SA trio scoop awards at international forum

THREE South African businesswomen have scooped awards at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) in New Delhi‚ India.

Vino Govender‚ managing director of La Consulting Engineers‚ received an Exceptional Women of Excellence award, as did Trade and Industry chief operations officer Dr Anneline Chetty‚ for her role in women’s empowerment.

The founder of the Wonderbag non-electric heat-retention cooker‚ Sarah Collins, won the Women of the Decade in Entrepreneurship award at the May 1 ceremony.

Last year, Govender was the recipient of the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge Foundation Award.

Govender said she had received an invitation to speak at the forum’s sitting in India from women’s empowerment organisation All Ladies League.

One of her topics was the challenges facing businesswomen operating in a male-dominated environment.

“I may have missed the brief on the actual award notice because I was initially under the impression I was only there to present on the topics given to me,” she said.

“I was honoured and humbled to receive this award.”

More than 120 countries were represented at the forum.

Chetty said the award was an acknowledgement of her contribution to women’s empowerment on a global platform where women from at least 80 countries are represented.

“I am excited about it because it gives me the opportunity to connect South African women to businesses around the world.”

Collins was unable to attend the event as she was in Botswana‚ working with NGOs to support rural communities by empowering them with Wonderbags.

But she said: “Being a part of this event not only allows for women to connect with industrialists‚ lawyers‚ bankers and government‚ who can advise and direct their careers‚ but it’s the best place to get guidance and communication from women across the globe.” –