W
A Portfolio of Business & Professional Women SA and the South African Women’s Entrepreneurial Network (a South African Government, Department of Trade & Industry Initiative) to support the goals of the Women's Empowerment Principles Equality Means Business, a joint initiative of UN Women and the UN Global Compact to advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.
F GEORG KELL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL COMPACT OFFICE While progress made thus far is encouraging, many women Businesses
worldwide
have
begun
t o recognize
continue to face incredible barriers to participating actively
that advancing and empowering w o m e n – t h e g o a l s
in
economic
life.
Women entrepreneurs
and
o f t h e Wo m e n ’ s Empowerment Principles – is not only the
women-owned businesses struggle to be included in global
right thing to do, it also makes good business sense.
supply chains. Lack of educational opportunities and violence against women and girls restrict women from reaching their
Driven by research that highlights the correlation between gender equality and strong businesses and economies, and equipped with the Women s Empowerment Principles as a
potential.
Representation
by
women
in
top
leadership positions and on corporate boards also remains low.
framework for action, business leaders are beginning to develop policies and practices to ensure that their activities empower
To fully realize the goals of the Women’s Empowerment
women in the workplace, marketplace and community.
Principles—Equality
Around 200 business executives from across the world have
stakeholders to work together to shatter the glass ceiling.
already signed a CEO Statement of Support for the
Since the Principles were
Principles
International has helped lead efforts to raise awareness
to demonstrate their commitment to gender
M e a n s Business, we need all
launched
in
2010,
BPW
of the Principles and bring them to new audiences through
equality.
its vast network of affiliates. BPW has worked alongside BPW International was one of the first NGOs to recognize the importance of being part of the international multi-stakeholder consultation process launched Global
Compact
and
by
the
the UN Global Compact and UN Women to challenge both businesses and governments to recognize the value of the Principles and advocate for change globally.
UN Women during March 2009.
One year after the launch of the Women's Empowerment
With the implementation of this practical toolkit, we look
Principles, the Global Compact and UN Women continue
forward to continuing to work with BPW to extend the
to maintain a high level of engagement with BPW
reach of the Women’s Empowerment Principles and bring
International. We acknowledge their contribution to our
the voice of women to business.
success in engaging a broader audience in our consultations
w eps with the private sector, government and civil society.
I BPW International The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) is a non profit organisation which was founded in 1930 in Geneva, Switzerland. The founding member nations included the United States of America, Austria, Canada, France, Great Britain and Italy. BPW International has grown to become the most influential international network of business and professional women with affiliates in 90+ countries on five continents. Our 250 000+ members include women leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals and young career women. The International Federation of Business and Professional Women has had Consultative Status with the United Nations through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1947. At present there are a total of twenty-one members serving as representatives of BPW at the United Nations and its subsidiary organs, specialized agencies and related organizations. Today the International Federation of Business and Professional Women is also called BPW International.
women entrepreneurs of all sectors into a national network of associations and individuals who are committed to development and advancement of women entrepreneurship in South Africa. SAWEN’s vision is to fully represent, unify and articulate the interest of all women entrepreneurs (existing and potential) that operate within the South African business sector and their Mission is to facilitate and monitor the economic advancement of women entrepreneurs and their positive impact on the country’s economy. SAWEN supports the success and growth of women-owned and managed small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) by facilitating access to relevant resources. SAWEN’s strategic objective is to ensure that organised business women’s organisations in urban and rural areas play a critical role, within the country’s economic growth, development and transformation goals, in achieving an environment in which businesses of all sizes and in all sectors can grow, have capacity and be competitive locally, provincial, nationally and internationally.
BPW South Africa & SAWEN Partnership BPW Mission The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) develops the professional, leadership and business potential of women on all levels through advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world.
