Women complete mentorship programme
SANDTON – Phakama Women's 2016 class graduated on 10 June after completing an intense mentorship programme.
The 2016 class of the Phakama Women’s Academy graduated on 10 June in a ceremony in Sandton.
This ceremony was held after the women completed an intense five-week mentorship programme which better prepared them to face the challenges of the corporate world.
The academy is an initiative of brand experience agency VWV Group and aims to empower young women in the marketing, advertising and communications industry.
Second- and third-year students between the ages of 25 and 30, from the University of Johannesburg, AAA School of Advertising and Vega School of Brand Leadership, are selected every year for the programme and are paired with mentors. These mentors teach them life and practical business skills.
Koo Govender, chairperson of Phakama Women’s Academy and chief executive officer of media and digital communications firm, Densu Aegis Network SA, said that this opportunity will equip the students with the necessary tools to enter the corporate world and will inspire them to dream big.
Govender started the academy in 2014 after her appointment as the first female chief executive officer of the VWV Group.
The word ‘phakama’ means ‘rise up’ in isiZulu and isiXhosa. Govender said the name was chosen to inspire women to rise up and take their positions in the corporate world.
At the end of the programme, the academy graduates received certificates of attendance. However, the relationship between the students and their mentors continues. Some have been able to find internships through the academy and their mentors.
“The 2016 class has been wonderful. I met young women who are ambitious, energetic and confident. They all want to succeed in their careers and become role models to others. I trust that they have learned a lot from the academy and that they will use what they learned to enter the corporate world more prepared and ready to make an impact. Life is not only about success, it is about significance,” concluded Govender.
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