Past Events

End of Year Function

25 November 2004
Commodore Hotel

The Commodore Hotel was alive with the spirit of goodwill as BWA members & guests gathered with Cape Velvet in hand to celebrate the end of a terrific year. But no guest arrived empty handed, as gifts were collected for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Patience Stevens, Anne Mayers, Ailsa Stewart & Elspeth Donavon networking.

The entrance to the restaurant was laden with gifts, definitely making light work for Santa this year. But it did not stop there - a raffle prize draw with amazing prizes sponsored by members managed to raise an additional

R 6 000.00 in cash for food vouchers for our charities!

With great food, good company & plenty of the Christmas spirit to go around, the lunch was a huge success & a charming way to end the Cape Town BWA calendar year!

We thank all who attended for their extreme generosity & look forward to seeing you in 2005!

Little Angels Thank You Letter

Care Home and Help Centre

Dear Friends

On behalf of the little angels & all our babies & children, we wish to thank you most sincerely for your assistance. It is heartwarming to know that folk do care,and its is only with such support, that we as Voluntary house- parents are able to take care of all the babies & children.

We care for & support about 30 babies & children, both here and in a few network homes. Many are HIV positive, and they go through a huge amount of food, nappies & toiletries. (We also feed & pay salaries to seven live-in staff members, a Receptionist & a bookkeeper.) Our Babies range in age from a few hours old to about a year old. Our older children are presently between 1 & 6 years.We also run a help Centre, enabling us to network and share our excess goods, training & services with many other organizations and needy homes.

WOW! We were overwhelmed by the comdi-load of goodies that you gave us. Thank you so very much for the gifts of toiletries, clothing, toys, treats & R 2000.00 food vouchers, which you gave.We cannot begin to express in words, just how grateful we are for your kindness and caring and we thank you for making Christmas a special one for all the little ones in our care!

Thank you for helping our little angles.We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year.

God Bless you.

Regards
Pat & Phillip Van Ransburg

Saartjie Baartman Christmas Party

Clout Workshop

12 November 2004
Review by Amelia Aucamp, Nedbank Business Banking

What more can we say? As usual, Sunny had us hanging on to her every word!

How many of us suffer from that ever present "guilt"-feeling? It was great to find out that we can let go of that; that people will actually accept us saying no and that we really owe ourselves "own" time. How else will we be able to survive the rat race in any event?

Self-confidence, self-composure and competence are all we need to have a great life. Many of us do have this, but not necessarily use those qualities. It is important to stay aware of "self". Looking into the habits of the confident, self-composed, competent woman it is found that "mental housekeeping" is a matter of utmost importance and Sunny advised us as to how to actually do this.

The workshop really meant a great deal to me and I'm already keeping my "7 habits" closeby to check and re-check when necessary.

Thanks again to the BWA for arranging such a wonderful learning oppertunity for all of us!

MS Mind Meeting

27 October 2004
Review by Natasha Winkler

I recently signed-up to BWASA not entirely sure why. Some of the reasons included things like networking, learning etc...all the normal career gumph that consumes me at times. However, there was another, maybe more 'pulling' factor which has alot to do with the frame of mind I currently find myself in. That is, to spend time with a group of like-minded individuals that can think broader than just the current state of affairs and challenges in the world of business.

So, my first encounter with some of these like-minded women presented itself on 27 October when I attended a MS Mind meeting. I was blown away and certainly nowhere near disappointed!

I absolutely enjoyed listening to a successful business owner talking about what it was like being 20-something almost 30 years ago and realising that most of the challenges were similar, but maybe just 'packaged' differently.

So many of life's challenges depend on the attitude you decide on when approaching them, and sometimes also just accepting that things happen as they should.

I loved watching a lady speak and telling us about how she's always done what was expected of her and yet deep down knowing what lies within her and dying to set it free. Now, having taken that leap of faith, it is the most divine experience to be in her presence while she's just overflowing with enthusiasm and excitement and courage.

So, by the end of the evening the challenge was put to all: Celebrate yourself. Recognise your strengths, your achievements. Reward yourself and don't wait on anyone else to reward you.

