Welcome to Catalytic Strategy - An initiative of the IWFSA
The Catalytic Strategy was launched in 2019 through a partnership between the International Women's Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and WDB Investment Holdings (WDBIH), with the support of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and Anglo American South Africa. It was created as a transformative, evidence-based advocacy initiative to accelerate progress toward Women's Economic Justice in South Africa.
The strategy focuses on targeted research and policy analysis to inform public debate, influence legislation, and drive reform in both the public and private sectors. By generating credible data and practical insights, the Catalytic Strategy works to address the gender pay gap, remove systemic barriers, and expand opportunities for women to participate fully in the economy.
The initiative also highlights and celebrates companies and individuals who demonstrate strong commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment. Through research, advocacy, and recognition programmes, the Catalytic Strategy aims to achieve measurable change and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable economic landscape in South Africa.
Attorney and founder of a boutique law firm, specialising in commercial, litigation, media and insolvency law, with extensive senior legal experience and a strong focus on leadership, governance and gender equality.
Attorney, business leader and co founder of a women owned investment company, with extensive board leadership across major corporations and a strong focus on human rights, education and women’s economic empowerment.
Business leader and board chairperson at Anglo American in South Africa, with extensive experience across mining, retail, financial services and energy sectors, and a strong focus on transformation, inclusive economic growth and women’s leadership.
Business leader and social entrepreneur, President of the International Women’s Forum South Africa and Chairman of Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, with extensive leadership experience in telecommunications, investment and large-scale corporate transformation across Africa and a strong focus on inclusive empowerment and women’s leadership.
Seasoned financial services leader and founding member of WDB Investment Holdings, with extensive board experience across major listed companies and expertise in governance, impact investing and transformation, focused on inclusive growth and women’s economic advancement
Senior marketing and corporate affairs executive at the JSE with over 25 years’ experience across FMCG and financial services, focused on stakeholder engagement, transformation and driving inclusive economic growth.
Integrated leader driving public policy, government relations, stakeholder partnerships, communications and social impact, while leading enterprise and supplier development through Zimele and advancing responses to gender based violence.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, and insights from Catalytic Strategy. Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss out!
The Catalytic Strategy advances its purpose through research, advocacy, recognition, and collaboration. It conducts projects such as the Gender Pay Gap research to provide evidence that informs policy and supports legislative reform. The strategy also hosts the Women's Economic Justice Awards to acknowledge organisations and individuals that are making a measurable contribution to women's economic empowerment.
By working with partners in business, government, and civil society, the Catalytic Strategy helps shape national conversations, improve workplace practices, and remove barriers that limit women's full participation in the economy.
Recognising leaders and organisations making measurable contributions to women's empowerment.
Evidence-based study to inform policy reform and workplace equity.
No upcoming events at the moment.
25 October 2024
10:00
-
14:30
Brought together tax experts to address gender bias in taxation and propose inclusive reforms.
28 August 2024
10:00
-
11:30
Commissioned to evaluate legislation effectiveness in closing the gender pay gap and recognise champions of women's advancement.
Image Caption
Date: 25 October 2024
Location: WDB House, 59 Cradock Ave, Dunkeld, Sandton, 2169
Started at: 10:00
Ended at: 14:30
Date: 28 August 2024
Location: LinkedIn Live
Started at: 10:00
Ended at: 11:30
In an effort to consolidate and generate dialogue around the gender pay gap and its impact on gender-inclusive taxation, the Catalytic Strategy - an initiative led by the International Women's Forum South Africa (IWFSA) and WDB Investment Holdings (WDBIH)—assembled a panel on 25 October 2024 in Johannesburg, to unpack the complexities of gender disparities
Read more >
The struggle for equity has been masked by scope limitations and unmonitored legislative frameworks and policies that fail to account for the unsung contributions of women in both the informal and formal economic sectors. This has necessitated the Gender Pay Gap research undertaken by the Women's Economic Justice Catalytic Strategy, established in 2019 by the
Read more >
Comprehensive analysis of gender pay disparities across industries with policy recommendations.
(1.21 MB)
