The programme seeks to empower young women with vital on-the-job skills as they enter the marketing sector workplace.
The initiative is the product of a partnership between VWV Group, the University of Johannesburg, the AAA School of Advertising, and Vega School of Brand Leadership, and seeks to give a step up to young businesswomen. VWV Group CEO Koo Govender said, “Through this initiative we hope to create a leadership academy to fast-track much needed workplace skills for soon-to-be graduates, particularly women.”
She explained that the programme is not only a way to give back to the community, but will be the vehicle that touches many young women’s lives. Govender stated that the academy is currently a pilot programme but two additional programmes will be launched next year.
Govender added that a total of 26 second year, third year and honours students across all three partner institutions were handpicked for the course. “The company believes in uplifting others, and it is [through] the collaborative building of our communities that the leaders of today birth successful leaders of tomorrow.”
She said women in South Africa still have a long way to go in terms of upliftment, but programmes offered by the academy are a step in making sure women have all the tools they need to make better lives for themselves.