IWFSA HONOURS LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AT THE PRESTIGIOUS HALL OF FEMME AWARDS 2023
In a resplendent collaboration, the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and Standard Bank will be lauding the stellar achievements of outstanding women at the annual Hall of Femme Awards. Scheduled for Thursday, 19th October 2023 at Standard Bank’s Rosebank head office, this exclusive event bears the inspiring theme, "Pay It Forward."
These awards pay tribute to women who have devoted their lives and their careers to the quest to uplift and empower and who in doing so, have advanced women leadership in the broader service of all humanity. Whilst IWFSA celebrates all women who do extraordinary work every day, the Hall of Femme honourees are modern-day “sheros” game-changers, and role models who lead by example and whose efforts, commitment and sacrifices have influenced change for women in society and indeed the world.
The ethos of IWFSA is firmly rooted in their action that by empowering visionary women and fostering a culture of mentorship, we create a robust framework of unwavering support. This support system emboldens women to challenge conventional norms, redefine leadership paradigms, and carve their paths to success.
Through initiatives like the IWFSA FASSET Women Leadership Development programme Alumni and Young Leaders Connect - IDEAL (YLC-IDEAL), the organization cultivates an environment that moulds, educates, and mentors the voices of the next generation of ethical women leaders that will shape South Africa's future.
Irene Charnley, President of IWFSA, remarks, "For far too long, women have been relegated to the shadows. At IWFSA, we champion each woman, recognizing their individual contributions, and urging women to unite, lifting one another and paying it forward. In unity, our potential is limitless."
IWFSA member and Chief Operating Officer at Standard Bank, Margaret Nienaber, echoes this sentiment: “Standard Bank recognises that gender equity is both a fundamental human right and a business imperative. Our purpose, to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa, depends on the economic empowerment of women, as well as celebrating diversity across all of its facets. In the spirit of valuing diversity, we are committed to advancing gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community, and these align seamlessly with IWFSA's mission. As we mark our second consecutive year of sponsorship, we envision a future where diversity is key, both as gender and race, but also in challenging one another’s thinking in safe and trusted environments. South Africa, and the African continent is filled with opportunity, and we are excited about the role women have to play in fulfilling its potential. Africa is our home, we drive her growth.”
Irene Charnley, President of IWFSA, remarks, "For far too long, women have been relegated to the shadows. At IWFSA, we champion each woman, recognizing their individual contributions, and urging women to unite, lifting one another and paying it forward. In unity, our potential is limitless."
IWFSA member and Chief Operating Officer at Standard Bank, Margaret Nienaber, echoes this sentiment: “Standard Bank recognises that gender equity is both a fundamental human right and a business imperative. Our purpose, to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa, depends on the economic empowerment of women, as well as celebrating diversity across all of its facets. In the spirit of valuing diversity, we are committed to advancing gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community, and these align seamlessly with IWFSA's mission. As we mark our second consecutive year of sponsorship, we envision a future where diversity is key, both as gender and race, but also in challenging one another’s thinking in safe and trusted environments. South Africa, and the African continent is filled with opportunity, and we are excited about the role women have to play in fulfilling its potential. Africa is our home, we drive her growth.”
The IWFSA is the South African arm of the International Women’s Forum (IWF), a formidable organization comprising over 8,000 distinguished members from 34 nations and spanning six continents. IWF Global takes pride in its diverse board of directors - arguably one of its most varied in its history, encompassing 13 countries. Notably, our very own IWFSA President, Ms. Irene Charnley, has been elected to the illustrious IWF Global Board of Directors for the 2023-2025 tenure.
IWF consistently galvanizes its global accomplished women membership base to foster alliances, drive inspiration, promote mentorship and champion exemplary ethical leadership for an ever-evolving world. Committed to propelling women’s leadership across a multitude of domains, the IWF serves as a nexus for influential women who have left indelible marks in their fields. United in purpose, we are the voices championing gender equality, leading the charge towards a sustainable tomorrow.
