Gift Ndolwane
MTN South Africa has partnered with Kagiso Media’s Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio to unveil a platform to recognize female entrepreneurs and acknowledges the contribution made by women in the the growth of the country’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
The initiative, which will be the first of its kind in the ICT sector, will be known as Women in ICT – Partnership for Change Awards.
The platform seeks to not only recognise the role that women are playing in the development of the ICT sector, but is also at attracting female professionals to the industry by showcasing available career opportunities in profession that is still largely male dominated.
The annual awards will target female professionals across the broad spectrum of the ICT sector, and the winners will be announced on August 31, at a gala function in Johannesburg’s Hyde Park.
The nomination process has already started and eligible nominees can be nominated from the MTN online porta.
The judging process will be carried out by a team of professionals consisting of seasoned professionals in the ICT sector, business executives, renowned entrepreneurs and leading public servants.
Mteto Nyati, MTN South Africa Chief Executive Officer said the Women in ICT – Partnership for Change Awards express the need to change the gender demographics of the sector and to acknowledge and celebrate women’s contribution to the growth of the sector.
“We hope that these awards will grow to become one of the flagship events in the ICT calendar and l further serve to raise awareness of the transformative role the sector is playing in many areas of the economy,” says Nyati.
Mark Harris, Group Chief Executive Officer of Kagiso Media agreed with Nyati saying that they were happy to partner with MTN on this noble initiative that will spearhead positive changes in the ICT sector.
“This partnership onWomen in ICT – Partnership for Change Awards is a merging of minds that mirrors our shared values of using the strength of our brands and platforms to drive positive change,” says Harris
The award is segmented into nine categories to cater for female contribution across the broad spectrum of the industry. The award categories are as follows, leadership Recognition Award for category aims to recognises senior female executives in the ICT sector whose proven depth of experience in leading change, influencing business outcomes and leading teams has impacted positively on the organisations they lead.
Another award on offer is Innovator Recognition Award, which recognises women that have introduced new methods, ideas or products that are contributing in one way or the other to the delivery of a bold, new, digital world.
Also on offer will be the Entrepreneur Recognition Award, this aims to recognise wholly-owned women-run enterprises that are viable businesses that are making inroads in the ICT sector among others – gift.ndolwane@cajnewsafrica.co.za