EY supports engineering training programme for women in South Africa

Big Four accounting and advisory firm EY is continuing its work towards making the South African business environment more equitable. The firm is working in collaboration with diamond company De Beers and Consumer Goods firm Unilever to deliver engineering training to women across the country.

The initiative has been taken by the diamond company, which has invested nearly R 4.5 million in devising the programme, which will equip a number of women in South Africa with necessary skills in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics domain. Training in these fields is particularly relevant in the contemporary scenario.

Much like the rest of the world, South Africa is racing to develop a talent pool in technology, in order to create a workforce that can contribute significantly to the global economy. However, the country has been suffering from inequality in the workplace, particularly in terms of gender balance.

Women in South Africa have been found to face a glass ceiling, preventing them from ascending beyond a certain position in an organisation, However, a number of organisations from the public and private sectors have been looking to tackle this issue in recent years, particularly in light of the substantial value that an equitable workplace can generate.

EY has been among the most vocal firms when it comes to advocating gender equality in South Africa. The firm runs its Entrepreneurial Winning Women Programme in South Africa, wherein it supports women in the country with taking their strong business models to the next level and facilitating growth.

The global accounting and advisory firm’s efforts have been recognised. Last year, EY received remarkable plaudits at the Gender Mainstream Awards organised by Business Engage, having taken home six awards, including in the ‘Women on Boards’ and ‘Equal Representation & Participation’ categories.

Commenting on the latest programme, Managing Director of De Beers Mpumi ZIkalala said, “The world you are about to enter into requires passion, dedication and hard work, but you must always remember not to compromise who you are along this journey - always stick to your values. I am very proud to be part of a company that is driven by its purpose to re-imagining mining to change people’s lives.”