MEDIA AND ICT
CHAMPIONING THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE ICT SECTOR AND BEYOND Charmaine Houvet, Cisco Charmaine Houvet is a Senior Director at Cisco, an American-based multinational digital communications technology conglomerate corporation. She has enjoyed a remarkable journey that began in Durban’s Wentworth community, in South Africa. Houvet’s leadership reaches beyond the boardroom as she continues to drive initiatives related to her former role as Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, offering counsel to the board of WeThinkCode and BeyGOOD x Global Citizen Fellowship programme. “I am powered by a purpose that enables me to intentionally and effortlessly pay it forward always,” she says. Her commitment aligns harmoniously with the words of social and political activist, Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke who inspired us with the words “If you can rise, bring someone with you”. Her dedication knows no boundaries, making her an inspiring figure for those aspiring to drive global change. Within the tech industry, Houvet is celebrated for her unwavering advocacy for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). She fervently supports initiatives that empower women in tech, is a trusted advisor to government and business leaders, and collaborates with non-profit organisations and tech associations to sponsor coding workshops. Her work is in perfect harmony with the principles of diversity and inclusion that are crucial in today’s tech world. With two decades of experience in the African telecommunications sector, Houvet’s accomplishments at Cisco underscore her expertise. Her academic background, which includes an MBA and a BA degree, complements her practical knowledge. In addition, she chairs the Cisco Charitable Trust Board, exemplifying transformative leadership in action. Her blend of education and practical experience is a true recipe for success. She was also named South Africa’s Top Woman in ICT in 2016, received the MTN Ministerial Recognition Award in 2017, was selected as a winner for Women in Tech InspiringFifty Africa 2023, and won the Mail & Guardian Governing Woman Award in 2023, for her transformational work in the public sector. Her pro bono advisory engagements solidify her influence and commitment to driving global change. Her numerous awards and roles demonstrate the wide-reaching impact of her work. Charmaine’s life and career serve as a beacon of hope for women in tech and a catalyst for transformation in the ICT sector. She envisions a South Africa where unpaid care work is factored into the country’s GDP, ensuring that women can fully benefit from the economy, education and public life—an inspiring vision that resonates with many. Her vision for a more inclusive and equitable South Africa is something we can all get behind. Houvet’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of influential voices within the DEI landscape. Her dedication, leadership and commitment to empowerment have set a high standard 33
DEI in the Global South | Edition 1
