Accelerating Action for Gender Equality: Reflecting on Progress This Women's Month
Accelerating Action for Gender Equality: Reflecting on Progress This Women's Month
By Thuto Masasa, Partner and National Head of Advisory, BDO South Africa
As we celebrate Women's Month in South Africa this August, I'm reminded of both how far we've come and the work that still lies ahead. Earlier this year, BDO Global released our 6th annual International Women's Day Report, themed "#AccelerateAction for Gender Equality." Now, as we honour the legacy of the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, this call to action feels more urgent than ever.
Progress Worth Celebrating
The data tells a compelling story. Globally, women now comprise 25% of BDO's partners, up from 19% in 2019. Here in South Africa, we're leading the charge with women representing 40% of our partners, well above the global average and up from 32% just six years ago.
This achievement reflects deliberate action. As our Managing Partner Bonga Mokoena noted, this milestone demonstrates how we're "setting the tone" for gender balance in leadership. Similar transformations are happening across our global network, BDO Ecuador doubled its female partners from 13% to 33%, while European firms have seen dramatic improvements through targeted career development programs.
Universal Challenges, Shared Solutions
Through my participation in BDO's global executive leadership program, I discovered something profound: the challenges we face as women professionals are remarkably universal. Initially, I assumed the issues in our region were unique, but women worldwide face similar hurdles. As female leaders, we often feel the need to prove ourselves more and work harder. Yet this program affirmed that we are all equal, equal in the issues we face, equal in the solutions we seek.
This recognition has strengthened our resolve to drive change not just locally, but as part of a global movement.
Addressing the Gaps
While we celebrate progress, structural barriers remain. Executive committees and boards still lack female representation, something we must be mindful of and actively address. Meaningful transformation, as Bonga emphasizes, is critical for a sustainable future.
Consider our technology sector: women make up 47% of the overall workforce but only 26% of tech roles. Through our "BDO Women in Tech" mentorship programme, we're working to flip this script, particularly as South Africa positions itself as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Our mining sector research highlighted another critical gap. Women comprise only 12% of South Africa's mining workforce despite growing five-fold from 2002 to 2019.
The Path Forward
The women who marched in 1956 understood that lasting change requires not just individual courage, but collective action and sustained commitment. Their determination, captured in the powerful phrase "you strike a woman, you strike a rock", continues to inspire our efforts to break barriers in business.
As we observe Women's Month in August, the key takeaways are clear: women's leadership matters, progress is happening but remains uneven, and continued action through policy, mentorship, and awareness is essential for true gender equality in business.
The call to #AccelerateAction isn't just about moving faster; it's about moving together, with purpose and determination, toward a future where every talented individual can thrive regardless of gender.