SA’s “cool Gogo” leveraging UN, multinationals: Full women equality 2030

Former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has enlisted the “enemy” to fight for global gender equality. After her hugely successful HeForShe initiative attracted over a billion people on social media, in Davos this morning the UN’s Executive Director for Women took the wraps off her latest innovation. This time she has received the commitment from ten global companies to pioneer full gender equality, leading the charge towards corporate transformation. The multinationals are charged with having women filling at least 50% of executive management (and directorates) by 2020. At present their proportions range from 11% to 33%. Their leadership is expected to propel others to follow, helping reach international equality by 2030. Mlambo-Ngcuka, who did a doctorate in mobile technology between her SA and UN jobs, is leveraging her knowledge, contacts and the UN brand in a very smart, public manner. South Africa’s ultimate “cool” Gogo (granny) spoke to Biznews.com’s Alec Hogg this morning after her big announcement at the World Economic Forum annual meeting.