The 2015 Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day campaign kicked off yesterday, and will take place throughout South Africa on Thursday 28 May. Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women Susan Shabangu presided at the event, which took place at Sandown High School, and also featured Cell C chief executive Jose Dos Santos and Miss South Africa 2015 Liesl Laurie.

The movement, which began 13 years ago, gives Grade 10 to 12 girl learners the opportunity to visit a place of work and to experience the various career opportunities available to them.

“I believe that Cell C’s initiative to inspire girl learners forms a key foundation in helping empower women in our society,” Shabangu says. “Choosing a career after leaving school is one of life’s major decisions and not everyone is fortunate enough to know what they want to do and be able to vigorously pursue it.

“Many young girls are unable to make up their minds – and that’s where the Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day comes in. With strong support from businesses and institutions around the country, this initiative has already been a huge success which has impacted on the lives of many young women.”

More than 675 000 young women have been a part of the project since its inception.

Says Dos Santos: “Cell C has always focused on positive ways to support women in South Africa and Take a Girl Child to Work Day provides a platform to make those dreams come true. Education is important for all but it is essential for the survival and empowerment of women and girls. Investing in girls’ education is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty.

“We are both proud and humbled by the number of companies who have given their support to the campaign. Last year we had a record 400 companies register their participation which we hope to better this year. We have expanded the project into something bigger and better, a movement with more depth and gravitas in line with our aim of giving it life beyond just this one day.”

Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day is supported by the Presidency, which has hosted girl learners since the inaugural event, as well as being endorsed by the Department of Education.
Companies who wish to host a group of girls on May 28 should register online at www.cellc.co.za/girlchild

Pictured: Grade 12 Sandown High School learners Mpho Matsoge, Siphokuhle Booi and Karabo Pitjeng with Miss South Africa 2015 Liesl Laurie and Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women Susan Shabangu at the launch of the 2015 Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day campaign which will take place throughout South Africa on Thursday 28 May

Pic by Henry Brink