IWFSA: A trailblazer in DEI initiatives

Source: IWF South Africa

The International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) stands as a trailblazer in championing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in leadership. The IWFSA was founded by South Africa’s former First Lady, Zanele Mbeki as the South African chapter of the International Women’s Forum (IWF). The IWF connects over 7800 influential women leaders in 34 countries across 6 continents, united by a shared mission to advance women’s leadership worldwide. The IWFSA’s vision is to be the voice of women leaders who bring change its mission is to aspire to be catalyst for ethical leadership. At a time where ethical leadership is on the spotlight, the Forum’s role in developing the next Generation of Women Leaders across every professional sector could not have come at the opportune moment- because as per the IWFSA stern belief, “When Women Rise, We all Rise”.

Under the remarkable leadership of Irene Charnley, who recently stepped down as its President, the IWFSA can boast of a ground-breaking IWFSA FASSET Women’s Leadership Programme (IFWLP), an exemplary collaboration with the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) ably led by Ayanda Mafuleka. FASSET committed to sponsor and fund 1 000 bursaries for the EDP and MMDP under the IFWLP over 3 years.

The Academic Programme, coupled with a global immersion to countries like Kenya, Mauritius, UK, Singapore, India etc, is uniquely crafted by DukeCE to provide a world-class learning experience to all participants. Pioneered by 65 women, this programme consists of an Executive Development Programme (EDP) and Middle Management Development Programme (MMDP), and confronts challenges faced by women in management and leadership roles. Its unique features include international benchmarking, networking studies, and personalised one-on-one mentoring by globally acclaimed women leaders. In addition to networking and community building, IWFSA differentiates itself by offering coaching for professional women across diverse sectors. Placing an emphasis on peer coaching and immersion programmes, the forum facilitates exposure to global business practices. Participants, in various cohorts gain insights from women in financial services, fostering a cross-cultural exchange of ideas.

The IWF enhances its impact through monthly sessions featuring expert presentations on various topics. From analysing national budget speeches to discussing inclusive economies, these sessions keep members informed, ensuring they actively contribute to the country’s development. The IWF serves not just as a networking platform but as a hub for continuous learning, contributing significantly to broader economic and societal discourse. In August 2020, IWFSA patron Mrs Zanele Mbeki relaunched the Young Leaders Connect IDEAL Programme (YLC IDEAL). This initiative is a testament to IWFSA’s commitment to shaping the next generation of ethical women leaders. YLC “graduated” 60 mentees in November 2021 as well as 50 mentees in the year 2022 who completed the formal and informal programmes curated by the YLC Committee bringing us to a total of 110 mentees that have gone through the programme.

During 2023, YLC has its biggest intake of cohort of mentees with 118 mentees undergoing the IDEAL programme. To date 220 mentees that have gone through the programme. The YLC is governed by the committee which reports to the Leadership Development Committee (LDC) of IWFSA, Chaired by IWFSA Board member Charmaine Houvet. The YLC IDEAL Programme co-chaired by Lerato Phelane and Nozipho Tshabalala, encompasses mentorship, monthly conversations, board leadership empowerment, strategic alliances, student chapters, and a Circle of Influence, creating a comprehensive platform for holistic development. The YLC envisions mentoring 400 young women, supporting 50 women-owned businesses, empowering 20 young women for board placements, and fostering strategic alliances by 2025. With the enormous contribution of IWFSA board member Tryphosa Ramano, the YLC has grown from strength to strength.

IWFSA’s visionary initiatives contribute to the current landscape of women in leadership and lay the groundwork for a future where diverse voices thrive, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the professional sphere. As IWFSA continues to break barriers, it remains a beacon for women leaders and a catalyst for ethical leadership on a global scale.