UN Status The root of BPW’s advocacy is embedded in their work with the United Nations. BPW lobbied for the formation of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and supported many women’s issues. BPW was awarded a Peace Messenger Certificate from UN SecretaryGeneral Javier Perez de Cuellar in 1987. Esther Hymer, BPW representative at the UN, was named as one of three women playing a significant role in the work of the UN Commission by SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan in 1997. Today, BPW continues its representation at UN Headquarters in New York, Vienna, Geneva; UN regional offices (UNECA, UNECE, UNESCAP, UNESCWA, UNECLAC); UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, WHO, UNCTAD, UNIDO, FAO, UN DPI; Council of Europe; European Women’s Lobby and continues to work closely with UN WOMEN. BPW South Africa’s aim is to highlight the importance for companies to foster the development of women in the business arena, so that a greater number attain positions of higher responsibility. We believe that partnerships are a critical success factor in helping us make the transition from awareness of the situation to the implementation of change. Thus, we are encouraged by the involvement of the corporate sector and government in this Campaign and call for even more collaborations.
SAWEN - A South African Government Department of Trade & Industry Initiative The South African Government’s Department of Trade & Industry has established the South African Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (SAWEN) as an organisation that will seek to promote and organise
BPW South Africa, in partnership with the South African Government’s Department of Trade & Industry’s Gender Division - the South African Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (SAWEN) will lead efforts in South Africa to promote the Women’s Empowerment Principles - Equality means Business, which highlight the importance for companies to foster the development of women in the business arena. We are mindful however, that this important task cannot be successfully undertaken by us alone. Thus, we are encouraging the involvement of the corporate sector, organised business, private financing institutions, non-governmental organisations, universities as well as the media in helping us make the transition from awareness of the situation to the implementation of change. The Women's Empowerment Principles -- Equality Means Business, launched in March 2010 through the partnership initiative of UN Women and the UN Global Compact, provide a roadmap for empowering women in business. BPW and SAWEN, inspired by the Women's Empowerment Principles' goals, have independently developed a portfolio of programmes designed to move those goals from aspiration to reality. The programmes are independent approaches to facilitate South African women's ascent into the highest levels of business management and governance. For those companies that do not already have a women's empowerment programme in place, BPW and SAWEN have established three unique programmes in South Africa in which you can participate. These programmes are highlighted in this brochure, but please visit our website at bpw-jhbsa.co.za for relevant forms and detailed information on how to participate. We strongly support UN Women and the UN Global Compact's efforts: The Women's Empowerment Principles provide South African businesses of all sizes with a roadmap to promote and support women's empowerment in their companies. Join your global counterparts and affirm your support of these principles within your company.
The Women’s Empowerment Principles – Equality Means Business is a partnership initiative of UNIFEM (part of UN Women) and the UN Global Compact that encourages engagement with the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, the United Nations and Governments to advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. While designed as a tool for the private sector to strengthen and create company policies and programmes to achieve gender equality, these seven Principles provide a platform for all stakeholders to move their commitments to gender equality closer to implementation. The Principles emphasize the business case for corporate action to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment and are informed by real-life business practices and input gathered from across the globe. As a global organization of business and professional women, BPW International endorses the WEP’s and has made their promotion and realization a top organizational priority.
1. Establish high level corporate leadership for gender equality. 2. Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination. 3. Ensure the health, safety and well‐being of all women and men workers. 4. Promote education, training and professional development for women. 5. Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women. 6. Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy. 7. Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality.
