As we continue our Women’s Month reflections in the lead-up to our upcoming Women’s Day event, “Grace, Grit and Growth: A Season to Bloom,” we turn to our valued Bronze Sponsors for their perspectives on the most important shifts needed to accelerate the advancement of women in our industry.
We asked our Bronze Sponsor leaders: From your perspective, what is one meaningful change you believe will most support the advancement of women in our industry in the coming years?
Their responses highlight the key actions, mindsets and structural changes that will help unlock greater equity, opportunity and representation for women across the sector.
We are pleased to share their insights below as part of this year’s Women’s Month feature.
Empowering women to lead
I believe the greatest catalyst for progress is ensuring women have equal access to stretch assignments, strategic projects, and leadership opportunities with direct Profit & Loss responsibility as a primary feeder for Executive positions. Talent is all around us, yet opportunity is not always distributed equally. When women are trusted with visible, high-impact responsibilities, they gain the experience, confidence and networks that enable long-term success. If we collectively commit to removing barriers, challenging biases and creating meaningful pathways for growth, we can empower every woman to realise her full potential, lead with confidence and contribute her unique strengths. In doing so, we will transform individual careers while also leaving the insurance industry stronger, more inclusive and better positioned to serve the diverse communities and customers who depend on us.
Zinzi Gcaleka
Executive: Strategy and Customer
Absa Insurance Company
Building cultures that value talent and diversity
One meaningful change that will advance women in our industry is continuing to build cultures that genuinely value talent and diverse perspectives. When people are supported to grow, contribute and lead authentically, innovation thrives, and our industry becomes stronger. By creating environments where opportunity is accessible and every voice is heard, we not only empower women to succeed but also inspire the next generation of leaders. I am in the privileged position of working for an organisation that takes this responsibility seriously, including it on the agenda at all levels, from the Board to every area of the business.
Bianca Radzilani
Executive Head : Insurance Partnerships
Bryte Insurance
Making inclusion a business imperative
One of the most meaningful changes that will support the advancement of women in our industry is moving beyond representation as a goal and inclusion as an aspiration and embracing both as business imperatives. This theme reflects qualities that women demonstrate every day, leading with purpose, navigating challenges with resilience, and continually striving for growth. As business leaders, we have a responsibility to create environments where talent is recognised without bias, leadership potential is fully supported, and opportunities to lead, influence decisions, and shape strategy are accessible to all. The future of trade credit insurance will be shaped by increasingly complex risks, evolving markets, and changing customer needs. Advancing women is not simply about creating opportunities for individuals; it is about strengthening our organisations and our industry. Real progress will come when opportunity is driven by talent, capability, and ambition, and when every individual has the chance not only to succeed, but to help shape the future. As we celebrate Women’s Day, let us continue building an industry where diverse voices are valued, leadership is inclusive, and every woman has the opportunity to grow, lead, and bloom.
Gideon Bochedi
CEO
Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation (CGIC)
Growth begins with courage
One of the greatest gifts we can give women in our industry is the confidence to believe that potential matters just as much as experience. Experience will always have value, but it is often built because someone was willing to take a chance. My encouragement to every woman is this: don’t wait for permission, and don’t wait until you feel ready. Put yourself forward. Take the opportunity. Trust yourself enough to grow into it. Courage opens doors, but showing up is what changes careers.
Prisha Bhoola
Managing Director
Firedart Engineering Underwriting Managers
Creating inclusive and supportive environments
As a proud sponsor of this year’s GWII Women’s Day event, themed Grace, Grit and Growth – A Season to Bloom, we celebrate the extraordinary women who continue to shape and strengthen our insurance industry. We firmly believe that creating inclusive and supportive environments where women can develop, lead and share their perspectives without fear of judgement is essential to the growth and transformation of our industry. Diverse voices drive innovation, challenge thinking and help build a more representative and resilient future for all. Women bring immense expertise, insight, leadership and resilience to every part of the insurance value chain. We are proud to support initiatives that continue to foster their growth, champion their inclusion and create opportunities for them to flourish. Together, we can cultivate an industry where every woman has the opportunity to bloom – and in so doing, facilitate meaningful change in our industry.
Ian du Toit
Chief Operating Officer
QSURE
Turning words into meaningful action
From my perspective, one meaningful change that will truly accelerate the advancement of women is moving beyond conversations and creating real opportunities. Open the doors to leadership, invest in mentorship and sponsorship, and ensure women have not only a seat at the table, but a voice that is heard and valued. When women rise, organisations and communities thrive.
Easvarie Naidoo
Lloyd’s General Representative in South Africa
Lloyd’s South Africa
Creating pathways for women to thrive
One of the most meaningful changes we can make to advance women in our industry is to move beyond simply opening doors and actively create pathways for growth. This means fostering workplaces where women are trusted with leadership opportunities, supported through mentorship and empowered to contribute their talents with confidence and authenticity. When organisations intentionally invest in developing women at every stage of their careers, we create an environment where grace inspires collaboration, grit drives progress and growth becomes possible for all. As women are given the space to flourish, our industry becomes stronger, more innovative and better equipped for the future.
Rishilla Govender
Head Of Governance, HR & Finance
Insurance Crime Bureau
Building inclusive pathways to leadership
One of the most meaningful ways to advance women in the insurance industry is by intentionally investing in the next generation of female talent through mentorship, skills development, and leadership opportunities. Equally important is fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued, potential is recognised, and women feel empowered to contribute and lead with confidence. By opening more pathways to leadership and ensuring equitable access to growth opportunities, we can build a stronger, more innovative industry. When women are supported to thrive at every stage of their careers, the entire industry benefits and is better positioned for the future.
Farad Kajee
Chief Executive Officer
YARD Insurance
Advancing women, strengthening our industry
One of the most meaningful ways we can advance women in our industry is by ensuring equal access to leadership opportunities, technical development, and strategic decision-making roles. As an industry built on expertise, innovation, and long-term partnerships, we are strongest when diverse perspectives contribute to solving complex risk challenges. While progress has been made, we must continue to foster an environment where talent is recognised based on capability, insight, and contribution. By investing in mentorship, sponsorship, and inclusive leadership, we can empower more women to shape the future of our industry and drive sustainable growth for our clients and communities.
Gary Ankcorn
Chief Executive Officer
Howden Broking South Africa
Leadership without barriers
The most meaningful change that will advance women in the coming years is creating an environment where every woman is empowered to lead, innovate and shape the future with confidence. True progress is achieved not only through equal opportunity, but through intentional investment in leadership development, mentorship and the removal of barriers that limit potential. By fostering a culture where diverse perspectives are valued, and talent is recognised without bias, organisations become stronger, more innovative and better equipped for the future. When women are empowered to succeed, they inspire the next generation of leaders and create a lasting legacy of excellence for everyone.
Uneil Bodasing
Chief Executive Officer
IBV International Vaults
