Celebrating the unstoppable women of Inospace

I only recently learnt the true history of 9 August and why we celebrate South African women on this day (#embarrassed). It involves a rockstar bunch of over 20,000 women in 1956 doing something powerful for the liberation movement in our country. While this isn’t intended to be a history lesson, if you’re like me, I encourage you to look it up.

What it made me realise was that whether it’s 1956 or 2024, South African women are an unstoppable force, as is evident in the changes in the workplace.

South Africa’s corporate landscape has evolved, but it’s undeniable that women continue to navigate a work environment that presents both opportunities and challenges. According to Statistics South Africa, women occupy 44.5% of skilled positions and 31% of executive-level positions. While these numbers reflect progress, they also underscore the journey ahead. The women of Inospace are not just a part of this change; they’re leading the charge.

One of the most significant challenges is the balancing act between professional and personal life, which remains a critical issue for many women. The expectation to manage both roles often limits their ability to ascend to leadership positions. Moreover, while some companies in Cape Town are actively working to create more inclusive environments, the broader corporate culture still needs to evolve to fully support women, particularly in terms of mentorship opportunities and equitable treatment in the workplace.

There is no doubt that the list of challenges women face daily could make climbing Mount Everest seem like a leisurely afternoon stroll… in plakkies. And while it is crucial to recognise and address the deep-rooted challenges women face daily, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate and honour the extraordinary women of South Africa, particularly the women of Inospace.

Within a short space of time,

• There are more women in leadership roles at Inospace than ever before, surpassing the combined total of previous years.
• Women now make up 49.1% of the team, and that number continues to grow.
• Of the 16 promotions in the last six months, an impressive 75% were awarded to women.  

Every woman at Inospace deserves to be celebrated for her invaluable contributions. From our Park Managers tackling every broken tile to our dedicated finance team keeping our accounts in order, and not forgetting the formidable women of Manco, who bring their unique flair to strategic decision-making.

As we celebrate South African Women’s Month, let us acknowledge the strides we have made and the work that remains. The incredible women at Inospace are proof that when women come together, they don’t just take up SPACE – they transform it.

In honour of all the women at Inospace, this month and every day, remember that your contributions are vital, your strength unmatched, and your potential limitless. Let’s continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and build a future where every woman can thrive.