Nothando Ramodipa

Silver Sage Creative, South Africa

Title: Fostering Women's Empowerment Through Mutual Support

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Biography

Nothando is the CEO of Silver Sage Creative, a content marketing agency she founded with her husband of three years. With a degree in Journalism from one of Africa's leading universities, Nothando brings over a decade of media experience to her role. Her career includes work with True Love Magazine, NGOs, and corporate entities. Currently residing in Cape Town, South Africa, Nothando has been deeply involved in social change for over ten years. Her passion for women and children's issues, women’s equality, and fostering mutual support among women drives her professional and personal endeavours. At Silver Sage Creative, Nothando's leadership reflects her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment, both within her agency and the broader community. 

Abstract

How many in this room have heard a woman say, “I prefer working for a male boss”? It’s a sentiment that echoes in far too many workplaces. Many women feel unsupported by those in leadership roles, and despite the limited opportunities available to women, those who do break through often miss the chance to lift others up along the way. This reality is disheartening, but it’s also an opportunity. As women in leadership, we have the power to change this narrative—to open doors for others and ensure they remain open. Empowering other women isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a necessity. Mentoring, for instance, is a powerful tool. It’s not just about giving advice but about sharing your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. A good mentor helps women navigate the often treacherous waters of the workplace, offering guidance and support that can make all the difference in a woman’s career. Beyond mentoring, consider apprenticeship. This is about hands-on learning—inviting women to learn by doing, to shadow you, and to see what leadership looks like up close. It’s about demystifying the journey to the top and making it more accessible to those coming up behind you.

Another crucial area where women can support each other is through the challenges of maternity and post-partum. These life stages are often where many women feel sidelined or overlooked for promotions. By advocating for more flexible working arrangements, offering emotional support, and sharing strategies for balancing work and family life, women in leadership can help ensure that motherhood is not seen as a career obstacle but as a natural part of a woman’s professional journey. When we actively support mothers in the workplace, we help to level the playing field, allowing more women to pursue and achieve leadership roles.

But empowerment doesn’t stop at the office door. Giving your time to other women outside of work—whether in community groups, social settings, or even in informal networks—can have a profound impact. I’ve personally benefited from the wisdom and support of women in my church community, mentoring me through my marriage and in my personal well-being. Yet, this kind of support has been rare in my professional life. Imagine if we could bring the same spirit of mentorship and sisterhood we find in our personal lives into the workplace. Together, we can build a culture where women don’t just survive, but thrive, where we lift each other up and lead the way to true equality. Let’s not just break the glass ceiling; let’s shatter it, so that every woman has the opportunity to rise.