Women's Month: August

In keeping with the thesis that extends from the themes of "Daughters are Diamonds", August is turning out to be a month of energetic derivations on the path to creating awareness on women's rights and subsequent obligations. Starting off with the Unisa Womens Day events with the Institute for Gender Studies, I was happy to direct a breakfast programme with PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Celebration of Women on Monday 20 August. I thought it a commendable effort and progressive initiative by the management team and the partner in charge for Limpopo and Mpumalanga region, Glory Khumalo. The idea was to acknowledge and celebrate women members of the PWC family and the significant contributions made to various projects; it included every female member of staff from across the province and served as a fabulous staff motivation drive. I was told that various demotivation factors such as harassment in the extended workplace when meeting with disrespectful clients and other such incidents were a regular occurence. While a certain amount of rights issues were discussed, the overall atmosphere was carefree and many let their hair down and took to the dance floor at the end of the breakfast.

I was invited to speak on the challenges facing women in Africa on a show called "We the People", anchored by Fenly Foxen. The broadcast was put together by CNBC-Africa and aired on their Channel 54 slot on DSTV on Wednesday 22 August. The panel discussed various issues and challenges facing women in Africa, themes of honour and the implications for womens autonomy and the role of education and financial independence in womens lives. Also to look out for, "Daughters are Diamonds" will be part of my address on womens' empowerment and poverty eradication, to the Black Management Forum and Business Unity SA at a seminar and gala dinner on Saturday 25 Aug. Future interviews and television viewings to be announced.