Johannesburg - The tech industry - both locally and internationally - has seen women in leading roles, driving innovation and heading up companies in pivotal roles.
Fatima Hassim, managing executive, SME and Indirect Sales Channel at Vodacom, is an example and role model to women in the industry.
Hassim has a wealth of experience in strategic management positions in the business-to-business space within the telecommunications industry.
She honed her skills at Vodacom over the last 20 years and is motivated by the opportunities and possibilities innovation can bring to businesses across Africa.
“The ICT sector is the most interesting and progressive of all industries,” says Hassim.
“I see digital transformation as being a key influencer in this industry which will assist with economic growth, education and health, which is a priority,” Hassim adds.
With ambitions to drive digital transformation in the ever-evolving and innovating ICT space, Hassim sees the industry as a game-changer in improving the lives of ordinary South Africans.
Driving converged and digital transformation for private sector businesses in South Africa is something that comes naturally to Hassim, who graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree.
Under her leadership, Vodacom business has seen strong growth by enabling agility and collaboration in a highly competitive market - all of this achieved this in a male-dominated industry.
“Within the industry I see a huge gap, with the lack of women firstly in this sector and secondly in management positions. I see this as an opportunity to grow and showcase my capabilities.
"There is room for improvement from corporates to ensure that more women get opportunities within the sector and this can be done through internships, mentorship programmes and leadership courses,” says Hassim.
“Women bring a different dimension to the workplace and add value in a different way compared to our male counterparts. There are opportunities for both male and female co-workers to fuse their thinking, thereby bringing growth and a better work and business environment,” Hassim says.
She adds she is committed to driving her team through instilling her motto of doing and being the best at all times.