DOYENNE BREAKFAST "MINGLE & MENTOR"

21 October 2004
Winchester Mansion Hotel
Riki Geard - Relationship Manager, Corporate Business Banking: Nedbank

Back: Margerett McFarlane, Truida Prekel, Jenny Le Roux, Pamela Ferreira

& Yvonne Finch

Middle: Pat Gorvalla, Jane Raphaely, Wiebke Lusted, Elzbieta Rosenworth

& Gita Lison

Front: Pam Golding & Wendy Ackerman

The BWA Doyenne breakfast at the Winchester Mansions Hotel was an awesome opportunity for us to interact on a personal and intimate level with some of South Africa's most successful ladies... and what a privilege it was!


Margerett McFarlane & Thina Thiart	A delighted Pam Golding

Pat Gorvalla, Julie De Munnik & Jane Raphaely	Sally McGrath & Wendy Ackerman

Truida Prekel & Ferose Oaten	Guest, Theresa Botha & Anne Meyer

Jenny Le Roux & Gail Walters	Yvonne Finch & Cheryl Steyn

I'm sure there must have been lots of delicious food left over as the focal point was most definitely on absorbing as much energy, wisdom and inspiration that we could from our "Doyennes"; our mentors that would impart the secrets that led to their success in their various fields of influence, from fashion, journalism, property, retail, manufacturing and the corporate world.

Secrets? No doubt we've heard various takes on "the secrets to my success", but these ladies presented themselves in such a practical, down to earth and triumphant way that I'm sure reinforced the positive impact that we have (or are trying to have!) in our own industries, and also encouraged us to continue striving towards the goals that we have set for ourselves.

Some of the important truths that our Doyennes shared with us that will facilitate our individual successes are:

Be ambitious - know where you want to go, set your goals and be confident that you will achieve them
Understand and affirm who you are and what is important to you
Create your own support system and don't be afraid to use it!
And always, ALWAYS, be true to yourself

Inspired? Definitely. Successful...we're on our way!"

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

13 October 2004
Belmont Square Conference Centre
Alison Maytham - Senior Manager, Business Development: Ernst & Young

Andre Moller, Nedbank: Regional Head of the Western Cape

Nicky Weimar, a Nedcor economist, has again exceeded our expectations! Nicky deftly translates economic jargon into an understandable language for the woman in the street.

The essence of her message was:

Nedcor predicts that the strong rand will continue for a while, driven by government's expansionary fiscal policy, which is benefiting fixed capital expenditure.
The strength of the rand is supported by dollar weakness. Fundamental issues in the US economy are expected to keep the dollar weak.
Consumer spending currently accounts for 63% of GDP and has driven current GDP growth. In emerging markets, a higher share of spending by government should be expected.
Now would be a good time to start consolidating debt given the low interest rate environment - interest rates are expected to rise early next year on the back of higher expected inflation levels, particularly impacted by oil price shocks.
SA consumers are not yet overborrowed but may be approaching this level.
The good news is that retailers can expect a bumper Christmas on the back of the 3rd quarter retailer results.
The bad news is that net exports are down and will continue to stay low with the strengthening rand. Exporters will have to become more competitive. Certain niche pockets such as motor vehicle manufacturers are stimulating export growth.
Imports have been stimulated by rand strength combined with consumer demand, stimulated by low interest rates.
International investment into South Africa appears to be short term / overnight funds seeking out relatively high yields.
In the face of the dollar weakening, combined with rising yields in the euro & sterling, the latter are becoming more attractive as an investment. One can expect a shift in international capital flows to these currencies which is likely to cause a weakening of the rand.
Overall the rand is expected to maintain a slow and steady downward trend.
Global growth is largely being negatively impacted by the rise in the oil price. China and India are growing economies with booming populations and are beginning to infringe on the USA's powerbase. China, however is running the risk of overheating. There is even hope for Japan to emerge from its dismal deflationary position.

A note on the venue and the food, Belmont Office Park is as always a wonderful venue, but the lunch was not as appealing as last year.

Members & Guests enjoying the overview

WORK, WOMEN & POWER

8 October 2004
Old Mutual Business School
C?zanne Britain-Renecke, Legal Adviser: Old Mutual

The words "Together we create a dynamic forum to inspire and grow all women in business" resonated on the morning of the Women, Work and Power workshop. Louise Parr, a dynamic speaker and a champion for the empowerment of women from Parr Lamond and Associates, presented the workshop.

