Kwanalu’s women in agriculture campaign heralded a success
The webinar saw women in leadership roles, and those who have triumphed over diversity sharing their journeys online.
The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union, Kwanalu celebrated the diverse contributions of women to the industry with a women in agriculture campaign.
This culminated in an inspiring webinar for a phenomenal 357 women from around the country.
The Kwanalu Women in Agriculture webinar, in partnership with SA Canegrowers, saw women in the agricultural-industry in leadership roles, and those who have triumphed over diversity sharing their journeys, in a morning of connecting, collaborating and inspiring each other online.
“We were so encouraged by the incredible turnout of women in the industry. We will certainly take all questions and feedback raised in the webinar to drive inclusion and conversations around important aspects that affect women and the agricultural sector as a whole,” said Kwanalu CEO, Sandy La Marque.
Speakers included Nicky Weimar (chief economist at Nedbank), Dipuo Ntuli (vice-chairperson of SA Canegrowers), Mandisa Dlamini (agro-processing sector dealmaker) and Denene Erasmus (editor of Farmer’s Weekly SA).
Chief strategist, Ms Weimar provided attendees with insightful financial and economic advice, focusing on tools for navigating finances in the current Covid-19 and beyond, and outlined how businesses can benefit from the current low interest rates to boost their businesses.
Dipuo Ntuli, vice-chairperson of SA Canegrowers, shared her inspiring story of her journey as a small-scale sugarcane grower and local government councillor, to her current leadership role at SA Canegrowers as testimony of what can be achieved through passion and determination.
“As women in leadership, we should display our leadership with humility, respect and dignity. We must take a stand against corruption. Especially, women from rural areas – we should not allow criminals to enrich themselves in our names, approaching government departments and financial institutions with the pretence of representing us, as women, under the guise of the black economic principle,” said Ntuli.
Agricultural economist, Mandisa Dlamini shared her top tips for growing an agri-business and encouraged women to share information, and to coach and mentor others interested in the industry.
“Structure your business plans to be attractive enough to access funding, and my tip is to ‘begin with the end in mind’. You may possess the technical skills to cultivate agricultural goods, but you’re already on the back foot if you haven’t approached prospective markets which you can sell your goods or products to,” Ms Dlamini advised attendees.
Award-winning journalist and current editor of Farmer’s Weekly, Denene Erasmus, shared her story as a women in agriculture in a leadership position, as well as her personal advice as a woman in the industry.
“Always keep learning. The working world is changing so fast, especially in agriculture. Do not wait for someone to give you permission to follow your goals or dreams. Start doing it now, create opportunities for yourself,” said Ms Erasmus.
SA Canegrowers corporate executive, Kathy Hurly wrapped up the meeting by outlining the way forward and Ms La Marque closed the webinar.
“Key themes that arose from the webinar will shape the way we support women in agriculture going forward – sharing information on finance, economics, policy and legislation; promoting and assisting women with tools and processes; strengthening the leadership skills and representation of women in the sector; as well as coaching and mentoring young leaders and new farmers,” said Ms Hurly.
“The Women in Agriculture campaign and webinar have given us insight into the areas women in the industry would like to learn from, be supported in and raise their concerns about. We will continue to find ways to maintain this kind of conversation and offer valuable tools and processes that will strengthen the agricultural sector,” said Ms La Marque.
For further information on women in agriculture, farming in KZN and Kwanalu visit www.kwanalu.co.za/women-in-agriculture/
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