w eps
CEO CHIEF EXECUTIVES WORLDWIDE SUPPORT WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PRINCIPLES Making Equality a Corporate Priority Chief executives expressing their commitment to advancing equality between men and women, the cornerstone of the seven Women’s Empowerment Principles, come from all regions of the world and represent diverse global and national companies. The CEO Statement of Support encourages business leaders to use the seven Women’s Empowerment Principles as guide posts for actions that advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community. Signers underscore that equal treatment of women and men is not just the right thing to do — it is also good for business and needs to be a priority. The Principles offer a practical approach to advance women and point the way to a business and social environment that is both fairer and more prosperous for everyone. CEO’s of South African companies are asked to join their global counterparts by signing the CEO Statement of Support for the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. Signers are practicing the very first Women’s Empowerment Principle that leadership promotes gender equality. These executives are also affirming the high-level support necessary for the Women’s Empowerment Principles to gain traction in individual companies and their cultures. Contact Details: BPW South Africa Tel: (011) 794-4991 E-Mail: ceo@bpw-jhbsa.co.za Website: www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za
In this the 100th year of International Women’s Day, we are seeking 100 signatures internationally of the CEO Statement of Support for the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. Join your global counterparts who have already signed and affirm your support of these practices within your company. How to Sign Up A copy of the CEO Statement of Support is inserted in the back of this Brochure or visit our website to download a copy. Copies of signed Statements are to be e-mailed directly to the UN as well as to BPW SA for inclusion in the list of CEO’s Leading the Way. E-Mail Addresses: UN E-Mail : womens-empowermentprinciples@unglobalcompact.org BPW E-Mail : ceo@bpw-jhbsa.co.za
CEO’s Leading the Way To view a list of CEO’s who have already signed up, visit bpw-jhbsa.co.za. The Principles are a reminder that levelling the playing field and advancing gender equity requires a pro-active and deliberate effort. Businesses that believe they are supporting women’s advancement should take a hard look at these Principles and challenge themselves to do more – it will benefit their companies, their employees, and their communities. There is no fee involved in signing the CEO Statement of Support and no reports or feedback will be requested. BPW International has commissioned Harvard University to produce a report on international statistics of women’s empowerment projects within the corporate and government sectors, based on the 7 Women’s Empowerment Principles.
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BPW, mindful of its Consultative status with the UN, affirms its strong support for the promotion of women’s empowerment as key to meeting the Millennium Development Goals. For achieving MDGs, three important factors are: political willingness of governments, attitude towards status of women, and action towards governance accountability.
BPW South Africa I P O Box 392, Randparkridge, 2156 I Tel: (011) 794-4991 I Fax: 086 551 3152 I E-Mail: ceo@bpw-jhbsa.co.za I Website: www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za
In support of the goals set out in the Women’s Empowerment Principles, BPW SA and SAWEN are launching three unique projects in South Africa to support business and other stakeholders’ efforts to promote gender equality. These projects, which are independent efforts of the BPW SA and SAWEN partnership, offer practical options to advance women and point the way to a business and social environment that is both fairer and more prosperous for everyone. Supporting these projects will contribute to your company’s BBBEE Scorecard.
BBBEE RATING (DTI Reference No. .........)
Who is GIZ? Established on 1 January 2011, it brings together under one roof the long-standing expertise of the Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) gGmbH (German Development Service), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (German technical cooperation) and Inwent – Capacity Building International, Germany. As a federally owned enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. Most of the GIZ activities are commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries – in particular the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Environment Ministry and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research – as well as German federal states and municipalities, and public and private sector clients both in Germany and abroad. These include the governments of other countries, the European Commission, the United Nations and the World Bank. GIZ together with its regional partners launched CHANCE, (Chamber and Advisory Network for Women Entrepreneurs) to strengthen and empower women entrepreneurs to fulfill their role in the economic environment of Southern Africa and South Asia. The program has three pillars: Ÿ Training – custom made training programs, focusing predominantly on Training of Trainers Ÿ Dialogue promotion – Promotion of exchange of ideas, experiences and best practice Ÿ Regional and International Network building – Interaction that opens new perspectives for SME’s and lays the basis for dissemination and replication of success The program supports institutionalized regional cooperation with and between South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), but focuses its activities predominantly on India and South Africa because of the strategic role played by these two countries in regional integration. In order to attain the CHANCE objective, GIZ targets Business Women’s Organisations and Women’s Chambers, as primary multipliers who are often one of the first points of call for women in business.
