#GirlsInBusiness

ORIBI 💛 Girls came, they solved problems, thought about relevant revenue streams to turn their dreams into #socent #socialenterprises and left wiser and hopefully feeling seen and heard.

As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to empower young women and promote gender equality in all sectors, including business. That’s why I was thrilled to attend the GirlsInBusiness boot camp in Phillipi which provided a unique opportunity for young women to develop their entrepreneurial skills and build valuable relationships with mentors and business leaders. One of the most exciting aspects of the boot camp was the focus on encouraging young women to start their own social enterprises! By providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to launch a business, we can empower them to take control of their own economic future and create a more equitable society. This is especially important in South Africa, where women face significant challenges when it comes to gender equality, particularly in the business world.

The GirlsInBusiness boot camp did more than just provide valuable skills and knowledge. It created a space for experimentation and creativity, fostering innovation and new ideas. This is essential for driving economic growth and ensuring that South Africa remains at the forefront of the entrepreneurial landscape. Of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of organizations and partners like @philippivillageza, @opendesignafrika, @ikamvayouthsa, @sustainability.institute, @amandladevelopment, @afd_france, @pulse_groupesos, and @groupe_sos. Their contributions are invaluable in creating sustainable and impactful initiatives for the future of South Africa.

The enthusiasm, warmth, and empathy that I encountered from all of the participants, partners, and organizers was truly inspiring. It’s clear that this community is driven by a shared commitment to promoting #genderequality and empowering young #women to achieve their goals.

As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, it’s important to remember that initiatives like #GirlsInBusiness are more vital than ever. By investing in young women and promoting #entrepreneurship, we can build a more equitable and prosperous future for all. I feel honoured to have been a part of this incredible program, and I can’t wait to see the impact that these young women will have on the world.

It’s amazing how life can come full circle, and that was exactly how I felt spending time with a group of girls from the Tafelsig community in Mitchell’s Plain. As someone who spent a part of my early childhood in neighbouring Portlands, it meant the world to me to be able to connect with these bright, talented, and determined young women.

One of the things that struck me most about these girls was their passion for learning and their desire to create a better future for themselves and their community. But they face a significant challenge: “As Afrikaans 1st Language Learners, we have limited/fewer subject choices compared to their English-speaking Learners”. This is a major obstacle to achieving their dreams and pursuing their interests, as one girl explained to me when she said she couldn’t dream of becoming a pilot because her school didn’t offer the necessary subjects. But these girls are not ones to be deterred by obstacles. Instead, they are ready to take matters into their own hands and use available technology to bring new subject choices to their community. Their idea for a social enterprise is to invite teachers who can offer subjects like Business Studies to the community, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their passions and build successful careers.

I was truly inspired by these girls’ drive, determination, and creativity. Their solution not only addresses a pressing need in their community but also shows that they are capable of making a real difference! And it was an added bonus to meet Thobeka Poswa, one of the facilitators whom I attended primary school with. It’s so cool to see the impact she’s making in her community and the amazing work she’s doing to support these young women.

As someone who has seen firsthand the challenges that young people in Mitchell’s Plain face, I know how important it is to support initiatives like this. By empowering young women and providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, we can create a more equitable and just society for all. I am honoured to have spent time with these incredible girls and can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will achieve in the future.

My group of girls will not progress to Phase 2 of this program but if you’d like to join me and the girls to bring life to their solution then please send me a message on LinkedIn or send an email to adeliah.jacobs@gmail.com