Women on their way to the top

Women are making a significant contribution to the economy, and many are reaching the top echelons of management. However, more can be done to fast-track their progress

“The business case for gender diversity must be recognised and supported from the very top of the organisation,” says Sandra Burmeister, CEO of the Landelahni Recruitment Group. “Management needs to recognise that companies that celebrate diversity are best- placed to develop a flexible organisation that can maximise business opportunities. Transformation and diversity are not a ‘nice-to- have’. They are a business imperative.” A recent McKinsey report on Women in the

remarkable achievement considering that the USA has been working at it for more than 60 years, and SA only for 15 years. “However, the fall-off in the proportion of

Economy found that, in the United States, structural blocks and embedded institutional mindsets play a major role in limiting women’s opportunities. Lifestyle issues such as the desire for a work-life balance and individual mindsets also hold women back. “South Africa’s legislative framework in terms of black economic empowerment and the advancement of women have had a significant impact in addressing structural issues and influencing corporates to be more gender- and equity sensitive,” says Burmeister. In SA, women make up 45% of entry-

women at every step up the corporate ladder remains a concern. We need to plug the leaks in the promotion pipeline. While many barriers have been addressed by SA’s enabling legislation, women themselves need to make the shift when it comes to lifestyle issues and personal beliefs.” Research shows that in the past women

were prejudiced in the job market because of differences in skills and experience, education and the career choices they make, along with family status. “However,” says Burmeister, “more women are

level professionals, against 53% in the US. However, some 43% of women in SA hold mid- management roles compared to 37% of their US peers. In SA and the US, representation is the same at 27% for senior management level and 18% for executive level (18%). “In other words, SA has reached gender parity with the US,” says Burmeister. “This is a

moving into roles that have operational and financial responsibilities. More are studying in accounting and technical areas. They are returning to work sooner, or starting their own business at home while raising children and re- entering the workplace with new and updated skills. “In corporations, many women are ambitious

and committed to self-empowerment. They welcome the opportunity to be fast-tracked in their career, based on recognition of their true worth, rather than the company’s need to tick quota boxes.” “Women want to feel that their development as professionals is as important to their

August 2011 | Management Today 53