W Organisations that want to appoint more women to top positions can come up against two types of obstacles. In the first case the company has no female management potential and fails to attract many or any suitable women on the labour market. The organisation then has a recruitment problem. In the second case there is sufficient inflow of qualified women, but either they do not grow or they grow too slowly to senior management positions or they drop out prematurely. The organisation then has a problem with progression or may even be faced with departures: women who with great difficulty were brought in through the front door disappear a few years later through the back door. ‘So where are those high-potential women?’ many companies are wondering. ‘So where are those womenfriendly companies?’ many women are wondering in their turn. This is the impasse that BPW South Africa wants to break through, by establishing a “Women on Boards” Register in South Africa. Women on Boards has developed two different programmes to surmount the above obstacles. Ÿ Organisations that find it difficult to recruit women can access our Register. Ÿ Organisations that want to prevent new or existing female management potential dropping out prematurely can opt for Retention.
Finding it difficult to recruit skilled female management? Register with “Women on Boards” to access our register of trained/approved talent.
Who can apply? Ÿ For the Register: Companies can recruit applicants from the Women on Boards Register for existing directorships or in management positions in which they will groom the applicant to a directorship over time. Ÿ Companies may also register their internal senior staff for external non executive board positions as part of an internal retention programme.
Ÿ For Retention: Companies who wish to develop existing staff into internal management positions. The Retention programme concentrates specifically on enhancing the progression of female management talent that is already in the organisation. Internal candidates go through the same process as in Women on Boards Recruitment but the verification process is optional. Retention applicants are not placed on the Women on Boards Register unless otherwise indicated.
Ÿ For the Register or Retention: Women in their personal capacity who are seeking either Board posts or management posts incorporating a development plan to a board post, either internally or externally.
Join the Retention Programme to develop your existing female talent
Training Schedule Applicants of both the Women on Boards Register & Retention Programmes MUST complete all required tasks. Completion Certificates are based on the completion of the ENTIRE schedule and is not negotiable. Costs do NOT include travel, accommodation and meals outside of the training hours. The application process and training workshops will be held over a period of three months. Thereafter, ongoing training sessions will be held with additional experts in other relevant areas. Application forms are available at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za. Applicants must ensure they meet the Women on Boards criteria. Credential Verifications will be done on all applicants by MIE (Kroll). This is negotiable for Retention Applicants. All Applicants will complete opq32 Psychometric Testing to be administered by SHL People Performance. Testing will take approximately 2.5 hours and is done online at the applicant’s preferred premises. A de-selection discussion will be held with all applicants with one of our two Psychologists around the personal responsibilities and sacrifices involved in taking on a board post.
Training Topics The New Companies Act. Training is done by Madelein Burger-van der Walt, a Partner at Webber Wentzel Attorneys. Madeleine is one of South Africa’s renowned experts on the new Companies Act.
Presentation Skills. This is an essential element today in any businesswoman’s tool-box. Fundamental questions are addressed comprehensively by Adrian Steed in a hands on experience. Preparation required and conduct of a Board member. Referenced from personal experiences of Toni Gomes, BPW President, after 12 years as a Director on all-male Boards. Gender Module. Understanding the issue of gender, both in the workplace and at home. Training done by Ms Nomcebo Manzini, Regional Director and Country Representative, UN Women Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands The Role & Purpose of an Executive Coach. Barbara Walsh, internationally registered Director & Leadership Coach of SETA Accredited Metaco will present to the delegates. Thereafter individual private 90-minute sessions will be scheduled with each delegate incorporating the results of their SHL psychometric testing. . Awards ceremony where all Women On Boards Applicants are awarded their Certificates of Completion by BPW, DTI and UN Women. Management of Retention Applicants will be provided with a detailed opq Manager’s Plus Report on their applicant/s. Applicants are placed on the Women On Board Register for potential vacancies which may arise. Applicants who applied for the Retention Programme will NOT be placed on the register unless BPW is so notified.
Evaluation & Monitoring All applicants will be given pre and post evaluations to assess their level of competency as well as assignments after each course.
