Prior to National Women's Day on August 9th, we spoke to Capsicum Culinary Studio (CCS) about the impact of women in the food and hospitality sector in South Africa, resilience and determination in leadership roles, the importance of integration of mentoring, work-life balance, and empowered women leaders, and the importance of resilience and decision-making.
Hill said: “The food and hospitality sector in South Africa is a dynamic and integral part of the economy, making a significant contribution to employment and tourism. In this vibrant industry, women have played a transformative role, fostering innovation, fostering customer experiences, and fostering businesses with unwavering challenges, including paving the way for future generations.
Leadership roles in this sector have been dominated by men until recently, but South African women have been shattering increasingly crushed glass ceilings and taking up management and management positions. Their resilience stems from navigating a variety of socioeconomic barriers, including gender bias, wage disparities, and limited access to capital or career advancement opportunities. Many overcome it through a community-driven leadership model that blends well with the service-oriented nature of hospitality through perseverance, innovative thinking, and community-driven leadership model. ”
Hill cites examples of women-owned and managed restaurants, boutique hotels, guesthouses, and tourism businesses around the country as symbols of empowerment and excellence.
“Their determination to not only survive in a competitive industry but also thrive is a volume of their ability to adapt and guide under pressure,” she adds.
Mentorship has also emerged as a powerful tool for maintaining and developing women's leadership. According to Hill, experienced female leaders act as role models and guides for young professionals entering the field, providing support and practical insights to drive career growth.
“Structured mentorship programs and informal networks are becoming essential in building confidence and capabilities among women seeking to climb the leadership ladder.
“In addition, mentorship encourages the sharing of institutional knowledge and fosters a culture of empowerment. Women have contributed significantly to improving the expression and retention of female professionals in the industry by supporting women through formal training, networking events and grassroots support.”
Hill also acknowledges that achieving work-life balance is one of the most pressing challenges for food and hospitality women known for their long, high-pressure environments.
“For many women, especially women with caregiving responsibility, balancing both the demands of leadership roles with both personal and family life requires both institutional support and personal resilience, and progressive employers are beginning to implement policies that support flexible work arrangements to support women, a more sustainable work environment.”
And what of diversity and inclusion?
“Inclusion of women, especially from diverse backgrounds, enrich the sector with new perspectives, cultural awareness and customer insights. Women leaders have been at the forefront of promoting inclusive practices by hiring and mentoring from underrated groups, or by creating culturally sensitive and welcoming spaces for both staff and guests,” says Hill.
“In South Africa, where issues of race, gender and socioeconomic inequality intersect and it is important to embrace diversity in hospitality leadership, women leaders who advocate for inclusion not only contribute to social justice, but empowering women from a variety of backgrounds ensure that leadership makes our society more dynamic.
“The impact of women in the hospitality sector in South Africa cannot be overstated. Resilience and determination in the role of leadership have broken years of barriers and redefine success in areas traditionally dominated by men. Mentorship, commitment to diversity and inclusion, women are not just a step towards the presence of the workplace, to protect women, to keep women present, not just a step towards equality, but a strategic imperative on the continued growth and sustainability of the hospitality sector in South Africa.”
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