Author: Linah Ralepelle

Dear Dr Motsepe

I, Mr. Neftaly Malatjie, CEO of SayPro, would like to take a moment to extend my deepest and most sincere gratitude to you and the Motsepe Foundation for the immense honor of being invited to the Training for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Workshop, which took place on February 12, 2025, at 08:00 AM. This opportunity to engage in such a transformative and impactful event has left an indelible mark on both my personal journey and my professional aspirations.

A Deeply Meaningful Opportunity

The Training for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Workshop was an invaluable occasion for me to not only learn from esteemed experts and advocates in the field but also to reflect on the current state of gender equality and empowerment in our society. As the CEO of SayPro, I have always been deeply committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our employees, with a particular focus on uplifting and empowering women within our organization. This workshop has further reinforced my belief in the necessity of such efforts and has provided me with critical tools and insights to drive even greater impact.

Key Insights from the Workshop

The Motsepe Foundation’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment through this workshop was evident in the range of topics covered and the depth of knowledge shared. The sessions were both enlightening and action-oriented, providing attendees with practical strategies for creating gender-equal workplaces, fostering female leadership, and eliminating the barriers that women face in achieving their full potential.

Some of the most valuable takeaways from the workshop include:

• Practical Tools for Gender Equality: The workshop provided concrete steps that organizations can take to implement gender equality policies, address unconscious bias, and create more inclusive environments. These tools are not only vital for improving organizational culture but also for ensuring that women are given equal opportunities to succeed and lead.
• Empowering Women Leaders: A key focus of the workshop was the importance of empowering women in leadership positions. We were encouraged to think critically about how to identify and break down the structural barriers that prevent women from ascending to leadership roles. This aligns with SayPro’s ongoing efforts to ensure that women are represented at every level of leadership within the company.
• The Role of Mentorship: Another critical aspect discussed was the importance of mentorship in empowering women. The workshop highlighted how mentorship relationships can help women navigate professional challenges, build confidence, and reach their career goals. SayPro has long recognized the value of mentorship, and the insights shared in this session will be instrumental in strengthening our own mentorship programs.
• Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Systemic Barriers: A pivotal aspect of the workshop was the exploration of the broader social and cultural challenges women face, including gender-based violence and systemic barriers to economic participation. The workshop emphasized the need for organizations and communities to take an active role in creating safer and more equitable environments for women to thrive. Personal Reflection on the Workshop

I was particularly moved by the caliber of speakers and facilitators at the workshop, who brought both expertise and passion to their sessions. Their insights, personal stories, and data-driven approaches served as powerful reminders of why we must all work together to dismantle the barriers that hinder gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This workshop has deepened my understanding of the intersectionality of gender equality issues and the complex ways in which various factors such as race, class, and socio-economic status shape women’s experiences in the workplace and society at large. It has reaffirmed the importance of continued learning and self-reflection as a leader, and I am inspired to continue advocating for a more inclusive, diverse, and empowering environment for all individuals at SayPro.

SayPro’s Continued Commitment to Gender Equality

At SayPro, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that women have equal access to opportunities, support, and leadership roles. This commitment is embedded in our corporate culture and reflected in the numerous programs we have implemented to create an inclusive environment. We believe that empowering women to take on leadership roles not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the organization as a whole.

The Training for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Workshop has equipped me with additional knowledge and strategies to further advance these efforts. I am particularly excited to integrate the insights gained from this workshop into SayPro’s ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives, which aim to ensure that women continue to be given the platform, resources, and recognition they deserve.

Gratitude for the Opportunity

Once again, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and the Motsepe Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to attend such a meaningful and transformative workshop. Your unwavering commitment to creating a world where women can thrive, lead, and contribute to society is truly inspiring, and I am honored to have been part of this important event.

The knowledge I gained, the relationships I built, and the inspiration I received from the workshop will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on my leadership journey and on the initiatives I lead at SayPro. I look forward to continuing our shared mission of empowering women and promoting gender equality in every space we occupy.

