South Africa ranks 117 out of 149 countries in gender wage fairness

In celebration of Women’s Month, Accenture, Nedbank, MTN and Business Engage have partnered to host the 2nd annual Voices of Change event on 08 August that aims to encourage men and women to play leading roles on gender parity in the workplace. It also aims to inspire organisations, irrespective of their business purpose, to work together towards common goals.

South Africa’s labour market has not changed much in the last few years despite a growing need for a more equal workforce. Regardless of positive gender equality ranking – 19th out of 149 countries – by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Report, South Africa still ranks 117 out of 149 countries in gender wage fairness. Additionally, research conducted by 30 per cent Club Southern Africa acknowledges that there is still much more to be done to get to a balanced workforce.

The idea for Voices of Change, a series of events being held in global locations, came from the 2017 One Young World Summit where Accenture and Thomson Reuters identified an opportunity to leverage their networks and experience to create a lasting and impactful change.

According to Ntombi Mhangwani, Integrated Marketing and Communications Director and Women’s Forum Lead for Accenture in Africa, in South Africa, there is a need for collaboration at all levels to foster a more equal future for all. Voices of Change is about underscoring the value of female inclusion and the value of leadership diversity. It opens the floor to men and women responsible for seeking and leading the change. Our commitment to working together as corporates towards achieving these goals can help pave the future,” says Mhangwani.

The Chairperson of Nedbank Women’s Forum, Lerato Maupa, emphasizes that Voices of Change reinforces Nedbank’s strategic intent of developing and advancing women in the workplace. “The event will provide women from all participating partners with an opportunity to learn how leaders are tackling gender equality and what this action means to them. I’m also thrilled to have millennials from partner organisations on board as they’ll share their views on how organisations can create inclusive spaces for growth,” says Maupa.

For MTN, Voices of Change should remind all businesses about the importance of forging ahead with the noble quest of creating an enabling environment that encourages and nurtures the development of women. “We believe that an even greater impact can be made if we work together towards unlocking the potential of female leaders – not only in the ICT sectors but throughout the economic segments,” says Elsie Manamela, Transformation Senior Manager for MTN South Africa.

Despite the steady progress made in the last few years, South Africa still has a long way from achieving gender parity. “I’m pleased about the commitment and progress Accenture, Nedbank, MTN and are making in advancing their women, and have no doubt that their efforts will bring many benefits in the long run,” says Colleen Larsen, Business Engage’s Gender Mainstreaming Awards founder and President of 30 per cent Club Southern Africa. “These organisations are setting an example on how organisations should work together to address pertinent issues affecting society. Business Engage will help them navigate many hurdles and achieve their goals.”

Edited by Fundisiwe Maseko
Follow Fundisiwe Maseko on Twitter
Follow IT News Africa on Twitter