Shortly About Us The Problem: The core problem that we are solving is the systemic barriers and socio-economic challenges that prevent women from reaching their full potential, both personally and professionally. Despite progress in recent years, women continue to face gender-based discrimination, unequal access to resources and opportunities, and societal expectations that limit their aspirations and abilities. This situation is particularly acute in developing economies, where women often lack access to education, financing, and support networks that are essential for entrepreneurial success. Our organization aims to address this problem by providing personalized personal, professional, and entrepreneurial development programs to women entrepreneurs worldwide, especially in developing economies. By empowering women with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed, we can help them overcome the barriers and challenges that they face and enable them to make a positive impact on their communities and societies. Through our Woman Rise Projects, we also aim to foster a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and collectivism, creating a global community of empowered women who share their knowledge and resources to help each other succeed. By doing so, we can contribute to a more equitable and just society where women's contributions are recognized and celebrated. | ||||
The Woman of Stature Foundation’s unique value proposition is its commitment to empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Through a comprehensive range of programs, mentoring, networking opportunities, and resources, the Foundation aims to equip women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the business world. The Foundation’s emphasis on personal development, leadership, and community building sets it apart, creating a supportive and collaborative environment that encourages women to take risks, pursue their dreams, and achieve their full potential. Ultimately, the Woman of Stature Foundation is dedicated to promoting gender equality and economic growth by empowering women entrepreneurs to succeed and make a positive impact in their communities. | ||
 | A Message from Charlotte du Plessis WOMAN OF STATURE CEO I seek to celebrate diversity in all its forms, and to bridge cultural and social differences that can easily sabotage the gift of collectivism and the building of an inspired, empowered collective psyche of South African Women who will settle for nothing less than their rightful place in every space: personal and professional. I believe that as we empower ourselves and assume every bit of responsibility to do so, we are empowering and building a new nation of men and women. | |
Our Programs Various programs, such as the Woman Rise ™ Program, are run as interventions to promote financial independence and holistic well being for businesswomen who find themselves dealing with anticipated or unanticipated life-altering events in their lives or businesses. Funding for these programs come from different funding initiatives such as Eagle Members, Corporate Sponsorship's, special projects such as the Woman Rise Mentoring Program and the Forgotten Women Book project. | ||
Board of Directors It is our pleasure to introduce the members of the board driving the Woman of Stature Foundation with passion and dedication. The team’s main role is in strategic planning and guidance, overseeing, and being accountable for the organisation’s growth and success. Our board members are also responsible for making key decisions that address the organisation’s mission, vision, and goals. They aim to address the public’s interest through the organisation’s work and act as the legal voice for the organisation. | ||
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Dr Susheila Moodley Chairperson |
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Charlotte du Plessis CEO |
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Dr Leon Janse van Rensburg Director |
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Ronel Jooste Director |
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Yankho Banda Director |
Our Programs Various programs, such as the Woman Rise ™ Programs, are run as interventions to promote financial independence and holistic wellbeing for Businesswomen who find themselves dealing with anticipated or unanticipated life-altering events in their lives or businesses. Funding for these programs come from different funding initiatives such as our members, corporate sponsorships, special projects such as our Forgotten Women Book project and mentoring projects. | ||
Membership Program The Eagle Membership Programme enables Philanthropists & Corporates to participate as funders and donors (referred to as Eagles) of the Woman of Stature Foundation Programmes. The membership programme is designed to enable the participation of funders and donors at different levels. The Top Level Membership of the Woman of Stature Foundation is referred to as full membership which includes all the benefits the Woman of Stature Foundation has to offer, of which the most important is voting rights. | ||
Woman Rise Mentoring Programme Woman Rise is a programme within Woman of Stature Foundation with the aim of uplifting young female professionals and business owners with various initiatives. The mentoring programme is a mechanism for fund raising in the foundation as well as an opportunity to provide value to young female professionals. The aim of the Woman Rise mentoring initiative is to match the WOS award winners in the various categories with women who require support and assistance in their careers. Award winners will mentor five women once a month for six months following their award. | ||
Accelerate - Her Program This is a 6-month program designed to assist in accelerating growth in women-owned small businesses that struggle to grow due to the lack of resources and includes Mentoring, Business and Financial Coaching. We refer to these businesses as ‘Caged Businesses’ and with being on the program will have access to support that will accelerate their business growth It follows a strict application and approval process. 1) To qualify your business must be in operation for a minimum of 2 years with an annual turnover of not less than R500K or more than R1M. 2) We require proof of financial records. Either bank statements or last Annual Financial Statement. 3) The applicant must provide proof of company registration and identity 4) Assistance may not come in the form of finance, but in coaching and mentoring 5) The foundation does not pay any money directly to beneficiary 6) The applicant must be willing to be interviewed by the board of directors | ||
OUR VISION |
Our core vision is to drive positive change and contribute to a more equitable and just society. We envision a future where women worldwide are empowered to reach their full potential, both personally and professionally, despite the socio-economic and societal challenges they face. As a Proudly South African Non-Profit Company and a leading Women Empowerment Organization, we are committed to creating sustainable growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs globally, while collaborating with men and women who share our vision and values. To achieve our goal of impacting 10,000 women to scale and accelerate their businesses within the next decade, we will provide personalized personal, professional, and entrepreneurial development programs. Through our strategic partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our vision, we will leverage our combined expertise and resources to create more significant social impact. We believe in a balanced approach, recognizing the importance of encouraging women and men to work together to achieve gender equality and a more equitable society. By fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and collectivism, we can create a global community of empowered individuals who share their knowledge and resources to help each other succeed. Our Woman Rise Projects will focus on empowering women-owned businesses globally, with a particular emphasis on developing economies where access to resources and support is limited. Through these collaborative efforts, we envision a future where women worldwide are empowered, and their contributions to society are recognized and celebrated. We believe by empowering women to succeed and make a positive impact on society, will contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for all. |
OUR MISSION Our mission is to empower women entrepreneurs globally by providing them with personalized personal, professional, and entrepreneurial development programs. We will collaborate with men, women and organizations who share our vision of gender equality and work together towards creating a more equitable society. Through our Woman Rise Projects, we aim to provide sustainable growth opportunities for women-owned businesses, especially in developing economies where resources and support are limited. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women, we strive to inspire excellence and encourage a culture of collaboration, mutual support, and collectivism, creating a global community of empowered women who share their knowledge and resources to help each other succeed. | ||