Women in South Africa continue to dominate, showing their power, potential and expertise in a variety of previously male-dominated industries. Specifically in technology, a largely developing sector locally, our fierce females are making incredible headway in creating new opportunities to do business, create employment and break gender stereotypes.
Below is a short profile of SA's leading women in technology, highlighting their key roles and how they have used their self-built platform to push SA further into digitisation.
Avashnee Moodley, Head of Marketing OPPO South Africa
With years of experience in marketing, Avashnee holds a wealth of knowledge that is geared towards unlocking a brand’s potential, no matter the climate. Successfully building Huawei into a household name, Avashnee’s next challenge saw her not just build but catapult OPPO into a leading smartphone giant locally during an ongoing pandemic.
“As a woman and one in technology, you would often hear the word ‘no’. It’s become a driving force for me, to highlight the capabilities that exist when one is brave enough to step up to the plate and unashamedly hold their position. Technology is growing, and so are the women who lead it and I’m proud to be a part of that,” says Avashnee.
Samantha Fuller, Head of Communication at Yoco South Africa
A result-driven individual who has worked in the communications industry for over ten years, Samantha has not only helped build Uber into a reputable service locally but built Uber’s brand and profile with media and stakeholders across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Now taking the mantle of Head of Communication at South Africa’s leading payments and software platform Yoco, who recently raised over $83M in its Series C funding round, Samantha remains committed to helping businesses succeed. “Very rarely are female-led businesses given the same opportunities openly available to their male counterparts, and this is where technology levels the playing field. It isn’t about who deserves success, because we all do, but about leveraging available tech-driven platforms to turn a dream into a paycheck,” comments Samantha
Mandy Lala, Head of Nostro/ Card Reconciliation at Bidvest Bank
With more than three decades of experience, Mandy isn’t one that simply keeps up, but is actively leading the Reconciliation’s Team within the banking industry. Her ability to lead both maternally and instinctively highlights bridging the gap between humanity and technology. While automation of financial processes continues to ramp up productivity, Mandy is a firm believer in skill over algorithm.
“Being a woman means sometimes having to prove yourself when it isn’t necessary and it's a challenge I’ve always tried to rise to. The fin-tech space has been a man’s game for far too long and I’m lucky enough to have many female powerhouses lead with innovation and understand that automation is key to achieving efficiencies and growth, ensuring that the job gets done.” mentions Mandy.
Busisiwe Khaba, Head of Public Policy at Uber Sub-Saharan Africa
A seat at the table isn’t given or inherited, it's earned and Busisiwe has long since paid her dues to become a leading lady in public policy across Sub Saharan Africa. A PhD candidate with years of experience across External & Corporate Affairs & Government Relations, and Public Policy & Political Analyst, has helped Busisiwe build strategies and craft regulations within digital terrain that has empowered cities and communities.
"Women empowerment is not only a women’s focus but also requires the participation of men to help address the gender disparity problem that continues in our society today. It’s no secret that women are very much underrepresented in the tech and transport industry but companies like Uber have allowed women to enter a traditionally male-dominated industry and have contributed to this shift by championing equality and creating an inclusive environment."
Tyla Duligal, Marketing Manager at BlueSky
The sky's the limit, when one thinks without any restrictions and at BlueSky that kind of synergy is encouraged. Digital-native and fellow tech-fundi, Tyla, has a passion to unlock branding solutions that use automation and cloud platforms. At BlueSky, Tyla leads a talented team into curating content that lives on the Cloud but works on the ground.
“In technology, you have to be multifaceted and as a woman in this space, you have to do all roles at once. From social media automation to a flexible digital strategy, no two days are the same. At BlueSky, I’m supported by a diverse team that empower female co-workers and promote critical thinking.” concludes Tyla.
With such fierce and phenomenal women leading within their respective industries, women hold the power and it's an exciting time for the opportunities to come.
With years of experience in marketing, Avashnee holds a wealth of knowledge that is geared towards unlocking a brand’s potential, no matter the climate. Successfully building Huawei into a household name, Avashnee’s next challenge saw her not just build but catapult OPPO into a leading smartphone giant locally during an ongoing pandemic.
“As a woman and one in technology, you would often hear the word ‘no’. It’s become a driving force for me, to highlight the capabilities that exist when one is brave enough to step up to the plate and unashamedly hold their position. Technology is growing, and so are the women who lead it and I’m proud to be a part of that,” says Avashnee.
Samantha Fuller, Head of Communication at Yoco South Africa
A result-driven individual who has worked in the communications industry for over ten years, Samantha has not only helped build Uber into a reputable service locally but built Uber’s brand and profile with media and stakeholders across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Now taking the mantle of Head of Communication at South Africa’s leading payments and software platform Yoco, who recently raised over $83M in its Series C funding round, Samantha remains committed to helping businesses succeed. “Very rarely are female-led businesses given the same opportunities openly available to their male counterparts, and this is where technology levels the playing field. It isn’t about who deserves success, because we all do, but about leveraging available tech-driven platforms to turn a dream into a paycheck,” comments Samantha
Mandy Lala, Head of Nostro/ Card Reconciliation at Bidvest Bank
With more than three decades of experience, Mandy isn’t one that simply keeps up, but is actively leading the Reconciliation’s Team within the banking industry. Her ability to lead both maternally and instinctively highlights bridging the gap between humanity and technology. While automation of financial processes continues to ramp up productivity, Mandy is a firm believer in skill over algorithm.
“Being a woman means sometimes having to prove yourself when it isn’t necessary and it's a challenge I’ve always tried to rise to. The fin-tech space has been a man’s game for far too long and I’m lucky enough to have many female powerhouses lead with innovation and understand that automation is key to achieving efficiencies and growth, ensuring that the job gets done.” mentions Mandy.
Busisiwe Khaba, Head of Public Policy at Uber Sub-Saharan Africa
A seat at the table isn’t given or inherited, it's earned and Busisiwe has long since paid her dues to become a leading lady in public policy across Sub Saharan Africa. A PhD candidate with years of experience across External & Corporate Affairs & Government Relations, and Public Policy & Political Analyst, has helped Busisiwe build strategies and craft regulations within digital terrain that has empowered cities and communities.
"Women empowerment is not only a women’s focus but also requires the participation of men to help address the gender disparity problem that continues in our society today. It’s no secret that women are very much underrepresented in the tech and transport industry but companies like Uber have allowed women to enter a traditionally male-dominated industry and have contributed to this shift by championing equality and creating an inclusive environment."
Tyla Duligal, Marketing Manager at BlueSky
The sky's the limit, when one thinks without any restrictions and at BlueSky that kind of synergy is encouraged. Digital-native and fellow tech-fundi, Tyla, has a passion to unlock branding solutions that use automation and cloud platforms. At BlueSky, Tyla leads a talented team into curating content that lives on the Cloud but works on the ground.
“In technology, you have to be multifaceted and as a woman in this space, you have to do all roles at once. From social media automation to a flexible digital strategy, no two days are the same. At BlueSky, I’m supported by a diverse team that empower female co-workers and promote critical thinking.” concludes Tyla.
With such fierce and phenomenal women leading within their respective industries, women hold the power and it's an exciting time for the opportunities to come.
Comments
Post a Comment