Black women still founder in business

Prompt discussion on the obstacles that women, and especially black women, face in the market. It may also be used to discuss how the story could have been enriched by not relying on a single source, and by giving real examples.

 

Use this article to draw out the obstacles that women face, for example the limited pool of skills; stereotypes; past discrimination; the belief that women are less mobile than men; family responsibilities etc. The article should also be used to draw out what policy measures are being put in place to redress this, for example the requirements of the Financial Services Charter; the increase in women in the commerce and management sciences etc. Discuss the difference (raised at the end of the article) between women in management in the private sector and women taking advantage of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) deals; and what sort of obstacles there are to women gaining greater ownership. 

If there is a stock exchange in the country in which you are conducting this training, ask participants to find out what proportion of shareholders and or boards of directors are women. 

 

Click here for additional training resources and information. Refer to fact sheet eleven.