Gender disparity remains a challenge across many of South Africa’s key growth industries, but the Global Business Services (GBS) sector stands out as a space where women are leading the charge and finding innovative ways to excel. Concentrix, a global technology and services leader, has played a crucial role in this transformation, fostering an environment where women can gain employment, upskill, and ascend to leadership roles.

Empowering Women Through Career Advancement

“One of the company’s core values is a commitment to uplifting those from underserved communities, not just through employment, but by supporting them with opportunities for career advancement. A way in which this is achieved is by empowering women in the sector with leadership skills to adapt and thrive,” said Catherine Kalamaras, Growth Enablement Director at Concentrix. “While we celebrate Women’s Month and the role it plays in highlighting the need for gender parity, we want to celebrate women throughout the year. Women who are making strides, who have succeeded in their roles, and are working towards even bigger things.”

South Africa: A Hub for Global Business Services

South Africa’s GBS sector has rapidly expanded, offering thousands of jobs to individuals, even those without prior experience. The sector’s growth is driven by cost efficiency, a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce, and a favourable time zone that aligns with major markets in Europe and the Middle East.

Success Stories: Women in Leadership

Two shining examples of success within Concentrix are Mariam Amod and Yolanda Langa, both graduates of the Amara Leadership Programme facilitated by BPESA (Business Process Enabling South Africa). BPESA is the primary advocate for GBS and BPO in the country, striving to bridge gender gaps in leadership.

Reshni Singh, CEO of BPESA, stated: “While women make up approximately 70% of the BPO workforce in South Africa, only 30% occupy managerial roles. This gender disparity not only hinders individual career growth but also limits the industry's overall potential for innovation and success. By offering targeted training and mentorship opportunities, like the Amara Leadership Programme, we can empower women to overcome barriers, amplify their voices, and build strong personal brands in the workplace.”

The Amara Leadership Programme equips women with essential skills through modules covering Personal Mastery, Be Heard, Personal Branding & Networking, Mindful Resilience, Navigating Corporate Politics, and Mentorship. Participants gain confidence, develop leadership abilities, and build supportive networks.

Impactful Training and Networking

Reflecting on her experience, Mariam Amod shared, “Participating in the Amara Leadership Programme impacted my professional and personal growth. It provided invaluable insight into my current and future roles. The workshops and training boosted my confidence and taught me to inspire and motivate others more effectively. The connections I made with like-minded women gave me new perspectives, making the programme life-changing.”

Concentrix has further partnered with Stellenbosch University to enrol female employees in the Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP) run by The Networking Company. This initiative focuses on four pillars: leadership development, personal growth, business skills, and mentorship. Between 2020 and 2022, during the pandemic, the programme graduated 29 Concentrix employees, 53% of whom were women. Thirteen of these women have since been promoted to leadership roles, including operations managers, directors, and senior risk and compliance managers.

“We will work to continue to find ways to advance the most underserved members of our community through leadership programmes and open the industry to as many women and youth as possible,” added Kalamaris.

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Press Release Submitted By

Company Name: ConcentrixContact Person: Catherine KalamarasWebsite: www.concentrix.com

Total Words: 593

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South African Women Leading the GBS SectorWomen are transforming the GBS industry with leadership roles and innovation, thanks to Concentrix and BPESA initiatives.

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