The GMAs, an initiative of Business Engage, exists to encourage and publicly recognise private sector buy-in on the meaningful representation of women in mainstream business.
“We believe in inclusive transformation, not only for the betterment of our country and its people, but also for the creation of a culture that recognises and celebrates individual diversity to the benefit of the individual and the company. These accolades are an affirmation that we are continuing to make a positive impact with our Nation Building Strategy, which outlines our commitment to embracing the magic of ‘all people’, regardless of gender, race, age or disability,” says Gert Schoonbee, MD of T-Systems South Africa.
There are nine categories in all, of which T-Systems entered five. T-Systems was announced the overall winner in the following two categories:
Furthermore, T-Systems was also recognised as the winner within the non-listed Mainstreaming Gender and Disability category, and came second in the overall Women on Boards category.
The Empowerment of Women in the Community category recognises organisations that implemented sustainable initiatives around the alleviation of poverty through skills development and income opportunity provision, positively impacting the lives of women and poor communities. T-Systems was honoured for its continued and committed investment in skills development in rural areas through its Hazyview Digital Learning Centre (HDLC) in Mpumalanga, which particularly benefits women from poor backgrounds, and where women make up 86% of all HDLC non-paying students.
The Women on Executive Committees in Multinationals and Women on Boards categories recognise those organisations that have successfully implemented programmes to shift the statistics in terms of women on their executive committees and/or boards. These companies must have also made successful executive committee and/or board appointments, or have developed a pipeline program geared towards future appointments.
The T-Systems executive committee is vastly different to that of six years ago, having undergone significant gender constructive changes since then. T-Systems’ board has undergone similar positive changes, now consisting of 67% female representation. Winning the Executive Committee in Multinational award and taking second place in the Women on Boards category highlights T-System’s dedication to sustaining these developments.
Finally, the Mainstreaming Gender and Disability category acknowledges and rewards organisations that promote economic empowerment through the integration of disabled people into existing or planned sustainable development programmes that will enhance their skills and provide them with employment opportunities. T-Systems has earned its award by creating a strong focus on disabled persons and providing multiple equal opportunities for them within their ICT Academy, an initiative that assists and supports previously disadvantaged individuals to further their education in the field of technology.
Says Adre du Plessis, VP of Strategy and Transformation at T-Systems, “We are very proud to be associated with the well-known and established brands that have been similarly honoured at this event. As a collective we are all actively invested in seeking change for our country and have the common goal of contributing positively to a nation that embraces diversity on all levels in business.”
“As the 2014 Gender Mainstreaming Champion, our awards this year provides testimony to the ongoing sustainability of our transformation program. Transformation is a key strategic agenda item within our organisation. We take our responsibility seriously and aim to inspire others to be part of a future of inclusive transformation that embraces diversity for a better South Africa.”
