Gillian Darko: Championing Gender Equality in the Digital Landscape
Gillian Darko serves as the Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, a prominent player in the fintech sector. As the 2024 ambassador for Women in Payments in Africa, Darko is at the forefront of advocating for gender equality in industries where women are often underrepresented. Her insights shed light on the pressing need for systemic changes to empower women, particularly in fintech, health tech, and cybersecurity.
The State of Gender Disparity in Fintech
Despite advancements in South Africa’s ICT sector, gender disparity remains a significant issue. Darko emphasizes that while progress is being made, particularly in telecommunications, the fintech industry still lags behind. “Women make up only 4% of CEOs in the fintech industry globally,” she notes, highlighting a stark reality that underscores the need for change. Furthermore, only 18% of women hold executive committee positions, and a mere 7.7% are fintech entrepreneurs. These statistics paint a clear picture of the gender gap that persists in this rapidly evolving sector.
Progress at Yellow Card
While the broader industry statistics are disheartening, Darko points to her own organization as a beacon of progress. “Women make up 49% of our leadership and 47% of our total staff,” she proudly states. This representation is a testament to Yellow Card’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace, yet Darko acknowledges that there is still much work to be done across the industry.
The Invisible Cost of Ambition
Darko introduces the concept of "women’s tax," a term she uses to describe the compromises women often face while trying to balance career ambitions with personal goals. “It’s the price of balancing ambition with societal expectations,” she explains. Many women find themselves making sacrifices, whether it’s delaying family life or juggling caregiving responsibilities alongside their careers. This invisible cost can hinder their professional growth and limit their opportunities for advancement.
Rethinking Workplace Policies
To address these challenges, Darko advocates for a reevaluation of workplace policies. She questions whether four months of maternity leave is sufficient and suggests implementing childcare options to support working mothers. “As a society, we need to better support women so they can truly thrive in all their roles,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where women can excel both personally and professionally.
The Growth of Health Tech
Nomfundo Khabela, Strategic Relationships Executive at Healthbridge, echoes Darko’s sentiments, particularly in the health tech sector. With the global health tech market projected to reach $549.7 billion by 2028, Khabela highlights the urgent need for diverse perspectives in developing health technologies. “The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields limits the diversity of ideas,” she states, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in driving innovation.
Encouraging Resilience and Curiosity
Khabela encourages young women to embrace resilience and curiosity as they navigate their careers in health technology. “You don’t have to follow a conventional path to make a meaningful difference,” she advises. By fostering a mindset of inquiry and empathy, women can carve out their own unique paths in the industry.
The Cybersecurity Landscape
Julie Noizeux Inder, a cybersecurity specialist at Fortinet, brings attention to the paradox of increasing digital empowerment for women alongside rising digital threats. “Many of the risks associated with the digital realm are increasingly directed at women,” she explains. This targeting is not due to inherent vulnerabilities but reflects broader societal inequalities that persist online.
The Impact of Digital Threats
Inder outlines the various forms that digital threats can take, including online harassment, identity theft, and financial scams. “Phishing and social engineering tactics are particularly refined,” she notes, with malicious actors often tailoring their approaches to exploit vulnerabilities that disproportionately affect women. The psychological impact of these threats can be profound, undermining women’s confidence and limiting their participation in the digital economy.
Addressing Economic Inequality
The economic landscape further complicates the challenges women face. Studies indicate that South African women still earn between 23% and 35% less than men, contributing to ongoing economic insecurity. Additionally, the 2023/24 Victims of Crime Survey reveals that 46% of respondents experienced gender-based violence, with women disproportionately affected. These statistics highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both economic and social inequalities.
A Call to Action
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, the messages from leaders like Gillian Darko, Nomfundo Khabela, and Julie Noizeux Inder serve as a powerful reminder of the work that lies ahead. Their insights call for bold actions to dismantle the barriers that hinder women’s progress in fintech, health tech, and cybersecurity. By fostering inclusive environments and addressing systemic inequalities, the industry can pave the way for a more equitable future.