The award ceremony was attended by senior government officials, business leaders, and professionals both corporate and entrepreneurial. 

The Standard Bank Top Women Awards is co-hosted by Top Media and Standard Bank and aims to recognise organisations and individuals whose efforts are uplifting women in business and society.

Over the last 10 years, the awards have recognised over 100 businesses and female leaders. The Top Gender Empowered: Corporate Citizenship Award is awarded to the organisation that has had the greatest positive impact on economic prosperity, as well as the quality of life for South African women and girls in the year.

An assessment is conducted on the effect that these efforts have had on building a gender-empowered culture within the organisation.

This year, the Top Gender Empowered: Corporate Citizenship Award was presented to Cell C and received by Juliet Mhango, chief human capital development and transformation officer.

The award is in recognition of the work done under the company's 'Gender Equality' pillar for three initiatives: Cell C's 'Take a Girl Child to Work Day', Cell C's 'Girl' and Cell C's 'Girl Bursary Fun'.

"We are honoured to be recognised in the area of Corporate Citizenship. Cell C is committed to providing women with opportunities and will continue to aim to empower and inspire young schoolgirls across the country through its annual Cell C 'Take a Girl Child to Work Day' (TAGCTWD) initiative," says Mhango.

Cell C's 'Take a Girl Child to Work Day' initiative has encouraged corporations and enterprises in South Africa to provide guidance to young girls about their career development.

This year's theme, '#MoreThanADay' aims to promote the concept that one day is not enough to help motivate young girls, and Cell C has dedicated three days in the year to this effort: 30 May, 26 July and 30 August.

"We want to ensure that girls understand their potential and are introduced to a diverse range of careers — even those that are male-dominated," concludes Mhango. "We want to enhance their self-esteem and inspire them to reach their goals."
 
The CellCgirl online platform was developed to complement this campaign, with the mission to extend the initiative to male and female school learners across the country who are not able to physically attend. The platform strives to give them access to educational resources, as well as economic and employment opportunities.

For more information, visit www.cellc.co.za. You can also follow Cell C on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.