By Simthandile Ford with Gladys Chandia
The world at large is currently faced with lurking signs of systemic stress in the global economy. The implications are possible increases in unemployment, poverty and other social ills, painting a bleak picture for the global community 2015 and 2016.
Interestingly at the same time, women around the world are on the cusp of new financial power. In fact, a research article by Merrill Edge (2014) stated that if US based women owned businesses where their own country, they would have the 5th largest GDP in the world.
The increasing financial power of women suggests that more and more, women are ascending to roles as influential decision makers within organisations. The coveted C-Suite, executive leadership of countries and international multilateral organisations are no longer strictly an “all-boys club”. In fact, some have also argued that women will use their increasing influence to improve society in ways we can only begin to imagine.
“Women may well be the dominant source of economic growth in the near future – and organizations that are able to capitalize on the roles women play as economic actors will most likely have a competitive advantage as the world pulls out of the global recession.” – The Gender Dividend: making the business case for investing in women – Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (2011)
In South Africa, a country that is well integrated into the global community, similar trends with respect to the economy, the roles and financial status professional women can be observed. Such trends have made it strategic for Christian women, in particular, who are decision makers in their professional capacity, to influence various spheres of the South African society.
The Top Women For God She-Suite network consists of professional Christian women that have a passion for Christ inspired integrity, excellence and leadership. Top Women for God (TWFG) is a networking platform and sanctuary for entrepreneurial and professional Christian women with a passion for advancing God’s Kingdom in the market place.
Given the current status quo globally and in South Africa, organisations cannot afford decreases in productivity. From a corporate perspective, stressed, disillusioned workers cost more in health care and decreased productivity. Alternatively, from a professional She-Suite perspective, a possible solution to mitigate stressed and disillusioned workers would be to provide a room for a lunchtime prayer group, which is an inexpensive yet effective alternative to morale-building seminars or sick leave.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” – Matthew 5:14-16.
In the history of the Christian faith, God has used various Leading Ladies like Sarah, Deborah, Esther and others to incubate and influence nations for His glory. Most importantly, God used a woman’s womb to deliver Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Women are incubators of life and restoration. To contextualise this within the workplace, Christian women are an effective source of impactful solutions that can change the corporate environment for the better and ultimately, society as a whole.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 4:10 -11
Top Women for God strongly believes that it is time for the She-Suite to take their seat in the board room to influence and implement strategic decisions that will ultimately glorify God. Angelique Du Toit, is a stellar example of this. She is a well-respected, award winning Businesswoman, Conference Key-Note Speaker, Seminar Facilitator and Author, who encourages people to live with greater purpose, passion and productivity in a meaningful, inspirational and instantly applicable way.
On 31 October, TWFG shall be hosting a Business Breakfast themed “God is my CEO” featuring Angelique Du Toit as the Keynote Speaker. The aim of the business breakfast is to foster critical dialogue on what it means for a leading professional Christian women to have “God as her CEO”. In addition to Keynote address, there will be a panel discussion and Q & A session featuring She-Suite panellists, Jolly Mokorosi, Yyvette Solomons and Lerato Thekiso. Panellists are executives in the fields of Financial Services, Healthcare and Mining respectively. For further details on the Business Breakfast and bookings, email info@topwomanforgod.com or purchase a ticket here.
