5 AUGUST2026W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL Editor's NoteWhen Women Grow, the Whole Country Grows with ThemWomen in South Africa have always been pivotal to the country's growth and development. In 1956, 20,000 South African women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest oppressive pass laws. That momentum continued to dismantle the country's prejudiced laws, leading to the eventual abolition of apartheid in the 1990s.Almost 70 years since that historic march, not much has changed when it comes to South African women's gusto. Women in South Africa continue to play a crucial role in the country's growth journey.However, gusto does not necessarily translate to equal representation. Women make up just over half of South Africa's population, yet they still face higher unemployment and lower workforce participation than men.While the gender gap persists, there has been gradual improvement. More women today are earning salaries as their primary income than a decade ago, a shift that speaks to growing financial independence, especially among female-headed households.Leadership is where the change feels most visible. As more women step into decision-making roles across government and business, the ripple effects show up in stronger governance and policies that reflect a wider range of voices. It's not just symbolic; it's shaping how the country plans for the future.One of the women leaders who symbolizes this change is Jennifer Reddy, CEO of Morar Incorporated and a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with an MBA and CGMA designation. She is known for championing ethical leadership, innovation, and sustainable business growth. In an in-depth conversation with GWL, Jennifer talks about her growth journey and vision for the future.As the South African government implements programs tackling gender-based violence and pushes for workplace equity by 2030, the needle is gradually moving. But the real opportunity ahead lies in sectors like STEM, AI, and renewable energy, where women's participation could meaningfully shift the country's economic trajectory.The bottom line across all of it: when women grow, the whole country grows with them.Dive into this month's South Africa special magazine to learn more about how women's power is strengthening South Africa's growth story.Read on and let us know your thoughts.Rachita SharmaManaging Editor editor@globalwomanleader.com
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