In a highly transformative and evolving industry, the South African advertising landscape is not as representative as one would expect from such a progressive and diverse nation. Digital marketing in South Africa is still demonstrates an imbalanced gender dynamic.

In an industry where 45% of the workplace is female, a mere 3% of directorship is held by women. Today, only 2.4% of women are CEOs and Only 9.2% of women hold chairperson positions. Women in leadership positions remain a minority within an industry that does not lack female representation: 50% of graduates studying marketing degrees are women.

“Despite there being no shortage of women in the industry, there doesn’t seem to be nearly enough in leadership roles,” says Facebook Africa's regional director, Nunu Ntshingila. “We need to see women that are authentic, we need to see women that are empowered, and we need to see women that are progressive because our girls need to see not only that what is possible, they’ve got to see what they need to become.”

It seems that the advertising industry has no trouble attracting women to the field, it is retaining them that is the problem. Women in creative roles appear to leave the industry in the middle of their careers, a move which is primarily attributed to having children. While many women return to agency, taking a break often hinders the opportunity to progress in their careers. Further to this, women are challenged with work-life balance in ways that their male counterparts are not. One can argue that taking on the dual roles of motherhood and career woman shifts the focus from a dedicated climb up the career ladder.

While the representation of women in advertising agencies in general is a bone of contention, the diversity of women in this field is much to be desired. There is a pervasive lack of black women in creative leadership positions or founding their own agencies in comparison to the increasing amount of white women and black women in the same position. The focus needs to shift: diversity is not solely about the number of women in leadership roles, but rather consider that a wide array of cultures, races and ethnicities are represented within agencies. Ultimately, diversity results in creativity, innovation and progressive concepts; agencies will reap the rewards of an exceptional offering from an entirely inclusive workforce. Diversity does not lower the bar. Diversity raises it.

It is essential to have strong female leaders in advertising agencies to inspire and motivate other women. We must celebrate women of colour who hold positions of prominence in the industry. It is important to understand what the female workforce would need to help them stay in the industry - this could mean child care assistance, destigmatising flexi-time and correcting salary inequalities. At the end of the day, it is about creating an environment that empowers women and allows them the courage and self-confidence to flourish within their roles, as creatives and leaders.

About Keshia Patchiappen, Condriac CEO

Keshia Patchiappen is paving the way for women of colour with her dynamic, strategic approach to the realm of digital marketing and communications. Keshia has experienced a stellar career trajectory, rising from an intern to CEO through 11 years of experience across all advertising platforms. She has worked for global communication agencies and a vast number of clients ranging from automotive, construction, consumer and corporate brands.

Keshia is passionate about revolutionising the way in which brands are marketed in the digital space, and is extremely focused on the inclusion of data in cohesive Public Relations and Communications strategies. Her tenacity, creativity and thorough knowledge of the industry allows Condriac to continue to break new ground and provide clients with an invaluable competitive edge.

This season, we are enamoured with jewellery’s most flattering metal – rose.

Reworking popular motifs and classic PANDORA designs, the PANDORA Rose series offers up a collection of enduring classics tinged with the elegance of blush-coloured metal. Layer it, stack it, or simply show it off.

Marking the launch of a new era of style, where tradition meets innovation, PANDORA proudly presents PANDORA Rose, a unique blend of metals with a warm and romantic pink colour.

Highlighting the beauty of sparkling stones and flattering all skin tones, PANDORA Rose blush-coloured metal is soft and discreet; its rose colour provides the perfect feminine touch to any outfit or occasion.

PANDORA Rose is hand-finished to the exacting standards synonymous with PANDORA and will launch globally in all PANDORA stores on 1 September 2016.

Shimmering Feather

Representing renewed hope, life and beginnings, the organic form of the symbolic feather is rendered in PANDORA’s muted pink metal. Embellished with micro-set stones, the elegant designs of the ring and pendant make a stylish statement with a nod to bohemian sensibilities.

Sparkling Bows

In keeping with the season’s strong vintage feel, neat and tidy bows decorated with glittering stones are perfect for channelling a feminine feeling. The timeless motif, meticulously crafted with multiple stones, is both on-trend and evergreen.

