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Tag: Gender Empowerment

Rachel Kolisi to deliver keynote address at Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2025

Top Women Conference inside image

The Standard Bank Top Women Conference, South Africa’s premier gender empowerment platform, returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 22–23 September under the bold theme: “Her Power. Africa’s Future.” Now in its ninth year, this two-day conference will convene over 1 000 influential leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers committed to advancing women’s role in shaping Africa’s growth story. It has become a rallying point for women who are not only participating in South Africa’s progress, but actively defining it. This year’s theme underscores the unstoppable force of women entrepreneurs as visionaries whose strength, innovation, and resilience are transforming industries, communities, and borders. “I believe platforms like the Standard Bank Top Women Conference are vital because they don’t just recognise women’s achievements, they ignite conversations and connections that lead to real change. For me, the most powerful part of this journey is seeing how collaboration between visionary leaders, sponsors, and entrepreneurs creates lasting impact. As we launch the 20th annual Top Women Leaders Publication, it’s a reminder that women are not waiting for the future…we are building it.” – Twaambo Judy Chileshe, Head of Brand, Top Women  A powerful line-up of topics and leaders The two-day programme is set to deliver an impactful experience, featuring inspiring keynote addresses from visionary leaders, dynamic panel discussions, SheLeads Dialogues, and a wealth of networking opportunities designed to accelerate inclusive growth across South Africa. Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in PitchPower Networking sessions, where they can deliver rapid two-minute lightning pitches to showcase their business, product, or service to an audience of peers, potential partners, and investors. Programme highlights include: From sustainability and governance to creative industries, youth entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation, the agenda reflects the full entrepreneurial journey and the ecosystem of support needed to help women thrive. READ: 3 ways to use events to boost your organisation’s reach and revenue Keynote voices of change This year’s keynote speakers include: Together, these leaders and many others will bring their expertise, experience, and passion to discussions that champion inclusive enterprise and women-driven innovation. Building legacy through partnership The Standard Bank Top Women Conference continues to grow as a collaborative platform thanks to the support of its valued partners and sponsors:  Platinum Partner: Standard Bank Gold Partner: merSETA Host City Partner: Gauteng Tourism Authority Silver Partners: Merchants, Harmony Gold Mining Company, Guerbet SA, KFC South Africa Bronze Partners: Enel Green Power, Barloworld Limited, Bridging & Associates, MSD Southern Africa, South African Airways, SIBANYE Still Water Showcase Counters: CorpsAfrica, Mancosa, Godrej Consumer Products, Euphoria Telecom, The Gordon Group, CCG Systems Lifestyle Partners: Nespresso, Mr Price Sport, L’oreal, DHL Their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in business and society is central to the conference’s impact and longevity. INTERVIEW: How Rachel Kolisi balances it all Join the movement – Shape Africa’s future Delegates will leave empowered with actionable strategies, new connections, and a renewed vision of how women-led enterprises can shape Africa’s economic and social future. Event Details:Venue: The Ballroom, Sandton Convention Centre, JohannesburgDate: 22–23 September 2025 Tickets: https://qkt.io/X98Pay 

Narrowing workplace gender bias needs strong leadership

Narrowing workplace gender bias needs strong leadership

“PWC’s recent insights into gender equity, released in March this year, highlight significant gender empowerment gaps globally, and in previous years have honed in on South Africa, where men remain more empowered in the workplace than women.”

Two decades of celebrating success: Standard Bank Top Women Leaders publication hits 20 year milestone

Top Women publication anniversary

Standard Bank Top Women Leaders celebrates the gender empowerment journey of South Africa as seen through the lens of our publication. Since 2004, the Top Women brand has been South Africa’s leading advocate for gender empowerment, celebrating women-led business success, and spotlighting organisations which have not only integrated this imperative within their operations, but achieved unparalleled growth because of it. Throughout the years the selection of thought leadership articles by women leaders, our features on prominent trailblazers, and our tips and advice for success have provided  inspiration to the many female entrepreneurs out there seeking role models and advice. The brand has grown from strength to strength through its strategic alliances with organisations that share its passion for meaningful transformation, including the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, UN Women, the Commission for Gender Equality and our Platinum Partner, Standard Bank. This milestone 20th edition will be launched at the prestigious Standard Bank Top Women Conference on 22 and 23 September at the Sandton Convention Centre. A taste of some of the exciting content you can expect includes catch ups with our Standard Bank Top Women Leaders cover icons over the last decade. These include Leila Fourie, Group CEO at the JSE; Dr Anna Mokgokong, Executive Chairperson at Community Investment Holdings and Chancellor of North West University; Caster Semenya, Olympic and world athletics 800m champion; Wendy Applebaum, business leader, philanthropist and Chairperson of DeMorgenzon Wine Estate; and Professor Glenda Gray, Chair of the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) to name a few. The editorial features cover a cornucopia of topics, looking at where we are in terms of GBVF, South Africa’s Young Global Leaders, AI, The Ripple Effect of Empathy, Top Women in Africa, Board Diversity, Sustainability and Scaling, Transformation, and The Importance of Networking. We also celebrate the amazing women breaking barriers in typically male-dominated industries, with our ‘Top Women Across The Board’ section, shining a light on the women blazing the trail in the fields of tech, mining, finance, engineering and more!  In addition, we showcase the phenomenal award recipients of the Young Achiever of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year and Business Leader of the Year at the 2024 Standard Bank Top Women Awards! And last but by no means least for your edification is the index listing a selection of the top gender empowered companies in South Africa.  To find out more about the Standard Bank Top Women Leaders publication, contact Odelia Fester, Top Women Leaders project manager at odelia.fester@topco.co.za.

