Empowering women in South Africa's ICT sector: SEACOM's drive for innovation through gender diversity.

South Africa's dynamic information and communications technology (ICT) sector is increasingly embracing gender diversity as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable growth. Leading companies recognise that diverse perspectives and inclusive workplaces unlock new ideas, solutions, and business opportunities. At the forefront of this transformative movement is SEACOM, championing the empowerment of women in ICT.

SEACOM, an innovative organisation in the sector, is actively promoting women's advancement in the industry. Our efforts position the company as a frontrunner in harnessing the full potential of a gender-diverse workforce.

Soraya Bagus, Chief People and Culture Officer at SEACOM, sheds light on their strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of women in the industry. "Our commitment to gender parity is reflected in our executive team, where 42% of members are women," Bagus notes, underscoring SEACOM's dedication to this goal. Mckinsey Research shows that organisations with more diverse teams tend to outperform their homogeneous counterparts in areas such as creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.

SEACOM’s multifaceted approach includes initiatives such as the Women's Leadership Forum and robust mentoring programmes designed to nurture and develop female leaders. "We're dedicated to creating leaders who will drive the future of our industry," Bagus elaborates, suggesting a transformative vision that goes beyond mere workforce representation.

Kim Sacree, General Manager of Customer Experience at SEACOM, emphasises that these diversity initiatives could have a tremendous impact on strategic operations and customer engagement, remarking, "The opportunities for strategic operations and customer engagement have significantly enhanced our business performance." Building on this insight, Radha Valla, Sales Manager: Wholesale at SEACOM, affirms, “Diverse perspectives lead to better solutions and innovations.”

By valuing and leveraging the unique perspectives and experiences of women, SEACOM is promoting gender equality. At the same time, these efforts position the company to drive innovation and growth in the ICT sector. They have far-reaching implications for societal advancement and economic development across South Africa and the broader African continent.

International Girls in ICT Day, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of April every year, is a significant driving force. Thembi Masibuko, Group Chief Strategy and Business Management Officer at SEACOM, considers this event a cornerstone that amplifies SEACOM’s ongoing efforts to inspire young girls. "It continues to be a powerful reminder of the potential careers in ICT and acts as a motivator for the next generation," she observes, reinforcing the importance of early engagement.

Ma-Afrika Kekana, Head of Operational Excellence at SEACOM, affirms that incorporating more women into projects not only boosts creativity and problem-solving but also significantly propels innovation. She believes diversity brings a variety of perspectives that lead to better solutions.

SEACOM's commitment extends beyond internal initiatives, as the company collaborates with external organisations like Girl Hype, an NGO that equips young women with coding skills. "These partnerships are vital as they help us build a robust pipeline of skilled women who are ready to lead and innovate in the ICT sector," Bagus proudly shares, highlighting the importance of community and educational partnerships.

For women considering a career in ICT, Bagus offers vital advice: "The industry demands adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning." She encourages women to believe in their ability to excel in maths and science and to embrace the transformative power of technology in their lives and communities. Acknowledging challenges such as gender biases and rapid technological shifts, Bagus emphasises the importance of women continuously enhancing their skills and supporting each other. “Approach the sector with determination and an eagerness to always stay one step ahead,” she advises, “and bring your female friends along for the journey.”

SEACOM's efforts to drive gender diversity in ICT are vital for sectoral growth and societal progress. By empowering women and harnessing diverse perspectives, SEACOM pioneers a future where the industry reflects the rich diversity it serves – a call to action for others to unlock their workforce's full potential.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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