More representation in top jobs, role models advocated

MANY women in managerial roles believe a lot more can be done to put more of their sisters in senior positions.

Metropolitan Republic chairperson Alison Deeb, who runs a business on integrated communication, said increased female mentorship programmes would help ensure more women were placed in senior roles.

“Better role models in government are also critical. Women should network and support each other more,” she said.

MUA Insurance chairperson Christelle Fourie said she joined the industry because she always had a desire to run her own business.

“There are still so many areas in which to excel, from the actuarial sciences, underwriting and claims management to the exciting world of brand management.”

But she still believed it would take time to level the playing field.

“Fewer than 5 percent of JSE-listed companies are owned by women. While we’ve seen great progress in elevating the role and place of women into senior positions, there is a still a long way to go for us in South Africa.”

Fourie said to overcome gender stereotypes in the workplace, it was critical to acknowledge they exist.

“Businesses need to realise that having women on the board is a form of competitive advantage. To stay competitive, businesses will have to create environments that attract and retain high potential women.”

After 12 years’ experience in the security industry, Lady T Protection Services owner Thando Baloyi finds that conditions are still tough for women in charge because they have to work much harder.

Over the past six years, the company grew as 200 employees currently operate in Gauteng and North West.

When she started her business, she had nothing but three months’ worth of income, but her experience in the industry network was a good source of start-up capital.

“Financing the growth of Lady T Protection Services has always been the most difficult part of building the business. New contracts require new equipment, and additional appointments become an unbearable burden on cash flow,” she said.

Baloyi said despite these challenges, she made a good choice with her company’s name because in business, your “femininity becomes your strongest selling point”.