Once introductions were made, the workshop kicked off with dynamism and a flurry of discussion started around the definitions, concerns and perceptions of power. It was my first BWA workshop and I found the willingness of all the women to share their experiences inspiring. Our brains were stimulated, our stereotypes challenged and our perceptions shifted. The exchange of ideas and experiences around the topic created a wave of positive energy that was almost tangible.

We were also privy to the Powerplay? model, where we explored the various elements and the roles they play with regard to power in our lives. What was especially clear was that no matter how much power we have or think we have, no matter what we think is the most important element towards obtaining or maintaining power, it is important to have balance.

I was left feeling inspired, with renewed vigour. This topic really is deserving of more time. Thank you BWASA!

2 MINUTE COFFEE BREAK

17 September 2004

Ernest & Young
Review by Michelle von Metzinger, Monk-E-Business

This coffee break, held at Ernest & Young, was both well attended and well planned. The venue was excellent with convenient parking and the Ernest & Young representatives were extremely accommodating.

Muffins & coffee are always a great way to start the morning! As far as networking goes, the event was a great success with plenty of opportunity to promote your business and rub shoulders with other businesswomen. The idea of having two minutes to introduce yourself and your business is brilliant and very effective. I can highly recommend attending the next 2 Minute Coffee Break - I know I will!

Review by Jenna Monk, Today Magazine

Yes it does sound as if you need a KitKat.... but this time the networking function was only open to members and each received their very own coffee mug (calorie free).

We had 40 ladies who stood up for 2 minutes each and told the group about what they did in their companies and then handed out their business cards and brochures. We had subjects from finance to promotional gifts and massages to anything to do with being in the air.

Our interests were stretched and our tummies filled and as people left at 9:30am promptly, groups were still huddled swopping cards and making appointments to see each other.

The ladies who missed this opportunity also missed getting their membership mug, but we will be repeating this very successful function and handing out the mugs again.

International Networking Lunch

1 September 2004
Taphuis Restaurant Spier Wine Estate

Review by Zahn Du Toit, Par Properties

I attended my first BWA function as a member on Spring Day at the Taphuis Restaurant, Spier. I was impressed with the event's professional organisation and the calibre of business women attending.

The networking opportunity was superb with women interacting locally and internationally. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Pam Golding who is a great inspiration! We all had our faces painted which added to the fun and the food was divine. The Polish businesswomen were made to feel welcome and left holding businesswomen in South Africa in high regard - a wonderful lunch! Thank you.

Michelle Jackel, Lorraine De Klerk, Gail Jacobs, Lindy Maphanya, Marcelle de Graaf & Donvay Gerry

Elzbieta Rosenworth with Polish Delegation

BWA Members & Guest enjoying the moment together

Polish delegation & BWA Members

Tina Thiart, Ewa Lisowska, Elzbieta Rosenwerth, Pam Golding & Helen Gooderson

MS Mind Group

24 August 2004
Review by Claire Stewart, Peoplewise

On Tuesday, 24 August, the MS Mind Group met at the BOE Boardroom with its panoramic views of the Waterfront and Bloubergstrand. The time we spent together was really enjoyable, stimulating and interesting.

For a start the participants were interesting: one participant had fairly recently started her own business; another was manufacturing a great product part time and was battling with the decision about whether she should take the giant step of leaving formal employment and starting her own venture.

Another had recently moved to Cape Town to start a new branch of an established brand, whilst another had a pretty well established business but was battling to get a great new concept off the ground. So we all had different types of challenges but with some common themes.

Tina Thiart from Wheat Trust, who chairs the MS Mind Group, opened the meeting by getting us each to do a brief introduction and then asked us 'What is your greatest success and your greatest challenge'. A worthy question indeed! It was such a wonderful, relaxed, non-judgmental forum to express one?s hopes, dreams, vulnerabilities and frustrations; and the feedback and advice from everyone else was amazing. I came away with some good, practical solutions for some of the challenges I am facing and on a real high.

I?m looking forward to being part of this group and helping each other grow and prosper in our respective ventures. What a pleasure it is being able to tap into the wonderful community of womanhood!

Netherlands Management Co-operation Programme

12 August 2004
Huis der Nederlanden
Review by Jeanette Bosman, Cape Executive Communications

A small group of very dynamic ladies attended an interesting presentation by the Netherlands Management Co-operation Programme (NMCP) on Thursday 12 August.

