Karen Smit speaks to us about what Women's Month means to her and how she's learnt that sometimes in life it seems one needs to go one step backward in order to go forward.
What did you originally study, and how did you come to be at Vodacom?
I went to study at university for the first time at age 29, as my high school guidance teacher had convinced me that disabled people could not study further as universities were inaccessible. In the 1980s there was very little focus on equal opportunities for disabled people. I eventually found employment after a long search, but the desire to study remained. The opportunity to study social work came 10 years after I finished high school – I resigned from my job to study full time at the University of Stellenbosch. At that time I regarded social work as a possible vehicle to drive change; I wanted to influence society, businesses and government to be more of inclusive of disabled people so they could have more equal opportunities and better lives.
I started working for Vodacom in September 1997 – it was a case of serendipity, as I never planned it intentionally. I was retrenched from working as a social worker for one year at a non-profit organisation due to budget constraints. I started my own recruitment agency and rendered a service to employers by providing them with qualified disabled candidates. Unfortunately, most employers did not pay me for my services as they believed they were doing me or my candidates a “favour” by employing them. This meant I had to cover all the costs of my small business for one year as it wasn’t financially viable or sustainable. At that point Vodacom was recruiting disabled persons for their call centre and I applied for a position. My application was successful and I was super-happy when I was appointed as a call centre agent. Sometimes in life it seems that one needs to go one step backwards in order to go forward. My social work skills of assisting people came in handy and I thrived because I’m a natural problem solver. I was in the position for 10 months, after which I applied successfully for more senior roles within the company.
What kind of work do you do at Vodacom?
I head up the Specific Needs or Accessibility Department within Vodacom South Africa’s Commercial Business Unit. Having a good understanding of the disabled consumer market, my main role is to design and lead the Accessibility Strategy. I established Vodacom Group’s Africa Accessibility Forum, and as chairperson, I lead the digital inclusion of consumers with disabilities across the company’s African markets. I also established and chaired Vodacom’s Disability Employee Forum, where I played a leading role within Vodafone to ensure disability inclusion and accessibility are implemented so employees with disabilities can feel they belong.
What’s your favourite way to de-stress outside of the office?
I enjoy doing things with my husband and daughter, socialising with other family members and friends, and visiting new places in our beautiful country. I find it relaxing to be in the countryside or at the beach where I feel close to nature and the beauty fills my soul and mind. It reminds me of the magic of life.
Share one of your biggest achievements – professionally, personally or both?
Education-related: In July 2021 I obtained my PhD degree in Disability Studies from the University of Cape Town.
Personal: My husband and daughter are my “biggest achievements” as they make my life full –without them my life would be meaningless.
What or who inspires you most?
I’m inspired by people who are kind, humble and willing to help others or make a difference in people’s lives. I admire those who are willing to stand up for vulnerable people and make their voices heard to promote a just, fair and equitable society. My colleagues across divisions also inspire me as they play a huge role to ensure Vodacom promotes disability inclusion.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub, as he shows personal leadership in promoting disability inclusion. His passion for inclusion has contributed towards Vodacom providing accessible products and services as well as enabling an accessible workplace where disabled employees can thrive.
What does Women’s Month mean to you?
For me, the month brings opportunities to empower teenage girls with disabilities to make their voices heard – and to know they are first-class citizens. I remind all women that they are enough and should lift their heads high when tackling their daily challenges.
What are the biggest barriers for South African women in general?
Unfortunately, we do not have much to celebrate during Women’s Month in South Africa due to the violence against women and children. Women and children are vulnerable and when their rights are violated or denied, and it’s often difficult for them to progress in society. The public and private sectors should tackle gender equality as a matter of urgency so women can find their rightful place in society in a safe and dignified manner.
Do you feel empowered as a woman at Vodacom? How does Vodacom empower you and other women in the organisation?
I feel empowered and I’m honoured to work for a company that takes gender empowerment seriously. As the Accessibility Lead, I’m entrusted to drive digital inclusion of disabled persons across our African markets. As a disability advocate, my voice is heard and respected when identifying barriers. Together with management and colleagues, we’re able to co-create solutions that embed gender equality into our organisational culture. Vodacom and Vodafone’s gender and maternity leave policies, products, and women forums play a huge role in making women in the company feel they belong.
Do you think women have ample opportunity to take leadership roles in business and society?
Although progress has been made, there’s room for improvement. Businesses should recognise the strengths of women and refrain from letting women work twice as hard as men to “continuously prove themselves” in order to be recognised for leadership positions.
What advice would you give other women in business, or those aspiring to be?
Strive to be your authentic self. Women shouldn’t have to act like men in order to be recognised and become “one of the guys”. Embrace your femininity and leadership qualities and use your strengths to lead innovative teams that benefit the business and customer. Please support your fellow talented female colleagues by supporting those struggling to get into senior leadership roles.