Strict selection criteria Analysing Company Accounts. An opportunity to understand and interpret company accounts. What do the key line items really mean? How do the accounts link together? What’s interesting about what’s buried in the notes? What are the key ratios? How could the statements be used in investment analysis? Trainer Jaco Fouché is professor and lead trainer for Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)) training at the North-West University. Jaco has a master's degree in financial management and a PhD in accounting education and has over a decade of teaching experience.
The quality of the candidates is paramount, so Women on Boards uses strict selection criteria: Ÿ A completed university degree or at least 35 years of age, with at least three years experience in a management position Ÿ Basic competency profile Ÿ Management qualities Ÿ Performance-oriented Ÿ Strategic vision Ÿ Communications skills Ÿ Creativity Ÿ Ability to learn Ÿ Emotional stability
Client Interviews: Clients interested in either the Recruitment or Development programmes should complete the Enquiry Form at www.bpwjhbsa.co.za under UN WEP’s - Women on Boards.. BPW will then get in touch to arrange an appointment to discuss your requirements. During this meeting, not only is the relevant job profile examined but also the obstacles that occur within the organisation, the degree of support for the decision to attract female management talent, amongst other issues.
Costs: Register Programme Process Includes: Credential Verification, De-selection process, Psychometric Testing, Legal Training, Finance Training, Presentation Skills Training, Board Preparation Training, Coaching Presentation, 1 X 90 minute Coaching Session with a Personal Coach, including Psychometric testing results discussion, Placement on Register, Regular updates on relevant issues via e-mail. Invitations to ongoing networking and training workshops.
Retention Programme Process Includes Credential Verification Optional, Deselection process, Psychometric Testing, Legal Training, Finance Training, Presentation Skills Training, Board Preparation Training, Coaching Presentation, 1 X 90 minute Coaching Session with a Personal Coach, including Psychometric testing results discussion, Placement on Register Optional, Regular updates on relevant issues via e-mail. Invitations to ongoing networking and training workshops.
Women on Board Fees Register & Retention: R35 000 ex VAT per Applicant (Excludes transport, accommodation & meals outside of training hours) Placement Fees from Register To be discussed individually
Various networking and training workshops will be held throughout the year, the costs of which are NOT included in the above rates. These will include topics such as “Understanding the Stock Exchange”, “Trade and Investments”, The Consumer Protection Act, amongst others.
W Women are central to South Africa’s economic prosperity, creating new businesses and new wealth at accelerating rates. Despite the surging growth of South African women entrepreneurs who are starting businesses at twice the rate of men and want to grow, women-owned businesses are seriously under-represented in procurement contracts. According to a report from the Policy Board for Financial Services and Regulation at the South African Reserve Bank, the total economic output from this sector is approximately 50 per cent of our gross domestic product (GDP). In addition, this sector employs more than 60 per cent of the total labour force. DTI statistics reflect that approximately 70% of this sector are women business owners. It follows that unemployment - a serious concern in our economy - can be reduced through the successful promotion of of South Africa’s women entrepreneurs. It is estimated that they also comprise less than 5% of all domestic and international suppliers to corporations and governments. The result: big business misses out on value and innovation, women’s businesses don’t grow, and national productivity and GDP suffer. BPW has established a Women Owned Enterprise Certification - A supplier base that reflects the growing diversity of South African businesses in particular and the population in general makes good business sense. Women are involved in 85% of purchasing decisions, but receive a very small fraction of large contract opportunities, despite the innovative and quality products and services they are bringing to the marketplace at an escalating pace. International Trade Centre in Geneva BPW has signed an MOU with the International Trade Centre in Geneva who will assist our Women Owned Enterprises with international trade leads and trade missions.
Want the competitive edge? Certify your company as a Women Owned Enterprise.
Certification as a Women Owned Enterprise (WOE) by BPW and SAWEN is all about increasing your access to contract opportunities with corporations and governments in South Africa and even internationally. Large corporations and organizations need a broad range of services, covering everything from technology to HR, event management and marketing. Certification verifies that your business is majority-owned (51% minimum), managed and controlled by a woman, or women - crucial to multinational corporations and government procurement departments that want to demonstrate and measure diversity in their procurement practices and that it meets certification standards.