Lesley Africa was thrilled to be able to talk to a room full of only women (until 1 man arrived!) about this unusual programme. The NMCP is an independent organisation that originates from the Netherlands and sends senior / retired advisors to help SME's in South Africa by sharing their business knowledge & experience for free!

The NMCP organises training courses in the Netherlands and assists businesses through a "Business Link" programme. These services are only for businesses who cannot afford to recruit or finance assistance of this kind through other professional advisors.

A number of SME's have already benefited tremendously from this programme in the past, as demonstrated by the various case studies. All relevant information can be obtained through Cheryl Steyn (BWA Cape Town).

The presentation was held at Huis der Nederlanden in Pinelands (a venue with a difference) and excellent wine & snacks were served! This unusual networking opportunity brought a wonderful group of women together, who look forward to working together in the future.

Thanks again to BWA for another wonderful get-together.

Nicky Newton-King Lunch

8 June 2004

Review by Sandy Geyer, MD Allcopy Publishers

The opportunity to gobble and gossip with fellow "pioneers" of the business world is good for one's morale, not forgetting the obvious benefits for business.

The primary reason, for attending such functions however, is to listen to a speaker and Nicky Newton-King was truly worth the sore throat, ringing ears and weight gain. One would assume that such an accomplished woman would have her wits about her, but I was nevertheless amazed by the extent of her drive and uncomplicated approach to business.

Nicky does not have the usual 'hang ups' or hypersensitivity that so many woman still carry with them in the (still) male dominated business world. For Nicky, gender has never been an issue. She has a wonderful sense of humour and is someone who inspires us all.

Thank you to the BWA for organising this event and for the wonderful wine! I look forward to the next function.

Business Book Club

26 May 2004

Business Book Club Reviews are available on the website.

Business Networking Lunch

25 May 2004

Review by Debbie Byren, Catalyst Car Hire

After a drive through from Cape Town, map clutched in my sweaty palm, I finally arrived at the Villa Via in Gordon's Bay. Our hostess, Helen Gooderson, was cheerful and friendly as usual, making all newcomers feel at ease.

I found myself at a table made up almost entirely of business people from the tourism industry. What a fantastic networking opportunity for me, particularly, as I am in the car hire industry.

After a pleasant lunch and lively company, Ferose Oaten's presentation began. In her quiet and dignified manner, she inspired us with her achievements and impressed upon us the need to continue paying attention to the details of our business and continually striving to improve. Congratulations on the ISO 9001, Ferose! I left Gordon's Bay feeling inspired and privileged to be part of this dynamic group of women.

Golf Clinic

11 May 2004

Review by Desima Beukes, Van de Spuy & Partners

The recent BWA Golf Clinic at the River Club reminded me of the staunch nineteenth holer who boasted that it took his wife five years to find out that golf cannot be played under flood lights. Well - golf coaching can take place under cover, with champagne, chocolates and a coach with a great sense of humour.

Thanks to Cheryl's organisational skills and Lisa's exceptional coaching talent, much fun was had by all. Hope to see all on the golf courses soon - and to those who were not there, even the existing golfers, next time join just for the fun.

SME workshop

8 May 2004
Review by Shaheema Chilwan, Chilwans Coachlines

Prensenter: Melodi van der Merwe
BWA member, Ms Melodi van der Merwe, is a lecturer in the Department of Business Management at the University of Pretoria. She completed her Masters degree in Entrepreneurship (Cum Laude), specialising in the field of women entrepreneurship.

Her passion lies in empowering women by assisting with business plans, start-up businesses, marketing and training.

Melodi conducted an exciting workshop. Her interest in people was evident when she took the time during breaks to speak with the attendees and find out more about their businesses and needs. Those who attended the workshop were able to take home enough information to enhance, expand or even start their businesses.

Nedbank once again expressed their commitment to BWA, entrepreneurs and growing our businesses.

A Dialogue on Women, Business & Society

22 April 2004
Review by Mignon Lotz

Faadia Solomons, USA Delegate & Sadieka Chilwan

It was an absolute experience to be at the International Networking opportunity with the BWA and The Center for Women and Democracy, from the University of Washington.

As a young woman who has recently started my own business, it was an honour to meet such experienced and generous women who wanted to share and grow with us.

