“It’s Time to Stop ‘Manning’ Boardrooms, Women in Senior Positions Drive Transformative Change in the Workplace, says Afrika Tikkun.
AUGUST 2024, JOHANNESBURG: As South Africa prepares to commemorate Women’s Day, Afrika Tikkun calls for transformative change in the workplace, emphasising the urgent need for more women in senior positions.
Leadership that is not only visionary but deeply human is essential for true progress. Marian Claite, the chief operating officer of Afrika Tikkun has witnessed firsthand how perseverance, compassion, and confidence drive success.
“On this Women’s Day, as we reflect on the qualities that define exceptional leadership, three attributes stand out as crucial for transformative success—perseverance, confidence, and compassion. These qualities, inherently embodied by countless women, are not merely virtues; they are the very reasons why women deserve a seat in the boardroom.”
In March this year, the World Economic Forum reported that global data provided by LinkedIn covering 163 countries showed that women accounted for 41.9% of the workforce in 2023. However, the share of women in senior leadership positions, such as director, vice-president or manager is nearly 10 percentage points lower, at 32.2%. While the proportion of women hired into leadership positions has been steadily increasing by about 1% per year globally for the past eight years, this trend reversed in 2023, regressing to 2021 levels.
“Women face several barriers to attaining senior positions, including unconscious biases and systemic discrimination that affect hiring and promotions. Gender stereotypes, limited networking opportunities, and organisational cultures that lack support for diversity exacerbate these issues,” said Claite.
Additionally, disparities in education and professional development opportunities, along with underrepresentation in senior roles, contribute to a cycle that hinders women’s progress. Claite said addressing these barriers requires implementing inclusive policies, fostering supportive environments, and actively working to eliminate biases.
For many South African women, perseverance is a daily reality. “Women navigate a world where challenges are not just expected but entrenched—whether it’s breaking through glass ceilings, balancing professional and personal responsibilities, or overcoming systemic biases. Their ability to persist, to rise above hurdles with unyielding resolve, is a testament to their strength. It is this perseverance that equips women to lead with resilience, driving organisations forward even in the face of uncertainty.”
Claite said women bring a confidence grounded in experience and a vision for a more inclusive, equitable future – qualities that are indispensable in shaping dynamic, forward-thinking organisations.
“Yet, confidence for women is often a battleground of its own. Societal norms and biases can diminish their self-assurance, but those who rise to leadership roles do so by conquering these internal and external challenges. Their confidence is not merely self-assuredness; it’s a profound belief in their ability to effect change and inspire those around them.”
Often seen as a weakness, compassion is the most defining trait of a good leader, Claite said.
“Compassion is not about sentimentality; it’s about understanding, empathy, and the ability to build connections that foster collaboration and trust. Women’s leadership often reflects a deep compassion for their teams and communities. This quality drives them to create workplaces where people are valued, diversity is celebrated, and well-being is prioritised. Compassionate leaders not only drive performance but also nurture an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.”
Afrika Tikkun is a leading youth development organisation transforming the lives of South Africa’s young people from Cradle-to-Career. The organistaions senior leadership is comprised of majority women, whose insights, intellect, and natural empathy for responsible development drive the organisation’s success. These leaders were selected based on merit and suitability.
Claite urged Corporate SA to recognise that advancing gender equality in the workplace is a strategic imperative for organisational success.
“The boardroom is not just a space for decision-making; it is a place where leadership defines the future. It is time to recognise that the attributes of perseverance, confidence, and compassion essential for effective leadership. Women offer a transformative perspective that enriches strategic decision-making and fosters a more inclusive and resilient organisational culture,” said Claite.
By promoting women to senior positions, companies can harness diverse perspectives, drive innovation, and better reflect the communities they serve. “We urge organisations to take meaningful action towards elevating women into leadership roles, implementing inclusive policies, and fostering supportive environments. Together, we can break down the barriers that hold women back and create a more equitable and dynamic future for all,” she concludes.
Afrika Tikkun strives to develop an entry to the mid-level workforce with the empowerment of young job seekers. Proving a vital range of solutions through a skills development and job creation toolkit, the organisation works closely with companies, to helping them evaluate their transformation mandate and build solutions that align with their social and business requirements. This is achieved consultatively through B-BBEE advisory services, bursary management services, skills development, placement services and end-to-end project management.
Established in 1994, Afrika Tikkun commemorates 30 years of unwavering commitment to nurturing young lives and empowering communities.
For more details please visit www.afrikatikkun.com