Emblems of Style and Substance

A braided ring represents how our lives are connected, and a fairy tale ring, fit for a modern day princess, features a tiara-inspired design with heart details.

Ode to Elegance

The simple, circular design of PANDORA’s signature series is crafted to exacting standards. Sparkling stone accents lend subtle shine to the graphic form, making the stud earrings perfect for everyday wear. This classic princess-length necklace is adjustable to different lengths and the perfect classic touch for an elegant look.

PANDORA jewellery is available across South Africa in Gauteng at Sandton, Eastgate, Fourways, Brooklyn, Menlyn Park, Woodlands, Clearwater, Cresta, Forest Hill, East Rand Mall, Rosebank, Mall of Africa and Greenstone; in Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront, Cavendish, Somerset, George, Canal Walk and Tyger Valley: in KwaZulu-Natal at La Lucia, Pavilion, Ballito and Watercrest; in Nelspruit at Riverside Mall and in Eastern Cape in Bay West and in selected Edgars stores and fine jewellers nationwide and Mauritius, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

ABOUT PANDORA

World-renowned for its hand-finished and contemporary jewellery at affordable prices, PANDORA designs, manufactures and markets jewellery made from high-quality materials. Inspiring women to embrace their individuality and express their personal style, PANDORA's stylish and feminine jewellery captures the unforgettable moments and personal values in life. PANDORA's unique and detailed designs combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology are sold in more than 100 countries across six continents through approximately 9,000 points of sale, including more than 1,800 concept stores.Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, PANDORA employs more than 16,700 people worldwide of whom approximately 11,000 are located in Gemopolis, Thailand, where the company manufactures its jewellery. PANDORA is publicly listed on the NASDAQ Copenhagen stock exchange in Denmark. In 2015, PANDORA’s total revenue was DKK 16.7 billion (approximately EUR 2.2 billion).

PIETERMARITZBURG, 19 APRIL 2016 – KwaZulu-Natal’s young, multisport superstar and 2020 Olympic hopeful, Mikaela Jonsson (Jeep Team), has been selected to represent South Africa in three World events this year. Jonsson (18) will be racing in the Junior Elite category.

On 24^th April, Jonsson will be competing in the 2016 Discovery ITU World Triathlon Cape Town. She has also been selected to compete at both the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Aviles, Spain on 4th June 2016, and in Xterra World Championship off-road triathlon in Hawaii in October 2016 as part of Team South Africa.

The South African leg of the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Series is taking place in Cape Town on 24 April. This is Race #3 of 9 international events that make up the series. This year, the ITU World Triathlon Series is an opportunity for athletes to earn Olympic qualification points. Jonsson will be competing in the Individual Sprint event - 500m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run.

Said Jonsson, “In 2016, I’m focusing purely on my sport after finishing Matric last year. I want to see how far I can go. To be selected for the South African team in these events is a massive achievement and in line with my goal to compete internationally this year. I’ve been training really hard these last few months and it’s starting to pay off.”

This weekend Jonsson proved she is in top form after her 2^nd female overall placing in the Sprint Race at Race#2 of the TinMan Triathlon Series, which took place at Suncoast Beach in Durban on Sunday, 17 April. Jonsson completed the 600m swim, 18km cycle and 5km run in 1h13m just behind Tegan Gore, who won the women’s event in 1h11m. Daniella Amgo placed 3^rd in 1h20m.

Said Jonsson, “I hadn’t tapered off for this race as I need to peak for the Discovery ITU World Triathlon next weekend. So I went in with tired legs. Saying this, it was a very close race. Tegan finished the swim and cycling legs just seconds ahead of me, but then managed to extend her lead in the final running stretch. TinMan was excellent preparation ahead of my big race this weekend.”

Editors’ Notes

PHOTO CAPTION: Mikaela Jonsson in Durban at Race#2 of the TinMan Triathlon Series, 17 April 2016.