The women who were representing South Africa, were also totally inspiring in their vision and passionate dedication to making things in this country work. The American women were amazed by our constitution and legislature, that in principle and spirit upholds women as partners in leadership and decision making in this country. The delegation were in awe of just how much South Africans have achieved in 10 years and it was interesting for me to become aware again of just how special our constitution is.

Three USA Delegates & Yvonne Finch

The discussions of the day included education of women and children, Aids, how to create more women leaders, the TRC and the role of self-confidence and childcare in women's quest for education and leadership.

There was a lot of fun and laughter as well as a number of moving moments, notably when Jean Buxton spoke about the need for a new context in educating people about Aids.

Petra Krusche, Coreen Fouche, USA Delegate & Ferose Oaten

Networking was the order of the day and some serious cross pollination took place as women from both countries exchanged business cards, ideas and advice, in the interests of building relationships that could grow business, understanding and development of all parties. There was a very sincere and generous offer to host a delegation of South African women in Seattle.

All in all it was an inspiring day that got me in touch again with what it means to be a woman in the world today, and what powerful agents for transformation we are.

Two USA Delegates with Yvonne Finch

Please click here to view Gertrude Festers presentation - Women & Democracy

ABC of BEE Partnerships

20 April 2004
Review by Joanne Miller, Investmentwise

The BWA held a breakfast on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) at Old Mutual Business School on Tuesday 20 April. This was well attended by both women and men from a range of businesses varying in size and industry. This broad representation gives a good indication of how pressing an issue BEE is becoming for so many of us in business, irrespective of whether we are owners of a small business or at the helm of a large corporate.

The presentation was given by Ivan van der Merwe of Matchmakers, which provides businesses with consulting, networking and support services. Ivan gave a very informative talk about BEE and the various routes one can follow. What I found particularly interesting and encouraging was the various share payment schemes available when structuring a BEE deal, and how it really can add value to both parties instead of being purely for cosmetic purposes.

Ivan was well versed in the subject and has offered all BWA members a free consultation on BEE (usual cost of R 600.00), which has been funded by the City of Cape Town. As an owner of a small training consultancy in the investment industry, which is being hugely impacted by the Financial Services Charter, BEE is inevitability for me and something I am choosing to be proactive about and embrace as an opportunity. I will therefore definitely be taking up this offer, and based on the presentation given by Ivan, highly recommend other BWA members in a similar position do the same.

Thank you to the BWA for arranging such a breakfast - you are indeed fulfilling your mission of assisting women in business through the sharing of information and networking.

Pre-election Panel Discussion

30 March 2004
Old Mutual Business School

Addi Lang, Yvonne Finch, Chantal Rutter & Belinda Davidson

BWA posed the following question to the representatives: "What does your party intend doing to grow all women in business and grow women's businesses."

Unfortunately, not one of the political representatives answered this question or offered any solutions.

ID - Patricia de Lille:

Patricia de Lille

SA has come a long way in terms of women's rights, but should we not claim them, they will remain 'paper rights'. The ID has no separate Women's or Youth League as this would imply that they are second class citizens and in need of special attention. Women should never use words such as "afraid" and "don't know".

NNP - Anna van Wyk:
This speech was conducted in Afrikaans, alienating a large section of the audience. One has to wonder: what has happened to analysing the audience beforehand? The poorest in SA still remain rural women. Their 'women' focus seems to be on uplifting this section of our population.

Belinda Walker - DA, Anna Van Wyl - NNP & Patrica de Lille - ID

DA - Belinda Walker:
Ms Walker highlighted a number of initiatives planned by the DA: supplying free water & electricity, health care, education bursaries, basic income grants etc. One has to wonder how the initiatives will be funded?

Azapo - Vuyisa Qunta:
This unfortunate speech commenced with the speaker (wearing a 'rugby' tie) admitting that he did not initially know what to say to us, and joked that he could advise us on cleansing and toning! The remainder of the speech seemed to centre on his military training in Eritrea.

ANC - Lindiwe Hendricks:
30% of all structures in the ANC are represented by women. The ANC is taking lessons from the past to address the future (i.e. initiatives such as SAWEN, social security issues etc). Unfortunately, no future plans were discussed.

