At the current rate, full gender parity may not be achieved soon. Women heeded the call to accelerate action.

On 7 March 2025, women leaders in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) gathered at Langhams Lifestyle Estate, bringing their mentees to the Wired4Women International Women’s Day event. Accelerate Action, the theme of the day and for International Women’s Day 2025, was a call to action focused on accelerating progress towards gender equity – recognising that, at the current rate, full gender parity may not be achieved until 2158.

Women leaders arrived dressed in bold green, a colour symbolic of action, progress, and momentum. Green signifies movement, execution, and determination – a powerful visual reinforcement of the commitment to not just envision change, but to also actively drive it forward. This theme resonated throughout the event, reminding all in attendance that equity demands urgency, intentionality, and collective effort.

The event featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and panellists who addressed the pressing challenges facing women in ICT. Discussions underscored the need for policies that promote gender equality, increased investment in education and skills development for young girls, and the creation of inclusive workplaces where women can thrive.

Mpho Hlefana, Managing Executive: Marketing at BCX, highlighted the critical barriers women must overcome to succeed in the ICT industry, urging organisations to take tangible steps towards fostering a truly inclusive environment.

Siyabulela Mpahlwa, Chief Commercial Officer at BCX, emphasised the importance of male allies stepping up, advocating for mentorship, and actively investing in the advancement of women in tech. His call to action reinforced that gender equity is not just a women’s issue, but a collective responsibility too.

Keynote speaker Sithembile Songo, award-winning Chief Information Security Officer at Eskom, delivered a powerful address, reminding women to embrace their journeys – scars and all – as stepping stones to greatness. She called for increased representation of women in cybersecurity, noting that, despite progress, women still make up only 22% of the global cybersecurity workforce and 28% of the global tech workforce. “Technology shapes our future,” she stated, “and women must not just have a seat at the table – we must lead the conversation.”

The powerhouse panel featured Boitumelo Sathekge, General Manager: Enterprise Technology and PMO at Transnet; Sarah Blignaut, Business Area Head: Digital Solutions and Services at SARS; Cheryl-Jane Kujenga, Chief Financial Officer at BCX; and Rashika Ramlal, Country Manager PS and Executive Director at AWS. Their discussion centred on a critical message: making space does not mean waiting for permission or an invitation. It means being intentional, stepping beyond your comfort zone, and embracing vulnerability as a strength.

Their conversation encouraged attendees to take action in both big and small ways – to not wait for opportunities and start creating them – leveraging platforms like Wired4Women and collaborating to make meaningful change. They emphasised the importance of being open to learning, embracing instruction, and viewing correction as a tool for growth rather than a setback.

Cheryl-Jane Kujenga provided invaluable insights on driving systemic change within organisations. She stressed that true transformation only happens when the ”owners of the system” commit to creating credible pathways for women to advance. She also reminded women to give themselves permission to be imperfect, reinforcing that one does not need to be perfect to be powerful.

Garith Peck, Managing Executive: Cloud & Cybersecurity at BCX, delivered a compelling presentation, illustrating how deeply technology is embedded in our daily lives, from the first device check in the morning to workplace transactions, cloud security, and digital entertainment. Cybersecurity, he emphasised, is the backbone of this digital existence.

Despite its growing importance, women remain severely underrepresented in cybersecurity. Garith made a direct call to the mentees in attendance, encouraging them to enter this field and seize the opportunities available. “There is space for women in cybersecurity. This industry needs your perspectives, your leadership, and your innovation.”

One of the most impactful aspects of this year’s event was the emphasis on mentorship. Each leader in attendance brought along their mentees, embodying the belief that as we rise, we must send the elevator back down. This act of lifting others serves as a crucial driver of gender equity, ensuring that the next generation of women in ICT is equipped with the guidance, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their careers.

As a long-standing advocate for diversity and inclusion and a proud sponsor of the Wired4Women International Women’s Day event, BCX remains committed to accelerating action beyond this gathering. Their mandate is clear: to create a tech industry where women are not only present but are leading, innovating, and shaping the future. Through mentorship programmes, skills development initiatives, and inclusive workplace policies, BCX is dedicated to driving lasting change.