Who Should Apply? Ÿ Businesses owned by women who quality under the WOE criteria as indicated below; Ÿ Companies who wish to expand their sourcing options. You will gain access to the BPW WOE database of women suppliers qualified through standardized audited procedures.
What are the Criteria for Certification? Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
are based in South Africa own a minimum 51% of their firm manage and control their business operate an established, successful business – whether product or servicebased – in any sector Ÿ are growth-oriented
Ÿ
have the capacity to sell to large corporations and/or the ability to scale their operations accordingly. It is recommended that applicants have a minimum of R1 000,000 in annual revenues and the capacity to deliver on large contracts within one to five years.
Companies which are not Women Owned may join as a Corporate member and benefit by expanding their sourcing options
Why Should a Company Get Certified? Ÿ To receive invitations to Government Trade Missions from DTI/SAWEN for business purposes, without each time having to complete a mountain of paperwork. Ÿ To receive invitations to tender from Government departments through the DTI/SAWEN. Ÿ To receive invitations to networking sessions with procurement officers from our corporate members. Ÿ To maximize your potential to do business with big corporates by obtaining access to local, national and global procurement opportunities that are otherwise difficult to identify. Ÿ To take advantage of the search by our corporate members who are needing to diversify their supply chains and find new sources of innovation, quality and competitive pricing. Large corporations need a broad range of services, covering everything from technology to HR, event management and marketing. Ÿ To gain a marketing edge for your company by raising your visibility with these corporations and providing opportunities to develop relationships with supportive corporate and government buyers as well as with other qualified businesses. Ÿ To access training on capacity building for your business. Ÿ To build new sales opportunities and create partnerships with other qualified firms to enhance your access to large supply chain contracts. Ÿ To significantly accelerate the growth of your company.
What is involved in the Certification Process? Ÿ Submit the completed application form obtainable at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za (UN WEP’s - WOE Section) along with proof of payment of the non-refundable fee as per the Pricing structure. Ÿ Post the following documents to BPW for due diligence purposes by our Auditors. þ Copy of most recent audited annual Financial Statements; þ Company Registration Number and Registered name; þ Certificate of Incorportion þ Articles of Association þ BEE Status þ Up to date share register, if a company þ List of Officers and Directors þ Vat Number þ Company Tax Number þ Customs & Excise Certificate if applicable þ Corporate brochure or CD Rom of products.
Ÿ After completeing a detailed due diligence report on your company, based on the documents received, the Auditors will organise a site visit at your business premises to confirm the following: þ That the female owners are actively involved in the management and control of the business; þ To review cash flow or business projections and/or expansion plans; þ To veryfy that the business is based in South Africa Ÿ Thereafter the Auditors will either recommend or decline Certification. Ÿ If Certification is recommended, a signed Certificate will be sent to the company and it will be placed on the BPW database for Certified WOE’s used by our corporate members to search for potential suppliers. Ÿ You will then be eligible for invitations to BPW events with our corporate members. This application must be completed by the owner or general partner of the company or partnership seeking certification, as applicable. All information supplied to BPW will be kept confidential and secure as per our Privacy Policy. Once certified by BPW, basic company information will be provided to the BPW network of organizations seeking vendors and business partners. BPW reserves the right to ask questions in addition to those listed in the application, as reasonably required.
How long does Certification last? Ÿ The certification lasts for 3 years, commencing with a site-visit and detailed verification process by our Auditors in year 1 for which a fee based on the turnover of an organisation (see table below) is charged. Ÿ In years 2 and 3, you will be required to self-certify to confirm that your business is still majority (51%+) women-owned and managed. The same fee as year 1 will be charged each year to remain on our Corporate database for years 2 and 3, regardless of the size of your organisation Ÿ In year 4 a full certification process and Auditor site visit will be necessary, for which the full certification fee will be charged. r3
Diversify your vendor networks, find businesses that reflect your customer base and discover innovative, competitive goods and services. Join the non-WOE membership database.