Tasneen Essop, Betty Dizingwa, Lindiwe Hendrikse, Yvonne Finch, Shaheema Chilwan & Mpho Mashengete

I suggest that you take time to read individual party manifestos before deciding on whom to vote for in the upcoming election.

BWA takes no political stand, nor do we support any specific political party.

A BIG thank you to Chantal Rutter for chairing this event, for keeping the speakers within their time limits, and managing this event so professionally.

Shaheema Chilwan, Wendy Bost, Cheryl Steyn, Pam van Rhyn, Chantal Rutter, Marlene Jacobs & Anne Reddy

Business Book Club

24 March 2004
Review by Jenna Monk, Monk-E-Business

On Wednesday the 24 March, the BWA Cape Town Book Club was launched with the ladies who attended bringing along their suggested books, and pooling their ideas for future meetings to come. Michelle, from Struik-Zebra Books, donated the first 4 books to the reference library, and the rest of us swopped books and headed off at 7.30pm with an armful each.

Instead of speaking about husbands & children, and drinking copious glasses of wine, we introduced ourselves, our companies, networked and solved a few teething problems which two of the women were experiencing in their new positions. A natural mentoring and networking of ideas arose, which is exactly what we want to achieve with these meetings.

Coversheets will be found in the inside of each book that is donated or bought, for comment and reference to particularly good chapters. The R114.00 (incl VAT) per quarter, allows the library to grow. The books are the property of the BWA, and are stored and catalogued in Cheryls office. If you have any books to donate, please bring them to the meetings and give them to Cheryl. If you wish to LOAN the BWA some books, it would be greatly appreciated.

Only Book Club members will have access to these books. This will enable members to save thousands of rands as they will not buy books which repeat things they have already read - all you really needed was a reminder of what you already knew. This Book Club becomes a reference library for inspiration at any time. Please give Cheryl a call first before going in to browse.

To remind you all again - the Book Club meets once every 2nd month (speed reading course to follow) for 2 hours, which includes feedback, choosing more inspirational books and networking. I hope to see you at the next one.

Business Networking lunch

11 March 2004
Review by Sonia Sidiropoulos, The Caledon Hotel Spa Casino

The lunch at the Lord Charles Hotel on 11 March 2004, was the first BWA meeting I attended. What a wonderful event.

It was fantastic meeting women (and the occasional man) from all walks of life, in various careers and industries, yet with very similar goals and aspirations. I thoroughly enjoyed the informal manner in which the lunch took place, allowing everyone to relax, get to know one another and having the opportunity to be introduced to all attendees.

Thank you very much for the opportunity granted to attend the lunch?. I was so impressed that I have already signed up as a member!

Fairlady Breakfast

19 February 2004

Review by Sabeeha Gani, SA Ports Operations

The BWA held its first breakfast for the year during this month. Held at the Winchester Mansions Hotel in Sea Point, the breakfast was a buzz of chatter and excitement.

Zulfa Bazier, Jenny LeRoux, Ann Donald, Yvonne Finch & Sabeeha Gani

Guest speaker was Ann Donald, editor of Fairlady, who shared her insight into Fairlady over the years, and Fairlady today having won, amongst others, Best Consumer Magazine for 2003. Guests enjoyed her charming account of life in the magazine world. Altogether a great morning of learning and networking.

Helen Turnball, Samantha Chatham & Linda Remke

Terri Steyn, Janine Nel & Karen Phelan

Noel Le Roux & Sally McGrath

Ann Donald, Julia Seal Swanepoel & Hilke Gartz

Speech - Ann Donald Fairlady Editor

Hello and thanks

My name is not John Edwards, but I do know a few things about you: you are all daughters, some of you may be mothers or even grandmothers. Some of you may be artists and dreamers; others may be golfers or bakers. In groups you are friends and confidantes, possibly even rivals and enemies; in front of the mirror you are probably your own worst enemy. With your partner, if you have one, you may intend to be loving and intimate, but are probably more focused on your To-do list.

I don't know how much, if any, of this is true about you, and how much more there is to each of you that no one knows about. In fact the only two things I do know about you is that you are in business, and that you are women.