It’s just good business – this is why businesses enter awards

By Koketso Mamabolo When we watch awards ceremonies we see the flashing lights, red carpets and dazzling attire. We see the celebrations, hear the acceptance speech and debate who we think should’ve won. But why do people and organisations enter awards? What are the benefits?  While a study by the University of Leicester found that within three years of receiving an award businesses see increases in, amongst others things, sales and share value, it’s about more than just money.  Researchers have found that while business excellence awards (BEAs) have an impact on the long-term performance of a business – projecting status and credibility –  they also have the effect of encouraging good and sustainable business practices. Markets are crowded, talent is scarce, and BEAs provide an opportunity for businesses, from SMEs to multinational corporations, to set themselves apart from the competition and attract talent. Here we breakdown the four main reasons businesses enter awards: 1. Credibility Whether local, regional or international, business excellence awards are a way for organisations to build trust in their brand with the stamp of approval from a respected third party. In a crowded market, traditional approaches to marketing aren’t  as effective as they used to be in boosting an organisation’s reputation.  Awards are tied to criteria which provide quality assurance, ultimately enhancing the business’ reputation. This is particularly true for new and small businesses – especially when awards are more niche and focused on issues such as gender empowerment or focused on a particular region. Interestingly, researchers have found that in South Korea businesses who enter awards are often the ones who are most involved in corporate social responsibility work despite it not increasing the prospects of winning. Simply put, organisations that do good tend to enter awards. 2. Image repair The reach of social media and the rise of conscious consumers means that a businesses reputation can be damaged extensively and at a rapid pace. What awards offer is a chance to show the good that businesses are doing, particularly with regards to ethics, community investment and people management.  In the case of CEOs and other business leaders, individual awards have the potential to enhance a businesses reputation through association. The more credible the leader, the more likely people are to view the business itself as more credible – it starts at the top, as the saying goes. 3. Publicity Awards and the ceremonies themselves bring with them a large amount of press coverage. As a finalist or winner, your achievements will be broadcast across on multiple channels, reaching a wide audience, which not only includes consumers but also investors, lenders and potential suppliers. Whether it’s the organisation that organises the awards programme, their sponsors, or the media, the results and build-up to the ceremony will be covered extensively, giving you another marketing platform. Customers and investors want to know they’re putting their time and money into the best that is on offer. Entering an award opens up the opportunity for investors and customers to see what your company is about and where you are compared to your competitors. 4. Motivation In their paper, The gold rush for Business excellence awards: A discursive practice approach, Brunel University’s Asante Shadrack highlights the motivational aspect of entering awards: “These awards events provide staff with something to look forward to after their hard work throughout the year and also give employees to aim for or look forward to at the beginning of the next working year.” With specific criteria that needs to be met, businesses can set targets accordingly, giving employees a sense of purpose. Even if the business does not win, they know how they need to improve and can learn from their competitors. Internally, employees are able to focus on what the organisation is doing well which builds a sense of pride. When it comes to people management, awards can also serve as a motivator for executives and senior management to work consciously to empower and support employees. Awards that recognise innovation in a particular sector help encourage the kind of behaviour which leads to innovation: taking risks and experimenting with creative solutions. Get ahead of the pack It is said that sprinters run faster times when they have people to compete against. They’re given a push knowing they have someone to measure themselves against. Entering an award allows business a chance to see where they stand in their industry and the broader business community. Competition does not mean peers cannot celebrate each other’s achievements. There’s an old African proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. We’re continually moving forward and often don’t have time to pause and reflect on the journey we’ve taken. Sitting down to submit an application for an award and putting together a motivation, attempting to meet all the criteria, can be a great ‘stock-taking’ exercise. Award ceremonies themselves are an opportunity for the business community to come together. Entrepreneurs are able to network with people, inside and outside their sector, exchanging ideas, opinions, stories and contact details. In the end it’s not only about performing better and taking home the bragging rights. As we say here at Topco Media, It’s about inspiring the world to do good business. Are you a tech giant or startup looking to stand out from the rest? For over two decades Topco Media has been recognising and giving exposure to organisations doing good business. Be part of the Africa Tech Week awards. Enter now.  Sources: Brunel University | Wiley