Every year, in August, South Africa marks Women’s Month – a tribute to the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, in protest against the extension of pass laws to women. This year marks the 66th anniversary of that day. The month allows us to celebrate the achievements of women, but also to gauge how far we have come in transforming society – the transformation of unequal power relations between women and men – and to focus on addressing gender oppression, patriarchy, sexism, racism, ageism and structural oppression. The South African government has implemented different legislative mechanisms to address gender equality in the workplace, discrimination, and empowering women. While it cannot be denied that there have been some changes in terms of recruiting women into high positions in the workplace, the process is slow.
Marylou Greig | Editor
To address gender inequalities and unfair discrimination in the workplace, the focus should be on enforcing real change by way of proactive and aggressive strategies to enforce and speed up progress. If not, equality in the workplace will remain a ‘mere wish’ for the majority of South African women. In 2022, South Africa had an overall gender gap index score of 0.78, ranking 20 out of 146 countries globally. The index quantifies the gaps between women and men in four key areas: health, education, economy, and politics. The country scored relatively low in economic participation and opportunity, scoring 0.42 points (Statista July 2022).
This is the second issue of Women of SA’s M&A and Financial Markets Industry to be published by DealMakers. And once again, I am struck by the incredible talent in this industry. The stories of the women who grace these pages offer inspiration and words of courage, and are examples of how hard work, resolve and sheer determination have seen their aspirations become reality. The takeaway?
You are not alone; there are others who have walked a similar path.
Believe in yourself, and accept support and advice – you can do this!
In fact, women featured prominently in the subjective awards at the
DealMakers Annual event in February, and their experiences are shared in the first few pages of this feature.
Look out for our new features, the Women of SA’s Private Equity and
Venture Capital Markets and Women of Africa’s M&A and Financial markets Industry.
CONTENTS
1 | Leading the way
- Nicky Newton-King
2 | The Audacity of Inspiration
- Lydia Shadrach-Razzino
4 | Trailblazing beyond Awards
- Raisibe Morathi
6 | Ansarada | Pathfinder Perspective
8 | Absa
21 | AcaciaCap Advisors
22 | Baker McKenzie
26 | BofA Securities
27 | Bowmans
41 | CMS
44 | Deal Leaders International
46 | ENSafrica
50 | EY
56 | Fasken
58 | FTI Consulting
60 | Motsoeneng Bill Attorneys
62 | One Capital
64 | PKF
66 | Rand Merchant Bank
68 | Standard Bank
74 | Vani Chetty Competition Law
77 | Webber Wentzel
(Click on any company below to view)