Like you, I don't fit into a convenient box. My name is Ann. In a couple of weeks' time I'll be 44. Depending on the time of day, I am an editor, a wife, a mother, and - you guessed it, a woman. Occasionally I'm just me. I work an average of 12 hours a day. I feel guilty for not spending more time at home with my family; and while I have every intention of being more loving and tender with my husband, it's usually easier to read a book. I am managing to fit in two hours of exercise a week, but to do so I have to leave home at 6.30am and drop my son off at school before seven. I rarely cook as I have married a man of rare distinction - one who can and does cook most nights, who can and does change plugs, fix taps, and load the washing machine. I love my life and my job, and apart from the time with my children, and the loving and tender bit, wouldn't change any of it for the world. But if you asked me to categorise myself, I wouldn't know where to begin.

In the magazine industry, FAIRLADY is categorised as a women's magazine, but like any bolshie woman, we resist being put into a box! FAIRLADY has been part of South African life for 39 years this year. In that time, the masthead design has changed seven times and is currently in its 8th incarnation. The magazine has had five editors prior to me, all of whom have left their mark on the publication.

Nasionale Tydskrifte launched it in 1965 with Jane Raphaely as the editor. As one of the first English women's magazines in the country, the target market was adult women with families. It cost a mere 10c per copy and you could subscribe for R1 a year. In those early days, FAIRLADY was a monthly magazine, but proved so popular that it changed to a fortnightly frequency in 1969.

For white South African women living in a traditional, conservative society, Fairlady was their window on different worlds - both internationally and locally. While still firmly rooted in home and family, it also broke many barriers before other supposedly more liberated magazines overseas. Among these:

The high cost of breeding
VD: it could happen to you
Why we take drugs: SA teenagers talk
What's so great about being Superwoman
Womanpower; how to survive as a woman in South Africa

In this last article, published in 1975, the intro read as follows:

Contrary to the myths that have grown up around the subject, liberation doesn't consist of liberating women from their husbands, their homes or their children. It consists of liberating them from their own sense of inadequacy.

This is a theme that remains central to FAIRLADY even now.

Happily some things that started way back then, continue to this day. In 1980, the editor wrote:
'We've been teased by some of our male colleagues for supporting such "sexist" institutions as women's clubs. In defence we point out that as women are deliberately excluded from men's associations and clubs, our only recourse is to establish alternative networks of power and influence.'

And, just look at where women in business are today compared to 1980.

But it's not only FAIRLADY that has changed since 1965, the magazine market has too. As recently as the early 90s, there were only three magazines competing in the glossy English general interest women's sector: Fairlady, Cosmopolitan and Femina. Now there are at least 10 glossy titles competing for readers and advertisers, and more than 20 titles when you add in the niche or special interest women's titles.

Yet, with 906 000 readers, FAIRLADY remains the most widely read English woman's magazine within it's competitive segment. So what are we doing to ensure we stay ahead?

In December 2002, FAIRLADY changed frequency again, publishing as a monthly title for the first time since 1969. This decision was made in response to market pressure: dwindling advertising spend, a drop in magazine circulations across the board, and the fact that the cost of publishing two issues a month against the single issues of our competitors, were the main factors considered.

From the editorial perspective, this decision gave us the opportunity to focus on improving the quality of the magazine at every level. And as a local magazine, we were able to determine our positioning in a way that no locally-produced international title can do.

With a bigger minimum booksize, we were able to increase the range of content. The magazine is divided into six niches, catering to different interest areas, features, health, fashion and beauty, home & food, leisure options, and consumer issues.
We pushed up the standard of journalism required for our features; added a consumer section into the mix, and introduced in-depth special reports on issues not traditionally regarded as 'women's magazine' fare. (As women, we knew that women are not only interested in image, but want challenging and stimulating articles on a broader range of subject matter.)
We stopped chasing the illusion that international is better and focused on issues directly relevant to life in South Africa today, while still including excellent international stories when justified.

The way we talk to our readers too is uniquely FAIRLADY. We avoid the snide, exclusionary tone adopted by many magazines. We don't patronise our readers; our information has to be honest, credible, reliable and useful. We aim to entertain, to challenge, inform and inspire.

Confirmation that we are on the right track was received when we were awarded the Rossi Trophy for the Best Consumer magazine of 2003 at the Sappi Pica Awards in October last year.

