Impactful Leadership (NPC)’s Post

Tomorrow we celebrate our national Women's Day as South Africa and August is our Women's month. Today, I want to acknowledge the limitations that have tried to define us as South African women. But more importantly, I want to celebrate the strength that has allowed us to defy those limitations as each of us carries a unique story - a tapestry woven with threads of struggle, resilience, and triumph. It's crucial to acknowledge the reality many of us face. In South Africa and around the world, women continue to encounter limitations that can feel like insurmountable barriers. We've made significant strides since the dawn of our democracy, yet challenges persist. The gender pay gap still looms large, with women earning on average 23% less than men for the same work. In boardrooms across our nation, women's voices are often underrepresented, with only 20% of board positions held by women in JSE-listed companies. We face the dual challenge of balancing career ambitions with societal expectations of caregiving. Many of us have felt the weight of the "second shift" - returning home from a full day's work only to tackle household responsibilities. In rural areas, our sisters grapple with limited access to education and economic opportunities. Gender-based violence continues to cast a dark shadow over our communities, threatening not just our progress but our very lives. These limitations are real, and their impact is profound. They can make us question our worth, doubt our abilities, and sometimes even give up on our dreams. But I stand here today to tell you that these limitations do not define us. They are not the end of our story, but merely obstacles in a journey that we have the power to shape. Remember the words of our beloved Madiba: "It always seems impossible until it's done." We are the daughters of a nation that has overcome seemingly impossible odds. Apartheid once seemed an unbreakable system, yet it crumbled in the face of our collective determination. For every statistic that tells us we can't, there are countless stories of women who did. From the brave women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956, to modern-day trailblazers like Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Prof Thuli Madonsela, Phuthi M. and Lillian Barnard, we have living proof that limitations can be overcome. In the face of these realities, we have two choices: to be defined by our limitations or to be inspired by our potential. Today, I invite you to choose the latter. Because when we shift our perspective, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities. And that, my dear sisters, is where our journey of growth truly begins. For when women rise, we all rise. When women thrive, communities flourish, and nations prosper. We are the authors of our own stories, the architects of our own success. Write a story that inspires, build a legacy that endures, and create a future where the only limitation is the breadth of your dreams. Happy Women's Day!

Investing in Women: Accelerating progress toward Achieving Zero Hunger Every year in March, we celebrate International Women’s Day as a global observance that honours the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women – a recognition of their contributions throughout history and across different sectors. https://lnkd.in/d3sq4P_t

Why do women in the UK generally feel more negatively about the fairness of leadership and promotions, and what can be done about it? Discover these insights and more in our 2024 Women at Work report: https://hubs.ly/Q02Jq4NN0

💭 "If we are going to economically empower women, we need to nurture a society that is not afraid of women being empowered. If we’re going to tell women to be “fearless”, we need for men not to fear women being their equal. We need for men to admit to their fears, and to learn to not fear the changes that would make our world a more equitable place." - WLIA Fellow Dr Leonora Risse 💥 We couldn't agree more! 🔗 Check out Leonora's must-read Women's Agenda article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gJeNasDs

STEM Women and Green Jobs. I came across this article https://lnkd.in/edkzs47B and figure on Kristalina Georgieva's page. Empowering STEM women will support diversity and ensure equitable participation in the green economy.

As we bid farewell to Women's History Month, we pause to reflect on the progress and celebrate the contributions of women in government. This month has been a tribute to the pioneering spirits, the relentless advocates, and the visionary leaders who have carved pathways for equality and excellence within the halls of governance. The narratives we've shared and the dialogues we've engaged in underscore not just the achievements but also the ongoing challenges faced by women in this field. Yet, it's clear that the impact of women in government is profound and far-reaching, shaping policies, influencing change, and ensuring diverse perspectives are heard. But let's remember, the essence of Women's History Month extends beyond March. It's a continual call to action to support, empower, and uplift one another, fostering an environment where women in government are recognized, respected, and rewarded equally. As we move forward, let us carry the torch of this month's inspiration into every day of the year. Let's commit to advocating for equality, mentoring the next generation of female leaders, and working collaboratively to address the systemic challenges that remain. To every woman in government, thank you for your service, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to public service. Your dedication not only paves the way for future generations but also ensures that our government reflects the diversity and strength of the people it serves. Here's to continuing to break barriers and to shape a more inclusive and equitable future in governance. Together, we are unstoppable. #WomenInGovernment #WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #Equality #PublicService #ASQGovernment

Counterpart International's 2023 annual report is hot off the press! Advancing Inclusion, Investing in Women In all our work, Counterpart ensures that diverse women have the skills, resources, sense of self-worth, and decision-making power to make their own choices, exercise their human rights, and influence economic, political, and social change. https://lnkd.in/e8-bTTys

Yesterday the WNY Women's Foundation launched our third installment of our Pathways to Progress: Accelerating the Possibilities Campaign. This data-driven analysis focuses on six topics disproportionately impacting women. Uplifting women is not just the responsibility of women, but it’s the collective effort that involves all of us working together to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Help us accelerate the pace of change! Click the link to view our white paper: https://ow.ly/XjbU50R4EB9

#ChampiontheFemaleEconomy Unlocking the Female Economy: Investing in Women Enterpreneurs - Financial Alliance for Women 2024 Annual Summit Gratefull to share experiences with so many powerfull women and men interested in women’s financial inclusion. From the chilean supervisor standpoint, we are happy to share our 20 year experience with the gender financial report and to learn from other public and private initiatives. Here with Inez Murray, CEO Financial Alliance for Woman.

Mexico made history this weekend by breaking the glass ceiling and electing their first-ever female president, in a rare contest between two women. But, as Madam Ellen Sirleaf Johnson and I write, halfway through this year of unprecedented elections, Mexico is an exception. None of the world’s three most populous countries voting this year–Indonesia, India and the United States–have women as major candidates. Out of 18 African countries holding an election, only one–Namibia–is likely to see a woman become president. We need to reverse this trend, not just to ensure women are equally represented at the highest political levels, but also to build fairer societies that cast away oppressive and discriminatory barriers, prioritizing policies that are critical to sustainable development and the promotion of human rights. As women around the world challenge authoritarianism on the frontlines, we need to stand with them. At the Open Society Foundations, we have established the Women’s Political Leadership Fund to back the feminist leaders driving transformative change in their societies. We need other funders to step up, too.