As we celebrate the ten-year milestone of the Gauteng Women in Insurance, we reflect on a decade-long journey that has seen the association develop, innovate, and transform into what it is today. The association has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing networking opportunities through the hosting of events that have fostered lasting connections and friendships among women in the industry. These events have provided platforms for learning and development, and, of course, for giving back to deserving charities.
Pink Trees for Pauline is just one charity that GWII has supported and is particularly dear to my heart, given the support they provide to those afflicted with cancer. I have lost both my parents to cancer. The charity was co-founded by my aunt, Adri Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, a cancer survivor (as is her husband, my uncle). Being able to contribute, in a small way, to amazing initiatives like this is truly humbling.
Networking has always been at the heart of GWII’s mission. It was recognized early on that the key to unlocking opportunities for women in the insurance industry lies in the strength of our networks. Through GWII’s initiatives, we have created platforms where women can connect with industry leaders, share knowledge, and open doors to new career paths and opportunities. Our gatherings, whether formal or informal, have been spaces where women can support each other, share experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond the workspace. These connections have fostered a sense of community among our members, making our association not just a professional network but a sisterhood. It is our hope that these networks have not only provided individual growth opportunities but will also contribute to the broader transformation of the insurance industry by helping to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, create a more inclusive environment where women can thrive, and ensure that women are represented in leadership roles.
I have certainly met women through GWII who have not only become friends but family. I am incredibly privileged to have witnessed the journeys of many individuals who have truly come into their own and are reaping the rewards of their success.
Learning and development have been foundational to our association’s success. Over the years, we have hosted seminars designed to equip our members with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. These programs have not only empowered women to achieve their professional goals but have also contributed to the overall advancement of the insurance industry by fostering a culture of conscious learning and development.
My tenure as President was during COVID – an uncertain time for everyone. Adapting to the new normal and being present for our members during this tumultuous period was certainly a challenge. We had to get creative – and quickly! Fortunately, technology enabled us to efficiently and easily host Leaderwalks (since Lockdown began the day after our March Leaderwalk) and CPD events online. But we still wanted to bring some fun and fabulousness into our activities. We kicked off with online Family Quiz Nights, Oodles of Doodles where members showcased their hidden Picasso scribbles, word search competitions, Good News Monday competitions where members shared positive stories, celebrated lockdown legends, tireless co-workers, and neighborhood heroines. We also ensured that both body and mind stayed fit by offering an eight-week ‘Spring Day Body’ fitness challenge presented by Fit City Mom Natania Cory. Our Women’s Day function (held in association with the IIG) was themed ‘Love and Laughter during Lockdown’ and featured Trevor Gumbi, a panel discussion with esteemed insurance professionals, and the mentalist Larry Soffer. We held ‘Makeup Free Friyay’ competitions celebrating our members’ natural beauty and hosted a ‘Glam Up’ Makeup Masterclass with Raeesah Shah. We were relieved to host our annual golf day at Steyn City, which naturally provided an open-air environment. With much excitement and trepidation, we hosted the 2020 year-end function as an in-person event (albeit as an outdoor drive-in roadhouse experience) – face masks were handed to guests on arrival. I remember how excited the ladies were to attend a physical function and catch up with their peers face-to-face!
What I didn’t anticipate was that 2021 would bring the same challenges! Our Mix ‘n Mingles presented the Gardening Edition (Claire Reed – Reel Gardening), live Gameshows, and musical Bingo. We encouraged members to reach their dreams through vision boarding (Leeann Naidoo, Concordia). GWII continued to involve family and friends through online Quiz Nights. We were invited to speak about GWII’s journey to success at the Women in Insurance Zimbabwe launch. In collaboration with Helen Nicholson (The Networking Company), GWII hosted a Masterclass series on Mindful Resilience, The Power of Sleep, Mindful Movement, and Mindful Nutrition. Our CPD and Leaderwalks continued online. The annual Women’s Day event was themed ‘Uyikho Konke’ (You are Everything) and entertained members with Tumi Morake, Rapelang Rabana, and Zolani Mahola. We were extremely grateful as the world slowly returned to normal, allowing us to host our annual golf day and an Arabian Night-themed year-end function.
In Gerhard de Bruin’s (CEO of Camargue Underwriting Managers) 2021 Women’s Day message to GWII members, he said: “As Margaret Thatcher said: ‘If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.’ ‘Uyikho Konke,’ you are indeed everything! Women have the willingness to listen, the patience to understand, the strength to support, the heart to care, and just to be there. That is the beauty of a lady!” It is the support of individuals such as Gerhard and sponsors like Camargue that have enabled GWII to present our offerings to our valued members – in the true spirit of Ubuntu: “I am, because we are.” Committee members have put in hours of effort, and much heart and soul into events – and I am extremely grateful for the committee members that preceded me, those who served with me, and the current committee – thank you! And last but not least, thank you to our members for all of the support and ‘gees’ that you bring to our GWII sisterhood – we couldn’t do it without you!
Serena Williams said, “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be kind, and above all, be humble.”
Catherine PienaarDivisional Director
FI, Med Mal, Cyber Risks & Commercial Crime
Camargue