Celebrating women in cleaning

The month of August has become synonymous with being a period in the year when we celebrate the role of women in society. South Africa has an exceptional history as it is our women who have played a vital role in shaping the future and the societies we now find ourselves in. South Africa has been celebrating women during the month of August since 1994. It serves as a reminder of the tough and tenacious, gracious and passionate, formidable and, above all, courageous women who have continued to shape our future. This issue of African Cleaning Review introduces an international organisation dedicated to empowering women and three local female cleaning industry executives that defied bias and smashed the glass ceiling.

The importance of diversity and inclusion

Does your organisation have a culture of diversity and inclusion? While it’s easy to talk about, creating actionable steps and implementing specific policies are essential. Through collaborative efforts and a focus on prioritising people’s health, organisations can create stronger teamwork, unlock leadership potential, boost employee satisfaction and, ultimately, drive productivity. Prioritising diversity and inclusion enables teams to work more cohesively, bringing varied perspectives and ideas to the table. Together, we can attract and retain top talent while fostering a more inclusive and vibrant workplace environment for all. But where do we start is the question posed by Female Leaders in Cleaning, an international organisation dedicated to empowering women and organisations that share their passion for fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.

Empowering women for a more inclusive workplace

Women’s health

Understanding women’s health is important to creating supportive environments, as it encompasses unique aspects such as menstruation, menopause and pregnancy. In addition to managing their own health needs, women often juggle responsibilities like caring for children or ageing parents. This delicate balance can lead to neglecting self-care and experiencing stress or unhealthy habits due to feeling overwhelmed and hesitant to seek assistance. These examples highlight the challenges many women encounter. Recognising that individuals are at different ages and life stages, it’s essential for companies to acknowledge the diverse journeys their employees are navigating. Providing appropriate support and guidance can help ensure that women’s health needs are met effectively within the workplace.

Facilitating connection and learning

Furthermore, supporting initiatives that bring people together to facilitate easy connection, learning and inspiration can yield substantial value. Female leadership involves assuming control of one’s life, both personally and professionally. However, the prospect of where to start can be daunting, underscoring the importance of companies taking the lead in caring for their employees. Even minor adjustments can have significant impacts, and collective endeavours contribute to the construction of a better world.

Unlocking leadership potential Female Leaders in Cleaning strongly believe in the leadership potential of every woman, urging companies to cultivate welcoming environments that foster confidence among employees. Their aim is to spark a global ripple effect of empowerment. By nurturing opportunities for women to connect and network, simple interaction like sharing a cup of coffee is where mutual support can flourish. The organisation extends an invitation to individuals and organisations to join them in their mission to empower women and promote inclusivity in workplaces by connecting via LinkedIn.

Read the rest of the article highlighting South African women in cleaning in the JulyAug '24 issue of African Cleaning Review