PHOTO CREDIT: Kevin Sawyer

You have been on the edge for a while, now it’s time to take a leap and fly at this year’s Unleashed Woman “Born to Fly” Conference on Saturday the 4th October 2014 at the Oak Leaf, Sandton. Now in its fourth year, the conference brings together woman, leaders in their respective industries, to network, share their experiences and look towards making a difference in the broader society.

Bringing a vital mix of insight and inspiration to this year’s conference is the dynamic Nonkululeko Gobodo, Executive Chairman of the accounting firm SizweNtsalubaGobodo and Standard Bank Business Woman of the Year 2014. Joining her will be Annie McWalter, CEO of The Hope Factory, a non-profit company that specialises in enterprise and supplier development and growing South African entrepreneurs.

“This conference is aimed at those who've been contemplating stepping out into bigger and better things in their lives, vocations and careers, but excuses or the busyness of life has gotten the better of them that they are unwarily settling for a life less than what they could potentially live,” says Lerato Thekiso, founding member of Unleashed Woman.

Unleashed Woman, a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), was established in 2011 by a group of professional black women looking to inspire other women to realise their own personal potential. Through regular conferencing, mentorship and educational initiatives they continually aim to create thought provoking conversations.

Since inception Unleashed Woman has used their collective expertise to partner with, and support other non-profit organisations, offering a turn-key service that ensures sustainability and functionality. While the nonprofit sector in South Africa is active, vibrant and determined to make a difference, it also faces many challenges including the global recession, reduced government funding and support and increased competition. Despite willing, many initiatives dwindle and disappear due to funding issues, capacity challenges and the lack of sustainability models.

Through the working, supportive partnerships Unleashed Woman have been able to share a number of success stories with life-changing initiatives across the country, including the Shine Like A Diamond Girl Child Foundation (based in Limpopo) and the Awakening Conference initiative (based in North West).

The Unleashed Woman Born To Fly Conference 2014 takes place on Saturday 4 October at the Oak Leaf, Sandton from 09h00 to 12h00. Registration costs R220 and seats are limited. For more information or to RSVP contact Unleashed Woman at 084 926 8481 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For media queries,interview requests, access to high res pictures etc please contact Dee’s from JT Comms on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (011) 788 7631/2  

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of The Unleashed Woman – www.theunleashedwoman.org

Woman of today have realized that getting their period every month is, well I guess, just the way life goes. In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup.

Now in 2014, Maybe MOM is proud to announce that they have made this product tagged ‘The Next Generation of Period Protection' available to the South African market. Maybe MOM Instead Softcup gives you 12-hour wear time, comfort and convenience during your period allowing ladies to live life without interruptions.

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during “that time of the month. Softcup can be worn during any activity including sports, swimming and sleeping.  Use one reusable Softcup for up to three cycles, which makes it Easy on the Earth and Easy on the wallet retailing in stores for only R49.99.

More than 200 million Softcups have been sold since the product’s introduction in America in 1996, and there has never been a reported incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In extensive laboratory testing Softcup did not promote the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS. Softcup does not change the body’s natural environment nor does it alter the body’s pH levels, natural bacteria levels or absorb the body’s moisture. “It allows me to use the softcup until the last day of my period, even when my flow may be little to none, it’s comfortable and does not cause dryness or irritation” says Amanda, owner of Maybe MOM South Africa.

“Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the American market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads,” said Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. Women have embraced the concept of the Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them over their lives.  In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere, women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.

The Softcup is an FDA-approved, reusable menstrual product made from a non-absorbent, non irritating polymeric material that has been used for over 20 years in health care products such as catheters and baby bottle nipples and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, bio-compatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibers. 

12-Hour Period Protection, Instead Softcup is a proven advancement in period protection. Try it and you'll see how it fits into your busy life.  

For more information and to purchase contact (Wholesale enquiries welcome)  Facebook: www.facebook/maybe mom.com / Website:  www.aeadistribution.co.za /Your nearest Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores as well as Medi Rite Pharmacy’s    For Interviews: Amanda or Elie Kouaiky /Tel:   +2783 2928292 / +2782 8881816 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.