4 minute read
Women In Leadership -Kaashifah Beukes
Empowering Women in South Africa's Economic Zones
By Jesse Taylor
For decades, South African women have fought for equality in economic spaces. Despite notable strides, many industries remain male-dominated, perpetuating significant disparities like the gender pay gap and the ever-present glass ceiling.
Recognising these challenges, initiatives such as the Women of the SEZs aim to foster transformative change in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and beyond, empowering women to lead and thrive.
One of the figures championing this cause is Kaashifah Beukes, a civil engineer turned trailblazing leader who has left an indelible mark on South Africa’s SEZ landscape.
Driving Economic Inclusion
SEZs were conceptualised as transformation hubs, offering unique incentives to attract local and foreign investors. Beyond economic growth, these zones are designed to uplift surrounding communities through job creation, mentorship, and skills development.
The Women of the SEZs initiative, launched in September 2023, builds upon this ethos by ensuring women have equitable access to these opportunities. The initiative seeks to enable significant economic contributions from women and foster workplaces that embrace diversity and inclusivity.
South Africa ranks among the top 20 countries globally in closing the gender gap, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report. However, critical areas such as educational attainment (43rd globally) and economic participation (81st globally) highlight the need for continued effort.
Despite these challenges, progress has been uneven. Women entrepreneurs, for example, contributed $350 billion to Africa’s GDP in 2022, demonstrating their immense potential as drivers of economic growth. Yet, only 8% of CEOs in South Africa are women, and the gender pay gap in large-cap companies remains a staggering 32%.
SEZs provide a unique environment for women to thrive. They not only offer jobs but also foster entrepreneurship and leadership. For instance, women comprise 60 to 80% of the SEZ workforce globally, with some zones employing as many as 90% women.
In South Africa, SEZs like Freeport Saldanha, the OR Tambo SEZ, and the Maluti-A-Phofung SEZ are actively placing women in managerial roles. Leaders like Kaashifah Beukes exemplify this commitment to inclusivity and growth.
As the former CEO of Freeport Saldanha, Ms Beukes is a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment in SEZs. With over a decade of experience in civil engineering, including stints at Eskom and private consulting firms, Beukes embodies the transformative potential of women in leadership. Under her leadership, Freeport Saldanha became a pioneering SEZ focused on maritime services, logistics, and energy. Beukes’s tenure emphasised local community upliftment and opportunities for women, particularly in STEM fields.
A Transformational Leader
Ms Beukes underscores the critical role of education in bridging gender gaps, particularly in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Her own journey - from a civil engineering degree to an MBA - highlights the importance of equipping young women with the skills needed to excel in industrial and manufacturing sectors.
“There must be an emphasis on STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – for girls in the schools, that will enable them to access the required tertiary qualifications required by the manufacturing and industrial sectors,” she says.
Ms Beukes believes much more can be done to promote these subjects and expose young female learners to the various opportunities offered within the SEZs and beyond. Over and above that, women must be supported on their work-life journey. “They must be provided with access to skills and, importantly, to capital.” She advocates for partnerships between SEZs and institutions like the Department of Science and Innovation to fund scholarships and create pathways for women in critical economic sectors.
While SEZs provide a fertile ground for women’s advancement, Ms Beukes acknowledges the challenges women face, particularly those balancing caregiving roles with professional aspirations. She stresses the need for sustainable support systems, such as access to capital and skills training, to ensure women can fully participate in economic activities.
Ms Beukes’s leadership philosophy reflects this understanding. At Freeport Saldanha, she prioritised hiring women and fostering mentorship programs, creating a pipeline for future leaders.
Women bring unique perspectives and leadership styles that can significantly enhance organisational resilience and innovation. Research from the Harvard Business Review supports this, showing women excel as leaders, particularly during crises.
Ms Beukes’s tenure at Freeport Saldanha reflects this leadership style. By fostering an inclusive culture and emphasising local economic development, she has set a benchmark for how SEZs can empower women while driving national economic growth.
Ms Beukes and the Women of the SEZs initiative exemplify the transformative potential of inclusive economic policies. By prioritising education, mentorship, and equitable opportunities, SEZs are not just hubs of economic activity but catalysts for societal change.
