Women in Africa Working Together Conference

A 2007 US study found that Boards that held more women experienced return on equity 400 basis points higher, return on sales 400 basis points higher and return on invested capital 300 basis points higher than Boards with only token female representation”one or two women.

As the recession slowly recedes, it is vital that South African women take a more prominent place in the boardroom, the public sector and the entrepreneurial venture. Such integration is not about "gender quotas" but about the power women bring to create holistic attitudes, transparency, inclusiveness and an abiding understanding of the relationship between the earth and its citizens.

The "Women in Africa Working Together" conference was organised by WIF, 85 Broads “ an US based network for women executives “ and ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and was supported by Absa.

The conference gave delegates access to women leaders at the front line of corporate initiatives who reflected on their successes, the barriers they overcame and the continuing obstacles to advancing more women into the leadership pipeline.

Panellists explored their experiences in climbing the career ladder and shared insights into the most effective strategies “ both personal and institutional “ for advancement. They focussed on how to navigate challenges, create strategic partnerships and respond effectively to incentives that maximise success.

Moreover, sustainability and community care issues that are core to women were also addressed as a business imperative not just a social responsibility.

This was one of the more significant conferences for women in Africa this year, which offered substantial opportunities with their peers for growth, networking and insight.

The conference received international encouragement from Cherie Blair, wife of former UK Prime Minister.

 œI am delighted to be able to endorse the goals of your conference, which so clearly match those of my Cherie Blair Foundation for Women in helping women across the world to realise their potential by promoting and supporting their economic independence. 

Women with economic security and independence have much greater control over the lives of themselves and their children. It also, importantly, gives women a more influential voice in their communities and wider society to tackle injustice and discrimination.�

The feedback received is proof of the success of this event and we will see the roll-out of this concept in November 2010.  We encourage you to visit www.womeninfinance,co.za regularly to be updated on future opportunities such as these.