By Lara Barlow, HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Director of Empact Group

August in South Africa holds a special significance as it marks Women’s Month, culminating in the celebration of National Women's Day on the 9 August every year. This annual observance commemorates the historic 1956 march to parliament by 20 000 courageous women. Their purposeful protest against the pass laws and other discriminatory policies of the Apartheid regime symbolises a pivotal moment in the fight for equality, unity, and justice. As we honour the memory of these brave women, we also reflect on their legacy and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. This Women’s Month, Empact Group’s HSE Director, Lara Barlow expands our gaze to encompass the remarkable progress that’s been made, the persistent challenges faced by South African women, and the crucial role that corporations and individuals must play in shaping a more inclusive future.

The iconic 1956 march stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of South African women who challenged a system designed to subjugate and segregate along racial, ethnic, and social lines. It is a time to remember that the foundation for the empowerment of South African women was built on the strength and resilience of generations past, whose unwavering dedication to justice continues to inspire us today. National Women’s Day not only commemorates a historical event but also underscores the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality for women across the nation.

While we commemorate the strides made since the end of apartheid in 1994, we must also acknowledge the sobering reality that persists for many South African women. While progress has been made on various fronts, the lives of economically disadvantaged women, particularly those from marginalized communities across all nine provinces, remain a cause for concern. These women continue to face multifaceted challenges that extend beyond economic disparities, as they grapple with gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and single parenthood while enduring the burden of minimum-wage employment.

Empact Group, an organisation employing 25 000 people, including 17 000 women, seeks to shine a light on the often-unseen women who contribute to our society’s functioning. Behind-the-scenes workers, from cleaners to caregivers, embody the backbone of our society, diligently working to make our lives easier. Their roles, though often overlooked, are integral to the fabric of our communities. These women start their days before dawn and finish long after sunset, yet their lives remain filled with unimaginable hardships. They bear the weight of economic struggles while simultaneously confronting systemic gender inequalities.

These stories highlight the urgent need for a paradigm shift in corporate and societal consciousness. It is high time that the pursuit of a living wage becomes a national priority, a goal championed not only by grassroots advocates but also by corporate entities. The responsibility to instigate meaningful change should fall upon the shoulders of business leaders who must actively engage in conversations, share insights, and collaborate to create a better future for all.

Corporate South Africa has the unique power to drive transformative change, ushering in a future where economic empowerment becomes a reality for every individual. The move toward a living wage is not just an economic imperative but a moral one. As business leaders, we must recognise that our actions can reshape the lives of countless women who serve as the bedrock of our society. By advocating for fair wages and safe working conditions, we pave the way for future generations to break free from the cycle of poverty.

For women already established in the workplace, there exists a profound responsibility to use their platform to uplift and amplify the voices of those often unheard. The women in roles as cleaners, caregivers, receptionists, and countless others are more than just their jobs; they are individuals with stories and aspirations. As colleagues, it’s imperative to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, regardless of their title. Taking a moment to acknowledge their existence, understand their journey, and listen to their narratives fosters a culture of empathy, respect, and collaboration.

As Women’s Month draws to a close and the broader discourse surrounding gender equality, it’s important to maintain a balanced perspective. We honour the progress that has been achieved, yet we acknowledge the work that remains. By celebrating the past and recognising the present, we forge a path toward a future characterised by equity, justice, and inclusivity. It is up to each of us, as corporate citizens and individuals, to play our part in this transformative journey - one that upholds the legacy of those who marched in 1956 and ensures that their sacrifices were not in vain.

Author Bio:
As Empact Group’s Health, Safety and Environmental Director since 2014, Lara is responsible for well-being across the business – doing right by people, partners, clients and the planet. Prior to joining Empact Group, Lara was the National Technical Manager for Pick n Pay, responsible for the establishment of the business policy and procedures around food safety, quality assurance and product development. Lara seeks to make a meaningful impact through collaborative relationships that emphasise the importance of shared values in order to implement sustainable practices, which enable a better future.

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ABOUT EMPACT GROUP:

At Empact we are on a journey – a journey to do our best and be the best for our people, our clients, our partners, our community and our planet.

This is the passion that drives us to be the preferred, purpose led partner for catering, cleaning and integrated facilities management solutions in Southern Africa; known for our skilled and caring people, our consistent excellence in service delivery and the value we create for our clients.

As a client centric values-based solutions business we aim to consistently create value for our stakeholders all while prioritising our people, protecting and nurturing our planet and positively impacting our communities.

Each of our bespoke, multi-service solutions are uniquely designed to solve our clients’ problems – allowing you to concentrate on your core business; knowing that all your non-core activities are being managed in the safest, most effective and most cost-efficient manner possible.

This is how we care, create value, deliver impact and do right by you.

Food Solutions

Food by Empact Group delivers an extensive range of catering and support solutions for the corporate, industrial, healthcare, education, remote, offshore, mining, retirement and lifestyle sectors. From fine dining to corporate canteens, from grab-and-go to harvest tables and delicious canapés, from a nutritious smoothie to delicious coffee, food is our passion. We understand that food is an essential part of your employees’ wellbeing – so we bring you award-winning chefs, varied menus, world-class service and the freshest, most nutritional ingredients.

Cleaning Solutions

Supercare by Empact Group offers contract and specialised cleaning for a wide range of commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, transport and retail environments.

Our professionally trained and caring staff and management team are dedicated to legal compliance, service excellence with health and safety being our number one priority.

Our safety standards are extremely stringent, putting our people and the environment first. To uplift and empower our people, and allow them to better service your company, we run training centres nationally that develop skills at all levels.

Hygiene and Pest Management Solutions

Supercare by Empact Group delivers outstanding hygiene and pest management solutions to the highest standards of excellence to all industries and environments.

In a post COVID-19 world, hygiene in the workplace has never been more important.

Our products are environmentally friendly, our safety standards are of the highest quality, our staff are professionally trained and our commitment to service excellence is unmatched – all so that we can offer you and your people total peace of mind.

Integrated Facilities Management Solutions

Facilities by Empact Group provides support services and integrated facilities management solutions for diverse industries, including mining, commercial/corporate, offshore and remote sites.

Our management model offers total integrated facilities management services, which are predominantly self-performed by our staff. From corporate offices to large industrial power plants and campuses, our expertise in Facilities Management is consistently growing and evolving.

Our approach and expertise provide cost certainty and all the reassurance you need to get on with your core responsibilities, confidently knowing that we will do right by your facility.

Level 1 BBBEE Certified

Empact Group (formerly Compass Group Southern Africa) is 100% owned by Thebe Investment Corporation (Pty) Ltd (TIC); a pioneering black owned company that uses its business success to transform lives and make a difference in our communities.

We are rated as a Level 1 BBBEE Contributor with a 135% BBBEE supplier recognition, 89.53% black economic interest and 36.34% black women economic interest.

Our level 1 rating forms part of our strategic Transformation Pledge, as we see transformation as a principal and dynamic business process contributing to our competitive edge – a key part of us doing right for society.