What We Do
#She4She
#She4She Peer Mentoring Programme
Despite positive strides, women still suffer gaping cases of inequality at the workplace. Gender equality campaigns still have a long way to go, in closing the gap in advancement between men and women. In painting the picture of the environment that surrounds women at their workplaces, the research by Thomson found the following:
- Work-life Balance
- Equal Pay
- Career Opportunities
- Harassment
- Having children while building a career
In a 2018 survey on 3627 professional women around the world, Price Water Coopers found that:
- 82% of the women recorded confidence in their ability to fulfill their career aspirations
- 775 in their ability to lead
- 73% are actively seeking career advancement opportunities.
- 75% stating that their career goals are to reach the top of their chosen career; that is, to obtain a leadership position.
In South Africa, Women make up 51% of South Africa’s 56.5 million people but only a meagre 44% of them hold professional posts. They also remain largely underrepresented in positions of power and authority. To record gains in this struggle, young women must be empowered.
Project objectives
- Empower young women with a collective voice in search of solutions to their work experiences
- Provide work platforms that will encourage young women to speak up about their experiences in the workplace.
- Help young women become fearless in addressing cases of harassment and discrimination at work
- Empower them to dream and achieve their career aspirations as a matter of right,not privilege.
What ails the modern woman at her workplace?
Lack of support at the workplace: “Women need proactive networks of leaders and peers who will develop, promote and champion them at home and in the workplace… They need dedicated sponsors and role models of both genders. Lack of support from male colleagues will stall progress”, PWC 2018. Women have been shown to thrive where they received support from their fellow women. This is especially true in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Life work balance: The modern woman is often under pressure to choose between a career and a family. This work life balance model however is unattainable. Women who choose both are forced to choose a less demanding career.
This stifles their career ambitions as they sit back and watch men live their dream.
Lack of platforms to address oppression and harassment: A woman who has been sexually harassed feels ashamed of herself. Similarly, women have been made to believe that it is their fault the ordeal took place. Those courageous enough to speak out are not always believed. Others fear to be laid off or even to be blamed for creating a toxic environment. Effects of sexual harassment include lack of motivation, anxiety, depression, post- traumatic stress and a lower level of happiness. Women should be encouraged to speak up without fear of retaliation.
What We Do
Our Response
1. Coaching
One on One and Peer Coaching: One on one coaching services are offered by Womaniko coaches to selected young women in need of specialised attention. This intervention is given to those who might be struggling with issues of self-confidence and self-awareness; struggling to cope with their work; find themselves in work dilemmas they are not able to solve; and feeling they are in need of growth in their careers.
Peer to Peer Coaching For deeper reflections and peer support, participants will be divided into small groups of around 2-3 members, with each group spearheaded by a leader. This is optional, depending on the time and interests of young women in the different companies.
2. #She4She Conversations
These consist of group conversations on topical issues affecting young women workers in different companies. These conversations take different forms, combining presentations, group discussions, motivational speakers, videos and fun activities. Each topic takes at least 3 group sessions looking at what is the issue; what feeds the issue and what actions should be taken to address the challenge?
3. Annual #She4She Symposium
The annual symposium is a joint mentorship programme that brings together young women from different companies. The themes for the symposium are informed by the pertinent issues emerging from different conversations taking place in various companies through the coaching and mentorship program.
Appropriate speakers are invited to participate and share their knowledge and expertise with young women. The symposium takes the form of conversations, story-telling and presentations. The event thus becomes a platform to exchange ideas, interact with one another and networking.
Our Methodology
- We use Rolfe’s model of reflective conversations based on three simple questions, the ‘what, so what, and now what’.
- The first conversation, looking at “the what”, seeks to enable the participants to make sense of their experiences and their context.
- The second conversation looks at “so what” and is used as a tool to analyze the multiple perspectives surrounding the participant’s experiences and the issues they are facing within their context.
- The third conversation focuses on “now what” and is used to help participants create the alternative future they so desire with concrete steps they will take to create the desired future they wish to see.
