In our new column, Elevate Her, our business development manager Maphuti Mongatane explores the power of possibility in business, leadership, entrepreneurship and community development, with a special focus on women. Drawing from her experiences working with business leaders, entrepreneurs, farmers, corporates and development partners, she shares thought-provoking perspectives on growth, opportunity and meaningful impact.
This week Maphuti asks an important question: Who are the women creating opportunities for other women, and why aren’t we celebrating them enough?
Who Is Opening Doors for Other Women?
We often celebrate the women who break barriers, shatter glass ceilings and achieve remarkable success in business. And we should! But lately I’ve been wondering about something else… Who are the women helping other women get there? Who are the women recommending another woman for an opportunity, sharing knowledge, making introductions, offering mentorship or simply believing in someone before the rest of the world does?
Also read: From nurse to successful vegetable farmer – Sophy Litshani Musabeni’s courageous quest towards her true calling
When I sat down to write this opinion piece, I realised something surprising. I struggled to name them. Not because they don’t exist, but because we don’t celebrate them enough. In business, we speak endlessly about leadership, growth and success. Yet some of the most powerful leaders are those who quietly create opportunities for others. I believe the future of business depends not only on women succeeding, but on women helping other women succeed.
The true measure of leadership is not how high we climb, but how many people we bring along with us. Perhaps it is time we start recognising and celebrating the women who are opening doors, building networks, sharing opportunities and helping others find their place at the table.
If we are serious about transformation, growth and inclusion then these are the women whose stories deserve to be told. And perhaps the question every company should be asking is this:Who are the women within our organisation that are helping other women thrive?
Also read: She slept in a tent to build her pecan nut empire: Sibongile Mabasa’s journey of determination
