Women need to build a support network so that they can ensure they have access to support and can give support to others. Know what you are aiming for, have a plan and execute it. And, above all else, celebrate your successes, no matter how small.

When Mary-Jane Morifi joined one of South Africa’s largest food manufacturers in 2017, she discovered that less than 1% of its agricultural produce was sourced from black commercial farmers. Over the past two years she has championed the small farmer development scheme, which focuses on increasing the number of black commercial farmers who supply vegetables to Tiger Brands. The scheme also provides the farmers with technical assistance, agricultural input, off-take agreements, and guarantees a market for fresh produce. It’s a winning formula that has allowed for these farmers, half of whom are women, to turn a profit while Tiger Brands gains access to higher quality produce.

“I am involved both in the corporate environment and the civil society space as a board member or trustee for organisations focusing on human rights and social justice,” says Morifi. “I am inspired by the desire to be a positive contributor to society, and facilitate for environments where individuals are afforded the opportunity to thrive, grow and have their voices heard.”

She believes that it is important to nurture, enable and encourage the human spirit and for people to achieve their goals through dedication and passion. When asked if she felt the dialogue around women in South Africa was changing, she replied: “It is receiving focus. I do not believe it is changing, but it is being heard and given prominence. We just need to ensure that the pace of implementation is accelerated and that more platforms are used to bring women’s issues into the mainstream.”

Morifi believes that women should walk into the corporate environment with all of who they are — their identities as mother, sister, wife, activist et al — and not just the parts of themselves they think they should bring.

— Tamsin Oxford