/ SAB Women’s Day Breakfast at the venue on August 2, said it was important for women in business, and on any other platform, to encourage others to succeed.
“The current volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) of the global, modern economy demands that women leaders focus on effective leadership with a mindset to learning new ways, while changing attitudes, values, behaviour and skill sets to drive results, competitive advantage and long term sustainability,” said Govender of Verulam.
“In addition, women leadership should learn capabilities to develop themselves and those they lead. Women empowerment is the engine of an organisation that provides a catalytic foundation in moving an organisation, and other female colleagues, from good to great to awesome.”
She added: “Women empowerment is dynamic, complex and can be described as the DNA of our society, which creates viable and innovative alternatives in inspiring organisational cultures.
“Female leaders should forge new opportunities and remain engaged and inspired by other women to embrace new challenges in this increasing VUCA world.”
The mother of two said it was also vital for women to mentor young girls.
“Mentorship of young girls can encourage them to stretch outside their comfort zones, to open their minds to new ways of thinking and help them realise that the world is much broader and more diverse.
“Mentors and mentees can learn from this empowering relationship on how to mobilise the energies, resources and strengths of each individual, which can be empowering for both mentor and mentee.
“Young girls are the future leaders and what we impart to them is truly a reflection of us as women leaders.”
Asked about her hope for the current generation of young women in high school and colleges, she said:
“Young women receive the theory of education, which prepares them partially for the reality of business. It is important for us, as women leaders, to guide and mentor these young women in terms of lessons we have learnt and what is the current reality of disempowerment.
“I hope that organisations see the opportunity in future women leaders and set up future leader forums, where we can impart this knowledge to them. Simple things expected of these women may be unknown to them, like how to write a professional CV, how to dress for an interview and conduct yourself in an interview.
“Teach them from experiences of disempowerment that you have experienced and the impact it has had on your career. This is only possible through humility and being honest with ourselves.”
Govender joined the Durban ICC as a marketing and sales co-ordinator. She worked in this role from 2002 to 2004, and was then promoted to marketing and sales executive, from 2004 to 2006.
“In 2006, I was promoted to senior marketing and sales executive and continued in that role until 2008, when I was promoted to marketing and sales manager for corporate and exhibitions at the Durban ICC. In 2014, I landed the role of general manager of marketing, sales and events, managing a team of 28 team members.”
Govender said one of the most amazing aspects of her role is meeting international entertainment artists, professors, presidents, ambassadors and unsung heroes, who are passionate about improving the lives of South African people through job creation and economic impact.
“Some of the key influential people I have met are sporting stars, international performers like Bryan Adams, professors who have found cures for diseases and created inventions we see today.”
Asked if every day was the same, she said: “Every day is a unique day as we compete in a global business environment that is characterised by volatility, uncertainty, ambiguity and adaptability. In order to survive in this environment and remain competitive, we need to be agile, adaptable, creative and innovative in our thinking.”
She is married to Thasigan Govender, a sales executive at McCarthy Toyota Ballito, and they have two children, Simone, 23, and Simeon, 16.
Her motto is: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent!”