South Africa's National Women’s Day, commemorated yearly on August 9, celebrates women’s achievements, raising awareness on the challenges women face, and determining ways of achieving gender equality in South Africa, notes private limited entity specialising in renewable energy, manufacturing, and mining Commet Group.

The company adds that women entrepreneurs are crucial in driving growth, development, and innovation.  

“They are not only breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future, but are also bringing the much-needed female perspective to add a new dimension to the sector women engage in. As Michelle Obama once said, ‘there is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish’. There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.”

Commet Group MD Pulane Mashau is described as an “inspiring entrepreneur” making a significant contribution in her respective field. Mashau “firmly believes in women’s power in leadership” and her perspectives align with the country’s needs and expectations.

The company cites State-owned power utility Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer’s warning to brace for longer loadshedding schedules, noting the vulnerability and unpredictability of the power system, coupled with the major capital projects, maintenance and major repairs to be executed in the next few months, all of which has added major relevancy to Comment Group’s projects.

Commet Group, Randburg, Kensington B, adheres to the “highest engineering and safety standards, and does not compromise on quality”. Further, under Mashau’s leadership, the company has hired “highly qualified and experienced employees” which means it is ideally placed to secure the right product for the right application.  

“The most beautiful thing about my profession is that I can fulfil the needs of South Africans with the products and services provided by Commet Group,” she says. “We supply basic solar systems to power the entire household and provide energy for lighting, televisions, refrigerators, as well as cell phone and laptop charging.”

She comments that women are increasingly becoming recognised in the business sector as progress is being made towards a more gender-equal world. “Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future, remains beyond reach.”

The Employment Equity Commission ( 2006/2007/2008) reports’ findings that reveal women are more represented in administrative roles rather than decision making functions. The CGE Beijing Report states that most women are employed in the informal sector; there is still a challenge to move them into the formal sector. The report further states that moving women from subsistence level economic activities to growing their own businesses and improving their liquidity is still a challenge.

“This clearly depicts women still [occupying] lower positions in the labour market. The Africa Report indicates that in a survey conducted by United Nations People of African Descent (UN-PAD) that 52% of women had experienced some form of challenge within the category of career development, exclusion, disrespect, disproportionate sanctions, discrimination and harassment.

“Women and girls are taking business decisions and action at all levels, but their voice, agency, and participation are under-supported, under-resourced, under-valued and under-recognised.”

As such, Mashau who is passionate about pursuing and continuing to examine business opportunities, as well as their constraints, helps empower women and girls to have a voice and be equal players in decision-making related to business, innovation and sustainability is essential for sustainable development and greater gender equality. As noted by former tennis champion, Serena Williams, ‘every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another’.

“We are strongest when we cheer each other on.”