As a business landscape shifts towards inclusivity, I find it inspiring when organisations genuinely walk the talk. This year, Kearney Africa, a global management consulting firm, has set a remarkable example. The company was recently honoured at the 2024 Gender Mainstreaming Awards for its impactful efforts in promoting women’s empowerment in the workplace. Taking home both the Investing in Young Women Award and the prestigious Southern Africa Gender Mainstreaming Champion Award, Kearney’s win speaks volumes about their commitment to building a more diverse, equitable workplace.
“This recognition and achievement underscore our efforts to foster inclusivity and equality, with initiatives that have created meaningful, lasting change,” said Theo Sibiya, Kearney’s Partner and Managing Director for Africa. Sibiya’s words resonate with anyone who has seen how representation and inclusivity can transform not only business but society as a whole. For Kearney, these awards aren’t just accolades; they’re milestones that affirm the organisation’s values. “It reinforces our belief that diverse perspectives are crucial for innovation, excellence, and reimagining the future of work,” he emphasised.
Building a Culture of Inclusion
Kearney’s journey is underpinned by concrete actions that go beyond box-ticking. Their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives focus on gender and disability inclusion, which are critical aspects of a diverse workforce. As Jo-Ann Pohl, Kearney’s Associate Director, explained, their DEI work is deliberate and collaborative. “Our goal is to foster professional empowerment, promote courageous and representative leadership, and create a lasting social impact.”
This commitment is reinforced by Kearney’s enduring partnerships with both local and global organisations, from the 30% Club and Voices of Change to Women in Tech and World Economic Forum. Through these alliances, Kearney continues to create opportunities and open doors, benefiting communities across Africa. “These alliances not only shape our current efforts but also guide our future endeavours in empowering communities, women, and individuals of all abilities,” Pohl added.
The People Behind the Mission
For Kearney, DEI initiatives aren’t top-down policies but rather shared, collective efforts. Employees are the heart of these transformative initiatives, and their voluntary contributions bring them to life. “Employee involvement is critical to the effectiveness of our social impact initiatives, whether through donations, giving of their time over weekends or after hours, or lending their expertise and skills to drive project development,” said Nothando Ntombela, a Manager at Kearney. This grassroots approach has meant that DEI is embedded in the company’s culture, driven by people who are deeply committed to creating change.
A Long-term Vision
Reflecting on Kearney’s approach, it’s clear this isn’t just a trend or a temporary focus. “Our dedication to DEI will only grow,” Sibiya affirmed. The organisation plans to leverage lessons learned, emphasising inclusivity across all levels and engaging employees in shaping these initiatives. For Kearney, this work isn’t simply about meeting targets; it’s about meaningful, sustained transformation. As Sibiya remarked, “By being targeted in our efforts, we focus on initiatives and events that have deep and meaningful impact which can be sustained long-term. Our commitment to dedicating time, resources, and expertise to DEI is unwavering, and we are inspired to continue driving positive change.”
A Pathway to Real Impact
The Gender Mainstreaming Awards, developed to promote private sector investment in female representation, recognise organisations that are making strides in gender equality. Through these awards, the bar is set higher for the business community as a whole.
Kearney Africa’s story isn’t just one of winning awards—it’s a blueprint for how companies can lead change. Their approach shows us that real transformation happens when organisations and their people share a vision for equality and inclusion. For Kearney, these wins reaffirm that they’re on the right path, one that many others can be inspired to follow.
For more about Kearney’s achievements and the Gender Mainstreaming Awards, visit Gender Awards.