Pfizer South Africa sponsors Top Women Awards

Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, Public Affairs, Policy and Communications Director for Pfizer South Africa says that the company is sponsoring the category because it places a significant spotlight on recognizing and celebrating women in these key sectors.

"Pfizer South Africa takes the issue of gender empowerment very seriously. Underpinning the success of the company are its core values which project a strong culture of workplace diversity. We currently employ 517 staff across the country, of which 68% are female."

Gunkel-Keuler says that the country is facing challenges with regards to the attraction and retention of top talent in the Science, Biotechnology and Healthcare sectors and it is important to applaud those women who are making a difference by contributing towards the ongoing development of these sectors every day.

"Pfizer South Africa is proud to recognise those women making significant strides in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. We know that pharmacists and healthcare practitioners at large are in short supply in South Africa and we believe that by placing an increased focus on the need to develop and retain talent within this sector, we will begin to strengthen the supply of highly skilled talent for years to come."

The Top Women Awards provides companies with a unique platform to showcase their gender empowerment success stories and to award strong women who deserve to be recognised for their professional achievements.

Now in its 8th year, the event has received significant support from the South African business community who are paying tribute to the vital contribution that strong women make to the sustainable growth of the country every day.

This year's Top Women Awards will be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday, 22 September 2011. The event will be attended by popular radio and television celebrities, South African business leaders and government officials amongst others.

About Pfizer
Pfizer Laboratories was established in South Africa in 1953 and with its Vision of 'living our full potential in striving for a healthier Southern Africa', embraces its dream of being able to see every Southern African having access to quality healthcare. Its head office is in Sandton, Johannesburg and is made up of four divisions: Ethical Pharmaceuticals, Animal Health, Consumer Health and the Nutritional business. Pfizer South Africa is the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical manufacturer. For more information, please visit: www.pfizer.co.za.