What is the BPW Certification fee? The fee depends upon the size of your company. BPW’s process is unique – and robust – because it includes an on-site visit to get to know the owners and company and to verify that a woman is the owner and manager of the business. Annual BPW Certification Fee Table (based on Turnover) Up to R1,000,000 R15 000 + VAT Between R1,000,001 - R10,000,000 R20 000 + VAT Over R10,000,001 R30 000 + VAT
Non Women Owned Companies Membership and Benefits Membership in WOE is open to Non WOE corporations and other private and public purchasing entities in South Africa. who are seeking a diverse supplier base which is no longer an option - it is a business imperative. If you are seeking to diversify your vendor networks and find historically under utilized businesses that reflect your customer base and bring innovative, competitive goods and services, then this membership is for you. Ÿ Expand your national sourcing options. Gain access to the BPW WOE database of women suppliers qualified through standardized audited procedures. Available only to our corporate members, this database will provide you with quality products and services and competitive pricing. Ÿ Drive value and innovation. By developing a more inclusive vendor network, Corporates will increase the number of suppliers in the marketplace, drive up quality and innovation and drive down costs. Ÿ Create a competitive edge. Corporates will source a dynamic network of growth-oriented women business owners, many with products and services that fill unexploited needs in the marketplace. Ÿ Stay on the leading edge of diversity practices globally. Through our events, Corporates can tap into the opportunity to network with visionary practitioners in procurement . Ÿ Be invited to international Trade Missions for both WOE’s and corporate members of the WOE programme. Ÿ Non WOE Corporates must complete the “Corporate Membership” form available at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za.
Fees for Corporate Members Annual corporate membership fee R25,000
W The Economic Empowerment of Women BPW has fully recognized that good governance is key to South Africa’s future development. Studies have shown that it contributes to macroeconomic stability and predictability; it enhances government’s ability to implement poverty reduction policies by ensuring transparent and participatory policymaking; it enables public functions to be executed in an accountable manner and therefore increases investor confidence, and it demonstrates a country’s strong commitment to international anticorruption standards. In this way, improved corporate governance can markedly contribute to a country’s ability to achieve sustained economic growth and lasting democratic political institutions. Good corporate governance plays an important role in promoting both economic efficiency and equity (through lower cost of capital, larger capital markets, higher market valuation of firms, and profits). Indeed, a number of cross-country studies have demonstrated that countries that maintain good corporate governance performance – both in terms of the relevant legal/regulatory infrastructure (macrolevel) and corporations’ observance of key standards and codes (micro-level) – also enjoy a higher level of sustained economic growth. BPW, mindful of its Consultative status with the UN, affirms its strong support for the promotion of good governance as key to meeting the Millennium Development Goals. For achieving MDGs, three important factors are: political willingness of governments, attitude towards status of women, and action towards governance accountability.
Indeed, the Private Sector Development Strategy, adopted in 2004, acknowledged corporate governance as a cornerstone for the development of a viable and sound private sector, particularly SMEs. Its crucial role in attracting foreign investments flows to South Africa was also recognized. Companies that operate in the informal sector are much harder to regulate with respect to their observance of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility practices. However, ultimately they are at a disadvantage because they face far greater obstacles in accessing finance or garnering support from capacity-building institutions. This BPW strategy will provide sensitization programs that highlight the advantages of company registration. From BPW’s viewpoint, good corporate governance matters to the whole spectrum of ownership structures, from family-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to publicly owned local entities such as municipalities. In the case of SMEs, the lack of separation between ownership and control, which is typical of small family businesses, can often lead to a lack of transparency and accountability (e.g. no external auditing). This represents a major obstacle to sustained growth, e.g. by reducing access to external capital. Many of these are either owned by women or women working with a husband who is in control.
