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Christine Kamugisha is a seasoned corporate and commercial lawyer, providing strategic and pragmatic legal advice to Mondelēz International.  Here she shares with us her passion for women’s rights and empowerment, particularly in the corporate world, the initiatives that she is involved with to contribute to uplift women in business.  

As a director with the angel investment fund, the Dazzle Angels, please tell us about the fund and how it supports women-led and women-empowering businesses.

Dazzle Angels is the first female-focused angel fund, that is led and funded by experienced businesswomen and professionals. It is a forward-thinking investment fund that champions the success of women in business. By leveraging the expertise and networks of its members, it aims to support and facilitate the growth of female-led startups. The fund’s focus on sustainable, tech-enabled women businesses reflects a commitment to long-term success over quick gains, aligning with the metaphor of a “dazzle” of zebras rather than the pursuit of elusive “unicorns.” This approach not only contributes to the economic empowerment of women but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Can you tell us more about your gender empowerment work in South Africa?

 The primary goal of my role as a volunteer for the advisory board of the UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) Women in Business club is to foster engagement, collaboration, and secure sponsorships for their annual conference, now in its silver jubilee year. The conference’s main aim is to generate funds for deserving women who are financially disadvantaged and for the next generation of leaders to pursue business studies at the UCT GSB. The emphasis is on inclusivity and establishing a forum for women in business to recount their experiences, fostering collaboration and exchange to make a tangible impact.

 The conference, which took place a day before Women’s Day was a resounding success, showcasing the significant contributions of accomplished businesswomen and highlighting the crucial roles of their support networks and key influences in their paths to success. As a part of the prestigious GSB, the Women in Business organisation offers unmatched opportunities for networking and personal development, providing unparalleled opportunities for connection and growth.

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What are your views on gender empowerment in the business landscape?

 It involves a multifaceted approach that includes creating inclusive policies, fostering a supportive work environment, and actively promoting gender equality at all levels of an organisation.

 When I started my career over twenty 20 years ago, the landscape looked very different. Businesses have come a long way by implementing and enforcing equal opportunity policies, regardless of gender and inclusive recruitment practices. Today we have workplace flexibility such as offering flexible work arrangements like remote work options, flexible leave and now, parental leave to accommodate fathers/partners who can also help during maternity! There are mentorship and sponsorship programmes training and education on unconscious bias, gender equality, and inclusive leadership to raise awareness and change attitudes.

 It is indeed a real and significant movement that recognizes the importance of supporting women in various aspects of life, including personal, professional, and social domains. It starts with the idea that ordinary women can play a pivotal role in uplifting and empowering other women. This support can take many forms, such as mentorship, advocacy, collaboration, and creating networks that facilitate the sharing of resources and opportunities.

 Madeleine Albright, the first female United States Secretary of State, was known for her advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. Her words “there is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women”” serves as a reminder that women should stand together and uplift one another, especially in professional environments where support can be crucial for success. In the context of the Women in Business conference I mentioned earlier, Charity Chanda Lumpa’s reference to this quote was particularly impactful. It underscores the importance of creating a supportive network where women help each other thrive. This not only benefits individual women but also contributes to a more inclusive and equitable business environment.

 In summary, I would say that gender empowerment is a powerful force but importantly, that it begins with the everyday acts of support and encouragement among women.

So, let’s embrace the spirit of collaboration and support, and ensure that we are not only striving for our own success but also helping our fellow women achieve their goals.

Do you have any advice for young women who aspire to succeed in business, and also in the legal profession?

Certainly! Education and continuous learning are key. Invest in your education. Apply for free online courses that align with your aspirations. Build a strong professional network. Attend industry events and join professional associations – you may find allies or sponsorships in these spaces. Seek out a mentor for advice, support and insights into the inevitable challenges you will face along the way. Learn how to read the room and embrace and understand the cultural, social, and economic dynamics at play in whichever industry you find yourself in – it will enhance your professional effectiveness.

Can you tell us more about your passion for women’s rights and societal leadership?

 I am the last-born daughter and have four older brothers, three of whom I grew up with. Whilst, for the most part, I was molly coddled by my parents, my brothers would often play “rough” with me, as if I was one of the boys. And as my husband reminds me, every time I play referee between our own two children as they wrestle and fight with each other, siblings are the bones upon which we sharpen our teeth. I was on the lawn with them playing touch rugby, climbing walls and trees and riding bikes. I was privy to their conversations and adapted a boyish sense of humour. And because they were not only older, but much bigger and stronger, I learned to push my limits and strive for success amongst them.

 And so, from an early age I believed I was equal – not in a masculine way, but rather I had a mindset of determination, competitiveness, confidence and believing I was equally capable of achieving the same thing that any man could. My father fostered that in me. Whilst my mother instilled in me the importance of balancing this attitude with realism and self-awareness, helping me recognise that certain circumstances may affect my ability to achieve certain goals my brothers could. And she was right. But I learned that the hard way after I left home, in almost every way. From relationships to the corporate world and business. It birthed in me, a passion for inclusivity and women empowerment. Firstly, because I cared, and then also being courageous enough to try and make a change.

 Whilst my full-time job is as Legal Counsel for Mondelēz International, I volunteer my skills and expertise towards initiatives that advance gender empowerment and/or societal leadership. My passion for societal leadership was born when I volunteered as a facilitator for the Spirit of Youth programme, for Grade 11 learners that supports them to examine their value as leaders within the complex and exciting South African and African context.

 I volunteer as a member of the South African General Counsel for Diversity & Inclusion Working Group which is part of a movement dedicated to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession and I also participate in the D&I Committee at Mondelēz International.

 I am a mentor in The Boardroom Africa’s EMERGE (Empowering Minds to Embrace Resilience, Growth, and Excellence) programme which is a holistic leadership development programme where participants aged 25 – 35 benefit from a range of learning and development opportunities, including mentorship and coaching, as well as a range of workshops and webinars. Our goal is to equip these emerging African leaders with the tools they need to excel in their careers; cultivating the next generation of leaders who are catalysts for positive change across the continent.

 I was recently appointed by Preponderant Advisory as part of the Advisory Council for the Canada-Africa Investment Annual Symposium, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy for the purposes of shaping the strategic direction of the Symposium.

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