Hundreds of girls on the cusp of the entering South Africa’s job market will receive a fundamental head start through an empowering local project, which aims to equip them with practical skills and direction in pursuing their future careers.
For many young South Africans, career prospects are bleak as data released by Statistics South Africa earlier this year revealed that the country’s unemployment rate was at its highest since 2003. In addition, being young, female or inexperienced nowadays are common factors hindering job-seekers from securing employment.
In a bid to reduce the number of girls in South Africa who face becoming statistics of unemployment and other social ills,the Durban branch of the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa will host 500 matric schoolgirls from KwaZulu-Natal’s most impoverished areas on 15 August for a dynamic programme aimed at moulding and developing future leaders.
The project dubbed Winning in the Workplace, running in its 14th year and impacting the lives of more than 6000 young girls is a collaborative effort with the KZN Department of Education. It has been designed to provide the participants with knowledge, advice and practical skills which will enhance their efforts in selecting their careers.
Several schools are invited to participate in an intensive one-day programme of engagement and self-discovery which focuses on various facets including personal struggles, ambitions, career guidance, entrepreneurship, academics and leadership. The participants are also taught practical skills including how to prepare a curriculum vitae and effective financial management.
The participants are selected by their schools based on merit and their academic performance. Prior to attending the programme each participant is required to write an essay, which is assessed and scored by independent academics based on a stringent marking criteria.
This year’s essay topic focuses on the country’s education system. Participants are required to write a letter to the President, Minister of Education or MEC of Education outlining the key challenges and gaps in the education system.
They are also required to provide practical solutions while taking into account South Africa’s socio economic climate.
The authors of the top 10 essays are awarded functional prizes including bursaries, computers, literature and cell phones – aimed at enhancing their lives and contributing to their studies.
“The aim of this programme is to positively impact the lives of the participants. Our hope is that when these girls walk out of that room, all the material and knowledge shared is taken with them and utilised in their daily lives,” says Advocate Pria Hassan, project champion of Winning in the Workplace.
Hassan’sdedication to women empowerment, evidenced by her history of entrepreneurial success has ensured that, the programme forged solid relationships with the Businesswomen’s Association. The organisation is committed to building and maintaining relationships with the participants with the aim of providing them with ongoing support and assistance.
“We often read and hear about stories of poverty, violence and substance abuse but not many of us get the opportunity to engage with these individuals and understand what they require to turn their lives around, but this programme allows us to do just that and it is so rewarding to be able to positively impact these young women’s lives,” adds Hassan.