Reflecting on the 10-year anniversary of Gauteng Women in Insurance, it is not merely a story but a journey of a decade of empowerment.
Ten years ago, the insurance industry in South Africa witnessed the birth of a transformative movement: Gauteng Women in Insurance (GWII). Launched with the vision of empowering women within a historically male-dominated industry, GWII has grown into a platform for professional development, networking, mentorship, leadership, and community, shaping the future of insurance for countless women. As we reflect on the last decade, it is important to celebrate the journey, acknowledge the challenges, and look ahead to the continued evolution of women in this industry.
In the genesis of GWII in 2014, as mentioned in previous reflection articles, the organisation was founded in response to the significant underrepresentation of women and the lack of networking opportunities for women in leadership roles within the insurance industry.
GWII was built on the foundation of collaboration and solidarity, creating a space where women could share experiences, learn from each other, and receive mentorship from those who had already made their mark in the industry. This network quickly grew in strength, drawing the attention of companies eager to support the development of female talent, including our sponsors.
The organization has seen many milestones in its mission to uplift women and promote gender diversity within the industry. Among these milestones, one that stands out is my own journey—my appointment as the first president of color in the organization’s history.
My call to action began in 2020 when I received a phone call that changed the trajectory of my professional and personal life. It was from Michelle Coetzee (aka MichelleD), the Vice President at the time, asking if I would consider joining the committee. At that moment, the idea hadn’t crossed my mind. I had been deeply involved in my own career, focusing on achieving personal success within the insurance sector. But that call came at a critical juncture for me. I was in a period of reflection, asking myself how I could give back to the very industry that had shaped so much of my life.
For years, I had seen the challenges women in insurance faced, especially women of color. I understood the obstacles, the limitations, and the fight to be seen and heard. When Michelle called, I felt it was a sign—an invitation to step forward and contribute to something greater than my own career. It was time to take on a new challenge, not just for myself but for the many women in insurance who needed a champion.
A year after joining the committee, I was afforded the greatest privilege of leading the committee as President. My appointment symbolized the breaking of barriers—not just for me but for every woman of color in the insurance industry who aspired to leadership. It was an honor and a privilege to hold this position, but it also came with a deep sense of responsibility. I was acutely aware that my leadership was about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in insurance, showing them that the path to the top is not only possible but also open to all.
By the time I assumed the role of president, the world had begun to emerge from the strict virtual-only work environments necessitated by the pandemic. 2021 and 2022 marked a period of transition as many industries, including insurance, started to shift from remote work to a hybrid approach, blending the best of in-person and virtual engagements.
This was a unique and exciting challenge, and my leadership year was focused on embedding the hybrid model as a sustainable approach to working and connecting. GWII, like many organizations, had to rethink its strategies and adapt to this new world where flexibility was key.
During my presidency, I saw firsthand the power of networking and collaboration that GWII had to offer—the power of women working together to support each other during challenging times. A standout for me was the support we received from our industry partners (our sponsors) to drive the goals of the organization.
Looking ahead, the future of GWII is bright. As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary, I am filled with pride for what the organization has accomplished and excited for what lies ahead.
As you commemorate 10 years of GWII, I look forward to the next decade with optimism and confidence. Together, you will continue to break barriers, empower women, and ensure that our industry reflects the diversity and strength of the women who work within it. Here’s to another decade of growth, inclusion, and success for GWII!
Catherine Naidoo
Executive: Product
Innovation Group