You will:
- become part of a vibrant, passionate community of other businesswomen
- be given opportunities to mentor and be mentored
- be able to hone your personal and professional skills and develop your networks
- gain from the experience and expertise of other women in businessÂ
- be part of an enriching, caring environment that supports the "whole woman"
"A platform for the inspiration and empowerment of women"
Please click here for the BWA Fact Sheet.
Join the BWA
Please click to link to the relevant section:
Our Aims
The BWA is a non-profit, voluntary organisation committed to offering real value in the form of leading and training, connecting and supporting members and South African business.
The Association aims to be a united, non-racial business organisation that helps businesswomen to create connections on multiple dimensions - personal, professional and business - throughout their career. It also creates opportunities for women business owners to grow their businesses.
As a national association with regional branches, it also provides local and national forums where members can exchange ideas, be informed about topical issues and create business opportunities.
It acts as a lobby group on women's business issues, highlighting and publicising not only the barriers to success that may still exist but also the many opportunities available to women in South Africa today.
Through strategic partnerships with sponsors, other non-profit organisations, leading companies and business schools, it provides on-going events and opportunities to advance the interests and needs of women in business.
Where We've Come From
The BWA was formed in 2000 when three women's organisations merged and is now the largest association of business and professional women in South Africa.
Businesswoman of the Year Award
Since its inception in 1980, the Businesswoman of the Year Award has become South Africa's most prestigious Award for women in business.
The Award has a number of purposes, which have remained consistent over the years. It recognises and honours the achievement of South African women business leaders. It helps to create a cadre of women role models and also makes a tangible contribution to the next generation of women business leaders, by having all proceeds of the annual event go to the BWA Bursary Fund.
Since 1988, over R650 000 has been distributed to more than 64 women.
Regional Business Achievers Award
The Businesswoman of the Year Award runs alongside the Regional Business Achievers Awards, which have been presented since 2001 at each of the seven regional BWA branches. These awards actively seek to identify, acknowledge and cultivate small businesses and professional practices, many of which are run by previously disadvantaged women. The Awards also serve as a platform for these emerging businesswomen to aspire to be nominated for the Businesswoman of the Year Award in future.
BWA Bursaries
BWA Bursaries are awarded to women students across the country, reading towards post-graduate qualifications at a university or technikon. Bursaries can also be awarded to a woman pursuing a research topic of importance to women in business. Bursary amounts vary every year, since the funds for bursaries are determined by the annual profits of the Businesswoman of the Year Award. Bursary application forms can be obtained at the nearest BWA branch and applications need to be submitted by 31 October. Bursaries are awarded by 1 December.
BWA Functions
Local branches of the Businesswomen's Association meet regularly and at least once a month, for breakfasts, lunches and some evening functions. Functions range from the purely social, such as golf days and movie premieres, to the strongly business focused, such as economic overviews, financial presentations and guest speakers from the business and professional sectors.
A highlight of the BWA calendar is the annual Budget Presentation given by Nicky Weimar, Nedbank's Senior Economist, immediately after the Minister of Finance tables the annual Budget. This national road show kicks off the morning after the budget speech to each of the BWA branches and is an enlightening and interesting analysis of the annual budget. This event has met with much acclaim and grows in popularity every year.
Another highlight is the annual road show undertaken by the Businesswoman of the Year Award winner, around the country. During this event the Businesswoman of the Year meets BWA members and the media and shares her experiences.
Membership
Membership is open to individuals and companies. Women at all stages of their careers are welcome to join, and membership is also open to men.
Membership Fees
Full Membership: R 500.00 (incl. VAT) for 12 months