We speak to Pabi Rampa, a Senior Specialist: Content Marketing at Vodacom, to find out more about who she is and what Women's Month means to her.
What did you originally study, and how did you come to be at Vodacom?
Right after matric I studied copywriting at the AAA School of Advertising. I was 19 when I graduated and I didn’t enjoy working as a copywriter, so decided to go back to school to do a BCom Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg, since I also have a business brain. I started my journey at Vodacom after being successfully headhunted. While working at Vodacom, I completed a post graduate diploma and a BPhil Honours in Marketing Management (cum laude) at IMM.
What kind of work do you do at Vodacom?
I am a senior specialist in content marketing. My portfolio includes being the lead in the following areas: blogging, email marketing, influencer marketing and podcasting. My work revolves around using content marketing to solve customer problems and achieve business KPIs.
What’s your favourite way to de-stress outside of the office?
I am always open to trying something new and fun so a year ago I took up watercolour painting and dancing. I also play tennis and love building Lego which has led to me having a few sets. I also travel often and love fine dining.
Share one of your biggest achievements – professionally, personally or both?
Professionally
I was on the first ever IAB Digital influencer Committee from October 2020 until January 2022. Our task was to work on best practice for influencer marketing in South Africa and the standard definitions of the industry.
Personally
I am a published author. My first book ‘Tumi Goes to the Park’ was published in 2017. I co-authored ‘The Book of Proverb’ which is a memoir about the life of Tebogo Thekisho who’s also known as Proverb. He is the host and co-executive producer of Idols SA, a businessman, radio show host and philanthropist. This book was published in 2020 under Penguin Randomhouse.
What or who inspires you most?
I inspire myself because I am incredible, have overcome a lot and continue to create and live a life that I enjoy.
What does Women’s Month mean to you?
It means celebrating all women, empowering them and removing barriers which make their lives hard. This shouldn’t be something we focus on in August every year. It should be an everyday thing if we want to be serious about creating gender equality in all aspects of society.
What are the biggest barriers for South African women in general?
South Africa has a high rate in gender-based violence. Not enough is being done daily to protect women, make them feel safe and show them that they matter. There is still gender discrimination. In the workplace some women are penalised for having children which ends up delaying their career. There are also not enough women in top positions and women are earning less than men for the same roles.
Do you feel empowered as a woman at Vodacom? How does Vodacom empower you and other women in the organisation?
Yes, I feel empowered because I am trusted to run with my ideas and make decisions in leading the various portfolios I am responsible for. I have also been able to study further and have been supported to do more in the industry like for instance sitting on judging panels for awards like the Bookmark Awards and the Assegai Awards as well as and the first ever IAB Digital Influencer Committee. As a queer woman, I am also part of the LGBT+ Friends Network at Vodacom which works to make life better for employees who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual.
Do you think women have ample opportunity to take leadership roles in business and society?
Although things are slowly shifting, there aren’t enough opportunities because it’s still a man’s world. Women are still facing a lot of discrimination and must work harder to prove themselves. Opportunities need to also come with support and compassion.
What advice would you give other women in business, or those aspiring to be?
Define what success means to you and what it looks like. And be yourself. The world will have to adjust.
