Mutual & Federal salutes South African women

Whilst the presence of powerful women in the South African financial sector is becoming a more common occurrence, true gender equality is still a goal that most corporate institutions have not yet managed to fulfil.

Women constitute just over half of the South African population, yet are a disproportionate minority of all employees and managers in South Africa. They are undisputedly under-represented in business, and Mutual & Federal, one of South Africa’s leading short-term insurers, is determined to help change this by placing an emphasis on attracting, developing and employing professional women.

Vuyo Lee, General Manager: Strategy and Marketing says, “Mutual & Federal recognises the value in having a diverse workforce and, in line with our transformation strategy, we have implemented a number of development programmes for women across all levels of the business. We hope that by investing resources into improving the representation of women in key roles we will create more diversified thinking and with it a more successful business.”

Employment Equity legislation is often seen as the only reason for promoting the role of women in business; however Lee believes that employing women in business holds much more benefit than simply reaching BEE targets.

“Different ideas and different viewpoints breathe life into any business and at Mutual & Federal we see women as pivotal in helping us achieve this diverse thinking. We want to encourage and nurture more talented women to take up meaningful roles so that we make informed business decisions based on the views of a broad spectrum of South Africans,” continues Lee.

Now twelve years into legislated Employment Equity, the emphasis of diversity, particularly in boardrooms, needs to be moved from race-defined to gender-defined equality. There are more and more highly educated, trained and talented business women in South Africa and their skills need to be appreciated and recognised. All players in the short-term insurance industry should use August 2010 as an opportunity to nurture a culture of understanding and communication regarding gender equality.

Lee concludes, “It is important to recognise and celebrate the women in business who have already succeeded, as they are a source of inspiration for this and the next generation. Likewise, those already in high positions should take the opportunity to encourage, support and advocate for colleagues and friends. The role of women in helping to make a business successful should never be underestimated.”