McDonald’s South Africa’s Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) brought together more than 120 leaders, employees and changemakers from business, entrepreneurship, education and civil society at its annual Women in Conversation event, with more than 1 000 McDonald’s employees joining virtually nationwide on August 20 in Sandton.

Held under the theme Building Resilient Economies for All: The Power of Women in Shaping Families, Communities and Future Generations, the event focused on leadership, resilience, purpose and inclusion at a time of significant economic and social pressure.

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McDonald’s South Africa chief executive officer, Max Oliva, said building resilient economies starts with strengthening families and communities. “For me, everything begins with family.

Families shape our values, build character and nurture future leaders. And when families are strong, communities become stronger. Strong communities contribute to resilient economies, and resilient economies create opportunities for future generations.”

The theme is particularly relevant to McDonald’s, where family is central to both the customer experience and company culture.

“Every day, families choose to spend time under our Golden Arches. They celebrate birthdays, share meals, create traditions and make memories together. Those moments may seem simple, but they matter. Because when families thrive, businesses thrive. Communities thrive. And ultimately, our country thrives.”

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Women now account for 65% of the workforce, 62% of restaurant managers and 53% of the management team at McDonald’s South Africa. The number of women on the executive leadership team has also increased from one to four over the past year.

“I am proud of the progress we have made, but I don’t believe representation is the finish line. The real measure of progress is whether we are creating an organisation and an economy where talent can thrive regardless of gender.”

Oliva also emphasised that creating opportunities for women requires shared responsibility, including leaders who are prepared to challenge bias, open doors and ensure talent is recognised, developed and nurtured.

“When we invest in women, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger future. But men also have a role to play. This is not a women’s issue. It is an economic, family and societal issue.”

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Dr Mzamo Masito was also invited to participate in the conversation, bringing a perspective on the role of both women and men in building a more resilient economy. “We need a new mindset and paradigm shift. A resilient economy is possible where gender equality and gender empathy are not a zero-sum game. We can empower both women and men.”

Welcoming guests, Women Leadership Network chairperson Maureen Mtonintshi highlighted the connection between McDonald’s culture, women’s advancement and stronger communities.

“Family is at the heart of everything we do. We serve families, we create opportunities for families, and within our organisation we are one McDonald’s family. When we invest in women, we strengthen families, and when families thrive, communities and economies flourish.”

The programme included a panel discussion featuring women leaders who shared perspectives on leadership, resilience, purpose and impact. The event concluded with a call for continued investment in mentorship, development and inclusive leadership.

“We want to create an environment where women have access to mentorship, development opportunities and the support they need to realise their potential. And we want to continue building a culture where inclusion is reflected in how we lead, how we make decisions and how we develop our people.

Because advancing women is not only good for business, it is the right thing to do,” concluded Oliva.

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