Women's magazines have a way of getting under our skin. We take them to bed with us, we bath with them, we read them with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, we laugh with them, learn from them, are inspired by them; we also berate them for selling us unreachable dreams; for portraying us as less than perfect; for patronising us and underestimating us. Women's magazines are frequently described as trite and superficial, yet over the decades have been reputed to have the power to influence readers in ways no other product, medium or organisation - and definitely no politician - could hope to.

It's a curious position to be in - to be dismissed as irrelevant and considered as all-powerful in the same breath. But we're used to that, aren't we?

ANN DONALD
Editor

(If you wish to read the Catherine Redfern article on how to create a glossy magazine in five minutes, you'll find it under the features section of a website called The F Word: www.thefword.org.uk)

Mars, Man & the Workplace Liberating Venus

11 February 2004
Review by Julie DeMunnik

Liberating Venus - from the perspective of a Martian!

On Wednesday 11 Feb, members and guests of the BWA Cape Town gathered for a cocktail party and talk at the Graduate School of Business. With glasses of wine in hand, we were entertained to an hour or so's presentation by James Norbury of the X-pert Group. The title: 'Mars, Man and the Workplace Liberating Venus'.

Jenny Erlansen, Nelisa Fretas & Bernadette Rossouw

James spoke candidly about working in an environment which is predominantly female, a change from his years in the navy and gave us his insights into working with the 'working woman'.

In my notes I have four major points 'a personal summary of his message' they read:

Where planning meets opportunity - that is luck�
Leadership is determined by the nature of the task�
We need to decide - are we content or process specialists�
Patterns of leadership will always emerge

Assessing these, one is able to understand why woman lead, execute and deliver business in such a fundamentally different way. In each, the reactions, the use of information and the planning which results, will differ - and this difference is to be treasured.

Terri Steyn, Vashi Mungal Barbara Hardiman

The effect of generational differences.

Going through the ages, the roles of woman in business, and in context compared to men can be explained by era's. James guided us through a discussion around the norms of culture and trends from 1900 through to today, classifying each era based on the global social categories which have been recognised and differentiated through the years.

Consider the difference between those born in the information age (the 'Nexters') and those who were children through the great depression and world wars (the 'Veterans'), and already the highlighted disparities provide some explanation. When concentrating on the role of woman, these differences become more apparent - and we had many comments from members and guests who experienced these norms and the way it influenced their career choices, their belief in their own ability and perhaps more starkly the limitations imposed by what was societal norms.

Glass ceilings were shattered by the woman who moved into business before us, paths were set and maxims challenged. Many of such woman formed part of the forum, and they deserve our appreciation and thanks (especially since I fall squarely into the 'Generation X' categorisation who have reaped the benefits - so a deep felt thanks from me personally)

Understanding the context of personality provides the insight needed to work and manage and lead with others.

Ferose Oaten & Urvashi Mungal

Woman in Business

James set out some insights into his beliefs into the role of woman in business based on his observations and time spent working in a female dominated environment. He spoke of the mentoring role, of the 'genuine-ness' of intuition, of emotive management, and left us with these areas to consider:

Be objective�
Learn to Listen�
Deal with the issue not the person�
Learn to deal with the 'zone of uncomfortable debate'
Think before you speak�
Remember Manners�
Learn a Language�
Make people shine (this was my favourite one)�
Communicate across a broad base�
Beware of the 'tone' of technology based communication
Don't let culture become a cloud and driver of business
Actualize

Understanding Team Characteristics

And lastly, given the advise detailed above, James gave us all a chance to assess our own personality profile using a questionnaire and analysis that can be done in any team (very similar to Myers-Briggs). Within minutes you are able to distinguish your own character in terms of four categorisations: Enthusiasts, Considerates, Decisives and Scholars.

Each of which display different characteristics and hence are motivated in different ways. Knowing your own profile, and potentially running the same questionnaire to assess the profiles of those making up your teams has the capability of informing how the team is constructed and led. All in all a useful tool to have experienced!

Elspeth Donavan, Julie De Munnik & Lyn de Villiers

Conclusion

The evening drew to a close with many questions and an overall appreciation of difference and how that difference enables unique leadership, teaming and most importantly the role woman have as the Venus connection in the world of mars.

This was best illustrated with an event which actually opened the evening, the award of the BWA bursary to Urvashi Maungal who is studying towards her MBA full time. Congratulations and best wishes Urvashi~ from an alumni of last year, it is an incredible experience well worth the hours!