Coinciding with the United Nation's International Women's Day and South Africa's Human Rights Day in March, Top Women launches its 2020 programme in celebration of all active citizens who contribute to accelerating the power and impact of gender parity and women empowerment in the workplace. With regional and national conferences rolling out across the country, the Top Women 2020 programme shines a light on the success stories of South Africa's women leaders and offers a powerful platform to address the enduring challenges that face gender justice, empowerment and women-driven economic growth.
Included in the Top Women community of leaders is a selection of esteemed speakers past and present: Former Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Adv. Thuli Madonsela, Phuti Mahanyele, Johanna Mukoki, Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Aisha Pandor, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Judy Dlamini and Caster Semenya to name but a few.
As an authoritative symposium for women and men to engage in dialogue and create an action plan for positive change, Top Women responds to the pertinent questions surrounding the barriers to success for women in the workplace. With a gathering of renowned thought leaders, mentors, entrepreneurs and change-drivers from the business world, public sector, civil society and communities, the Top Women conferences welcome all to participate and contribute to the programme of exchange, dialogue and knowledge sharing.
The 2020 regional and national conventions allow women entrepreneurs a rare opportunity to be fast-tracked to high-level networking masterclasses with trade executives, to grow their business acumen and skills development through fireside-chat panel discussions, and to gain valuable exposure for their business ideas in unique pitching sessions to top captains of industry.
"It is no longer a secret that women are the custodians of key developments in South Africa, and the rest of the African continent. At Standard Bank, we have an opportunity through the Top Woman partnership, to not only identify but celebrate women who are making considerable strides in their respective industries. Top Women is not a destination, but one of the many steps we as Standard Bank are taking with our leading women to ensure that they keep moving forward," says Lindy-Lou Alexander, head of marketing: personal and business banking at Standard Bank.
The Top Women national tour culminates with the annual Top Women Awards in Johannesburg in August 2020 and honours the nation's finest achievers for their outstanding contribution to gender justice. The 2020 Top Women Awards finalists represent South Africa's potential to overcome adversities facing women in business and are comprised of a range of organisations from the private sector, government, communities and civil society.
The finalists and award winners inspire the nation to mobilise mutual efforts toward paving the way for an inclusive and fair environment. Top Women Awards entries are now open.
"Our ethos at Top Women is a community built around the spirit of mentorship, with successful women uplifting others to pursue success to an equal degree, and collectively sharing knowledge gained through experience to help all community members advance," says Ralf Fletcher, the CEO of Topco Media.
"We are passionate about exemplifying and driving gender empowerment and our regional conferences contribute to driving growth throughout different spheres of the economy by offering the relevant tools needed for women to break down the barriers of access to markets. We look forward to showcasing some of the most successful stories and strategies implemented in the development of leadership roles for women, and connecting entrepreneurs to key influencers who are serious about economy-wide progress."
For more information, go to https://topbusinesswomen.co.za/, call 086 000 9590 or email az.oc.nemoWpoT@gnitekram.
