When Mary Bomela joined the mining sector, she had a few things in her "toolbox" that would help in the male-dominated industry.
One of those was her ambition and confidence to succeed.
As the only woman, and one of colour, seated at the executive table for some time, the chief executive of Mineworkers Investment Company said while gender inequality was a global issue, it was more prevalent in Africa.
"It was then that I started to understand that there were those who would treat me differently because of this. We live in a country where laws have advanced significantly and yet women's advancement has not taken place on a scale it should," Bomela said.
Bomela said research has shown that female representation in board roles in South Africa is around 17%.
"In African culture, our lineage entails that boys typically emerge as heads of tribes or households, and these structures are deeply entrenched in society. It stands to reason that this would have a bearing on business,” she said.
According to Stats SA, unemployment rates for men are at 31.4%, while rates for women are almost three percentage points higher. The unemployment rate for black African women is 38.3%.
Founding chief executive of Furaha Afrika Holdings, Matsi Modise, believes that men - and women too - are still uncomfortable with the concept of a successful woman.
She believes that this discomfort is a symptom of patriarchal society.
"Having worked at a financial institution for two years, I also realised that the system was not feeding me. I wanted more, I wanted better. I needed to create my own corporate ladder," says Modise.
Both Bomela and Modise are members of the Young Presidents Organisation (YPO) - a leadership community of chief executives.
For both leaders, the journey has been challenging and lonely at times.
"At YPO we get an opportunity to network with our peers, share ideas and confide in them. Organisations such as YPO are important because we learn from others. Men have done the power of networking successfully and we are also now able to," said Bomela.
She added that women need to be able to identify and leverage others' potential and ensure more women succeed in the future.
Modise agreed that through networking she has also been able to enlarge her circle and support.
"Good networks go a long way - I have been able to sit on boards through networking", she added.
Modise said access to opportunities was key to helping women advance.
"A few people opened doors for me - they were not necessarily women. Another unfortunate side effect of a patriarchal society is that it often turns you, as an ambitious woman, into an enemy of other women, as it has been ingrained in us that our value rests in a man’s approval - hence we perceive each other’s success as a threat," said Modise.
But both Modise and Bomela want to shift the paradigm.
"It pains my heart to see a few females represented in decision-making levels or powerful organisations. I want to sponsor. I believe it’s our responsibility to help other women up the ladder. Who knows, through our work we could bring more women to organisations such as the YPO. Its important to belong to a community of your peers, who are exceptional leaders in their own right. Having this interaction and engagement spurs you on to become a better leader and person, through learning from each other in an inclusive, safe forum," said Modise.
She also advised women to be confident of their core competencies.
"Confidence and authenticity have to come from within, " she added.
For Bomela, it is important to transform the senior management level .
"I was once told when I was appointed to a senior level that I had big shoes to fill. My response was that I will do it my way, even in stilletos," said Bomela.
She also believed dealing with patriarchy should start at home.
“There are women who hold senior positions who would go home where they are expected to perform the role of a makoti (bride) - so at home you assume a secondary position.
“We need to unlearn the presiding narrative that exists in our homes, communities, churches and businesses, that a girl child cannot do certain things,that a woman’s needs or dreams are secondary to that of her role in relation to a man as a sister, wife, or as a mother.
“It is not enough to give people equal opportunity, we also need to remove our unconscious bias. Ultimately, wider representation around the boardroom table will bring with it diverse opinions, experiences and learnings, which will only make for richer ideas, and a more resilient business,” Bomela said..