Empowering women in business

The South Rand Spar Distribution Centre, near OR Tambo, hosted its second annual Vuca (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) Women’s Networking Programme on September 25.

The event aims to recognise the many significant roles women play in society, and, that women can make a difference despite the disruptions caused by the multiple roles they play at any given time in their lives.

Most often women juggle careers, motherhood, marriage and studying at the same time.

The Vuca programme is designed to empower ladies with the tools that enable them to step into their own power while simultaneously helping them to recognise their unique abilities and believe in themselves.

“The world of retail is a harsh environment in which women have to find a place. This event is primarily aimed at teaching women to network and how to grow their own brand in the retail world,” said Pam Steyn, integral coach and event facilitator.

According to Steyn, the Spar Group wants to help women get onto the map and this event showcases the phenomenal women in their business.

“We equip them with skills to get to know themselves so they can go out into the world and step into their power.”

Nonelela Xaba-Butjie, HR executive for Spar South Rand, said: “This Vuca programme defines and aptly describes the life of a typical professional woman. Such a programme is aligned with talent, and the potential of an individual to grow within an organisation’s talent pipeline.

“It is a way to develop a woman’s leadership skills within a business. Each woman is an individual who has her own story. Through Vuca, they can build a network among themselves, share their successes and help each other to flourish.”

Facilitator Sandra Ansorge, an integral coach at Coachways, said because of South Africa’s diversity it can be difficult to gauge the developmental challenges faced by people, especially women.

Ansorge, who has been involved with leadership development with the Spar Group for the past 12 years, added: “This is a holistic programme based on the needs of a specific group.

“We are trying to create a supportive environment where women can feel they belong and thrive and make a meaningful contribution.”

Vuca delegate Amelia Bester, a buyer, said: “It is difficult being a woman in business, especially if you are trying to grow your career and your family at the same time.

“An event like this assists us in setting goals and finding a means to achieve them. We also found that most of the group shared common challenges in the workplace.”

Kgomotso Lekganyane, who is a part of the Vuca CSI team and a trainer at Spar South Rand, said she thoroughly enjoys working in training and development, and she is fulfilling a bigger purpose in changing the lives of young people with disabilities.

“A woman needs to be very strong-minded to achieve her goals,” said Lebogang Mmakola, a junior buyer for Tops! at Spar. She added an event like this helped her realise she is not alone and by supporting each other, women can be a force to be reckoned with in business.