The duo says that the programme will move ambitious bright young black talent from discourse to action and celebrate the industry champions who are moving from good intentions to action.

The Leading Women Creating Change in the New World Order programme is open to all black women working in advertising agencies from mid-management level and above. The programme, by design, is intended to move personal and institutional efforts towards doing the right thing.

The duo adds that by building on the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic, we can create the next new normal that is not only focused on diversity for the sake of compliance, but that embraces and celebrates the value of previously marginalised and minority groupings on the basis of:
  • race
  • gender
  • class
  • age
  • sexual identity
  • religion
  • culture, and
  • ethnicity. 
This course is designed and delivered by Shireen Chengadu, an academic and practitioner who is an expert in the field of women's leadership, gender studies and building inclusive organisations.

The course will be further supplemented by the voices of men and women in various sectors who are championing true change and transformation, according to the duo.

In addition to the contextual strategy and personal mastery sessions, the course will be complemented by coaching groups led by professional coaches to enable the participants to refocus on themselves and the necessary building blocks to lay and navigate in order for them to reach their full leadership potential.

The programme aims to encompass a holistic approach to addressing personal and professional development. This is through using an integral coaching model that is designed by expert coaches that focuses on inspiring individuals to reach their full potential in a way that allows meaningful shifts toward somatic, cognitive and emotional wellness.

Successful applicants will be expected to attend a total of six one-day programme sessions between August 2022 and February 2023. The details of this can be found on the application form.

Mathe Okaba, CEO of the ACA, says, "In line with the mandate of the ACA, to create empowerment opportunities as per the code, we invite all black women in the advertising industry to sign up and participate."

"The industry wants to create change and this programme will assist women in leadership positions shatter the glass ceiling. It will also guide those who are fiercely hungry and unapologetic about bringing actionable and visible transformation to ad industry culture," concludes Okaba.

To sign up, individuals are encouraged to download and complete the application form here. Once completed, the application form is to be sent via email to [email protected] by no later than COB on Tuesday, 2 August. 

Only Black Women, as recognised by the Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Act 53 of 2003 (B-BBEE Act) are eligible for the bursary.

For more information, visit www.acasa.co.za. You can also follow the ACA on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.