With warm regards and deepest appreciation,

Neftaly Malatjie
CEO, SayPro

Dear Dr Motsepe

I, Mr. Neftaly Malatjie, CEO of SayPro, would like to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude to you and the Motsepe Foundation for the immense honor of being invited to participate in the 9th Annual Gender Equality and Women’s Leadership (GEWAL) Summit, which took place on March 7, 2025. This invitation was not only a privilege but a significant milestone in my ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality, promoting inclusive leadership, and empowering women in both the workplace and beyond.

A Special Honor and Professional Reflection

The opportunity to attend and engage in the 9th Annual GEWAL Summit was a momentous occasion for me personally and professionally. The summit brought together thought leaders, visionaries, advocates, and practitioners from various sectors, all working toward the common goal of a more equitable and just world for women. It was an honour to be included among such distinguished individuals who share a profound commitment to advancing the representation, rights, and leadership of women across all sectors.

As the CEO of SayPro, I am deeply passionate about fostering an organizational culture that is rooted in diversity and inclusivity. Our company has long recognized the importance of empowering women to lead, innovate, and excel in leadership roles. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, gender-inclusive policies, and a focus on equal opportunities for growth and development, SayPro strives to ensure that women can thrive in a workplace that values and respects their contributions. The insights, ideas, and practices shared during the summit will undoubtedly inspire me to push these efforts even further, making SayPro a true beacon of gender equality.

Insights and Inspiration from the Summit

The discussions, presentations, and workshops during the GEWAL Summit were enlightening and transformative. I had the privilege of engaging with an array of experts, each offering their unique perspectives and solutions for breaking down the barriers that prevent women from achieving leadership positions and full societal participation. The summit delved into critical topics such as:

• Fostering Gender-Inclusive Leadership: Innovative strategies and practices that can help organizations empower women to assume leadership roles, driving both economic and social change.
• Creating Inclusive Workplaces: How companies can build inclusive and supportive environments that actively promote the advancement of women, address systemic bias, and ensure that women are given the opportunities they deserve.
• Advocacy and Policy Change: Practical approaches to advocating for gender equality in both public and private sectors, pushing for policies that remove legal, social, and economic barriers to women’s empowerment.
• Mentorship and Networking: The importance of mentorship and networks in supporting women’s career advancement and fostering a sense of community among those working to break through the glass ceiling.

These discussions were both inspiring and thought-provoking, reaffirming the critical importance of continued collaboration and action in the pursuit of gender equality. As I reflect on the key takeaways from the summit, I am more committed than ever to championing initiatives that will empower the women at SayPro and contribute to a broader culture of equity and inclusion across industries.

The Role of Collaboration in Advancing Gender Equality

The Motsepe Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to social change and gender equality through initiatives such as the GEWAL Summit. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to engage with other leaders and advocates, forging new partnerships and alliances that will support my mission to advance the cause of gender equality within SayPro and across the corporate landscape.

Collaboration is essential in creating lasting change. The powerful connections and networks established during the summit will undoubtedly serve as catalysts for collective action that will benefit countless women and communities. I look forward to continuing these discussions and working alongside my peers to implement the strategies, policies, and ideas that emerged from our time together.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for Gender Equality

As I reflect on the importance of the summit, I am more convinced that the road to gender equality is one that requires the active participation of everyone, regardless of their role or sector. It is our collective responsibility to create systems that uplift and empower women, enabling them to take their rightful place as leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Through events like the GEWAL Summit, we are reminded of the extraordinary potential of women to lead, influence, and inspire. I am confident that the knowledge and inspiration gained from this summit will continue to guide my work at SayPro, as we strive to make gender equality not just an ideal but a reality.

Once again, I would like to express my profound thanks to the Motsepe Foundation for this remarkable opportunity. It was a privilege to participate in the 9th Annual GEWAL Summit, and I look forward to continuing to work together with the foundation, as well as with all the incredible leaders and advocates I had the pleasure of meeting, to further the cause of gender equality.

With deepest appreciation and warm regards,

Neftaly Malatjie
CEO, SayPro