Top Women Awards winners inspire others

Karla Fletcher, Associate Publisher for Topco Media, the company behind the Top Women Awards initiative, says that South African companies are recognising that strong women are fundamental to the sustainable growth of the country and as a result have shown strong support for the Awards.

"The recognition that comes with winning an award goes beyond just getting an accolade. An event like the Top Women Awards that recognises the great work that people and companies are doing to actively promote professional women in the workplace, helps to set new industry standards for gender empowerment. The success stories the Awards bring to light act as a powerful motivator to other companies to raise the bar with regards to their own company gender empowerment policies."

Megan Willson, owner of the 360 Degrees Production House and winner at last year's Awards highlights the value of being recognised: "Being the recipient of the 2010 Top Woman Entrepreneur Award was an extraordinary honour, but it wasn't about me. It was about how much a woman's intuition, sensitivity and innate sense of nurturing can bring to the hurly-burly of cutting-edge business. In a harsh environment, dignity and grace are vitally important qualities which I strive for always, particularly because in my line of business playing to win should mean ensuring that we all win."

CEO of JHI Properties, Marna van der Walt - who won the Top Women Executive Award at last year's Top Women Awards - says that winning the Award and receiving the recognition was not only an honour for her personally, but also for JHI Properties.

"Winning this Award would not have been possible without the support of the executives and staff whom I represent, and so the Award is a measure of the success of our organisation as a whole.

"The property sector is vibrant and constantly evolving, and also highly competitive and challenging. I hope that my receiving the award last year has helped to inspire young women and entrepreneurs who are aspiring to gain a foothold in this sector."

This year's Top Women Awards will take place at a glittering gala ceremony at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday, 22 September 2011. A judging panel of top South African businesswomen will assess entrants across a number of categories that highlight the growing influence of women in all sectors of business and government.

Companies who would like to enter this year's Top Women Awards can contact 086 000 9590, email az.oc.ocpot@rehctelf.yelah or visit www.topwomenawards.com. Entries close 19 August 2011.