By More Matshediso
Pretoria – The Deputy Minister of Communications, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has encouraged women to fully participate in the country’s decision making processes.
The Deputy Minister was speaking at the 26th annual South African Council for Business Women (SACBW) gala dinner, held on Saturday in Pretoria.
“It can never be correct that we, politicians, sit somewhere and draft policies… But when we hold public hearings or meetings, people do not come to engage and propose ideas that will benefit them,” said the Deputy Minister.
The Deputy Minister said it was important for women to make use of platforms such as the SACBW in order to increase the participation of women in the mainstream economy.
The national President of SACBW, Hester du Bruyn, whose presidential term ends this year, said the footprint of the organisation in South Africa is growing.
“This is due to the dedication and commitment of the leaders of the branches and our honorary life members,” said Du Bruyn.
She said women should not underestimate the power within themselves, and the significant difference they can make when they stand together.
“I see a bright future for this country when we can assist our youth to never give up on their dreams,” Du Bruyn said.
She urged women to keep empowering one another.
“Too many women, both in South Africa and globally, continue to face barriers to financial independence. When women lack economic power, communities suffer,” Du Bruyn said.
She said economic barriers must be removed because “we can no longer afford to waste the potential of half the world’s population”.
Du Bruyn’s successor, Cerita Nagy, 44, who will be taking over as the SACBW president next year, reiterated Du Bruyn’s sentiments and said she believed that women have the potential to change the world for the better.
“It is our responsibility as women to mentor and empower other women in our country. The current president mentored me and I am grateful… I appreciate her,” said Nagy.
“If we educate women, we educate the nation. If we empower women, we empower the nation.”
The council’s 2014 Business Woman of the Year received awards during the gala dinner, and Ivy Meyer of Lakeside in Cape Town, walked away with the award for Women Entrepreneur of the Year.
Meyer was awarded for successfully running two projects that empower her community, especially youth and people with disabilities.
Meyer, who is the Director of Rapitrade 458 Pty Ltd and a founder of Out of Africa Dance Academy, told SAnews that she was thrilled to be recognised as one of the outstanding women among many.
“I will continue to help youth empower themselves, and people with disabilities to reach their full potential,” said Meyer.
She received an award earlier this year in New York for International Professional: Business Woman.
Rapitrade is a medical business and Out of Africa Dance Academy is a dancing school, both ran by Meyer, who is also a motivational speaker.
“I have been running Rapitrade for seven years, and the dance academy for about 15 years now. If you remain self-motivated and passionate about life, you will manage to keep young like me,” said Meyer, who is 50 years old.
SACBW is a non-profit organisation and is represented nationally by successful business women.
The council was established to represent women in business, and create a vehicle for women to network, learn from each other, grow and mentor other women. - SAnews.gov.za
