Whirlpool partners with Cell C for the Take a Girl Child to Work Day initiative
South African women remain grossly under-represented in the formal economy and in corporate leadership positions.
In order to change that, leading home appliance manufacturer Whirlpool believes that corporate companies need to start taking women empowerment seriously.
“An investment in our girl children is an investment in our future. Through our participation in the 2017 Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day initiative, Whirlpool is playing its part in opening the minds of girl children across the country” says Michelle Morrick, Whirlpool’s Communications Manager.
Supported by the South African Department of Education, the Take a Girl Child to Work Day initiative is considered to be the country’s largest collaborative act of volunteerism.
Eleven female Grade 12 learners from Soweto visited the Whirlpool headquarters in Bedfordview on Thursday to gain insight into the inner workings of the company.
Whirlpool partners with Cell C for the Take a Girl Child to Work Day initiative
More importantly, the girls spent time with a number of female employees who shared their own stories of career success with the group.
“We set out to mentor, motivate and educated this bubbly group about their infinite potential. We want them to strive for excellence and we want them to realise the integral role they play in the national economy” says Rose Masuku, Whirlpool’s HR Manager.
The environment girl children grow up in can seriously damage their future career prospects. Opening their minds to their infinite potential and the career opportunities that exist, can help to ensure their economic independence in years to come.
Aurora Girls High School teacher Emily Thema, who accompanied the group says the interaction with strong female role models is invaluable.
“I hope that they realise that your background or your lack of finances does not have to be a drawback. I want them to know that they can achieve anything and do anything they set their minds to” says Thema.
Through first hand job experience and mentorship, Whirlpool hopes to help break the cycle of disenfranchisement and to uplift, empower and educate the female
leaders of tomorrow.