Strategy The overall goal of the BPW’s strategy is to contribute to economic development by promoting good corporate governance to women in all sectors. This strategy aims at promoting the four fundamental governance principles of transparency, responsibility, fairness, and accountability, and ensuring that the necessary regulatory framework and institutional capacity are in place to enforce them. Corporate governance is both relevant and critical to the growth of SME’s in South Africa. Current efforts at propagating corporate governance focus mainly on large publicly traded and multinational institutions, and do not pay particular attention to the needs of SME's. BPW has a strong commitment to supporting the growth and development of the SMME sector, and will spearhead a corporate governance agenda aimed at this critical sector, supporting activities to build institutional and human capacity, to raise finance and support initiatives for its development. Women Small Enterprises in South Africa are surviving under very harsh and discriminatory business conditions, some operating outside the law and others ,though legal, fail to grow into medium and large business entities. We can attribute these challenges to a lack of knowledge on how to formalize operations so as to receive government and private sector funding, failure to manage finances effectively through sound cooperate governance principles and other myriad of challenges.
The BPW Train the Trainer Project The trainer-the-trainer course is prescribed to address the challenges facing our fellow women who run small enterprises. The programme will be rolled out in two phases; 1. 20 selected delegates from across all provinces will be trained on how to train others on women entrepreneurship.
This process will: Ÿ Ensure that the costs of training are considerably reduced and therefore also the fees payable by the delegates. Ÿ Ensure a larger number of SME and SMME women-owned companies are trained.
The programme is designed to train 20 delegates across all the 9 provinces. These delegates will be trained for both content courses which cover the small business imperatives, what they should know and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. They will also be equipped with the skills to train other women entrepreneurs in their provinces through our Train the Trainer programme.
Ÿ Attendance at these training sessions is based on specific criteria related to the size and turnover of the SME’s and SMME’s; Ÿ Companies can get involved by sponsoring women from SME’s and SMME’s to attend the training;
SME & SMME Training Process Ÿ Training will be held over two full days and will incorporate issues relating to good corporate governance., legislation, access to finance and access to training by DTI Agencies. Ÿ Workshops will be organised countrywide for SME’s. These workshops to be run by the BPW trainers. Ÿ A qualified Project Manager with solid training experience will run the project for BPW. Ÿ A nominal fee will be charged to the SME’s and SMME’s as there is no perceived value unless some payment is received. Ÿ After completing the training, women will be given signed Completion Certificates from BPW and SAWEN.
Companies can sponsor training workshops for the SME’s and SMME’s in the various provinces.
Training Content • How small businesses are classified • • • • • • • • • •
BPW, mindful of its Consultative status with the UN, affirms its strong support for the promotion of good governance as key to meeting the Millennium Development Goals. For achieving MDGs, three important factors are: political willingness of governments, attitude towards status of women, and action towards governance accountability.
2. The second phase will involve the 20 delegates training women entrepreneurs in the provinces.
Programme Outline
How can companies get involved?
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and categorised Points to ponder on whether or not you possess the skills and know-how to have your own business Pitfalls to watch when embarking on having your own business Guidance on Researching the industry, market and competitors Guidance on the Financial implications of having your own business Explaining the laws governing businesses – New Companies Act Discussing the preparation of a business plan Giving information relating to support organisations Your business and Tax, Vat, UIF, etc. Points to remember when tendering Important factors to bear in mind when accessing finance The pitfalls of Contracts Labour Laws governing Small Business The basics of Corporate Governance
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Evaluation and Monitoring The following will be monitored: Ÿ What has been achieved? Ÿ What have been the constraints? Ÿ What are the future priorities? Ÿ Funds accessed by SME’s from DTI Funding Agencies
Women Small Enterprises in South Africa are surviving under very harsh and discriminatory business conditions, some operating outside the law and others though legal fail to grow into medium and large business entities.
Ÿ Training accessed by SME’s from DTI agencies Ÿ Number of SME’s trained Ÿ Tenders confirmed Ÿ Jobs created from the training due to better corporate governance Ÿ Number of SME’s who registered after the training