Find your passion, work hard, walk confidently, and learn from those around you, she advises.
Colleen Daniels, head of HR at Bearings International (BI), is urging companies to be open to the diversity and value that women can create in the workplace.
“That is what any person or employee wants: to feel valued. I really hope that we can move on from a time where being a woman and in the boardroom or at a morning meeting is a struggle to be recognised as a partner who contributes towards the success of the organisation,” she says.
She adds that during her tenure, BI has made significant progress, especially in the arena of young female talent both in the support and sales environment.
“Empowerment, just like diversity, is a broad term. For us, it is an action-orientated term that we seek to exercise every day,” she says.
Of the unemployed and disabled learners working at BI, 70 percent are African women.
“This is indicative of the efforts we make at BI to drive the diversity agenda. We are proud to see our female talent grow and take charge. You should see the ladies in action!” she says, in acknowledgement of International Women’s Day (IWD).
IWD was celebrated on 8 March under the 2022 campaign theme of Break The Bias: Imagine a gender equal world.
In terms of Colleen’s advice to young women just starting out on their career path, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries, she acknowledges it remains a challenge.
“Be aware of it, but do not let it define you. Find your passion, work hard, walk confidently, and never miss an opportunity to learn from those around you. Very importantly, learn from others. We are all working towards valuing diversity,” she says.
Colleen concludes: “Personally, being a mother is most probably the most important part of my life and I savour every minute of it. I am unapologetically a woman and loving it. It is my superpower!”
