Championing the participation of women in the ICT sector

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 Houvet’s extraordinary 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 which she challenges her team members and mentees to follow on the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future. Her career journey is a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and beyond.

Houvet’s impressive array of accolades do not end with the IT industry. She is also the chairperson of the Leadership Development Committee of the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA LDC) – a role she executes with passion. It is the responsibility of LDC to develop and build a pipeline of the next generation of women leaders through structured world class leadership development programmes, mentoring, coaching, and networking. The flagship initiatives of the IWFSA LDC are the IDEAL Young Leaders Connect and the IWFSA FASSET Women’s Leadership Programme, both targeted at developing the next generation of ethical young leaders.

Her strong belief in ‘paying it forward’ is evident in how these initiatives are accelerating the advancement of young women in various sectors of our society. She glows with excitement and hope when she sees cohorts of graduates completing their intensive, but fun-filled learning programmes. One wonders where she gets the extra hours in the day to make such an impact in multiple areas of South African society.

My take away lessons from Charmaine’s leadership

1. Leaders should impart knowledge and guidance in a manner that empowers those around them. She believes in practical solutions to our skills gap, by ensuring that structured mentorship is accessible to young leaders.

2. Mentees should be supported towards their potential, and encouraged to practice progressive leadership in their specialisations.

3. Impactful leaders are those who lead beyond the confines of her profession. Her work in IWFSA touches women in borader professions beyond ICT.

Click to watch Charmain’s feature on the SABC Africa channel