The chief executive of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA), Thokozile Mahlangu, has been nominated as a finalist in the Businesswoman of the Year category for the 16th annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards.
As one of South Africa's most prestigious gender-empowerment events, the Standard Bank Top Women Awards recognises those organisations and individuals whose efforts uplift women in business and society in general.
With a focus on providing opportunities for women in the workplace, Mahlangu has shown a consistent commitment to driving gender parity. Mahlangu's advocacy for inclusion and diversity within the South African insurance industry is testament to this.
Finalists and winners of the Standard Bank Top Women Awards have been a source of inspiration to women and men in business, encouraging their industry peers to create spaces where all talent, regardless of gender or race, is given just attention. These women create seats at the table for other women. With her excellent performance in this sphere, Mahlangu hopes to do the same.
"I am delighted and honoured to be in the running for this most prestigious award. I certainly do believe in opening up the industry for those who have historically found themselves side-lined, and women fall into this category. There is no better commemoration for a nomination of this nature than for it to fall in National Women's Month, a reminder to all of us that though we may not be there yet, we have the power to pull each other up as we climb higher," says Mahlangu.
The Standard Bank Top Women Awards ceremony will take place on 15 August in Johannesburg. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner attended by business and government leaders, VIPs and members of the media.