The winners will be announced at a gala event at Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg on 14 August 2014.
This year, over 160 companies from a range of sectors, including agriculture, science and technology, transport and retail have entered the awards. In order to be shortlisted as a finalist, companies must meet certain criteria, such as an annual turnover of R35 million or more, 30% female staff, 10% and above female senior management and 1-1.5% of per capita expenditure to be spent on skills development for women.
"The empowerment of women in all sectors of the economy is crucial to the success of our nation. Women are the pillars of society and have the potential to transfer these attributes to the workplace and make a meaningful impact on the economy and the communities they serve," says Jacqui Carnelley, head: marketing and communications at Standard Bank South Africa.
"Standard Bank is a firm supporter of initiatives that empower, promote and celebrate the valuable contributions that women make. Women's roles in both government and business continue to grow and it is our responsibility as corporates to provide them with the necessary support to succeed and become future leaders.
"Every year we go out and look for 'Top Women' who have stood up, inspired and taken on leadership roles within their respective organisations. We are appealing to all corporates to support aspiring women and integrate them in all levels of business."
Top Media & Communications' CEO, Ralf Fletcher, commented, "It is fitting that Standard Bank, the biggest bank in South Africa with a strong African focus, sees the benefit of partnering with the Top Women in Business and government publication and awards programme. We are delighted to have Standard Bank on board as our official partner and look forward to working together to promote the advancement of women, mentorship and entrepreneurship. We are confident that this partnership will be nothing less than phenomenal."
Go to www.topwomenawards.co.za for a full list of finalists.
