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By Shumirai Chimombe

The legal assistance firm LegalWise was the proud recipient of the Standard Bank Top Women in Business in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award 2024 at the ceremony held in Johannesburg on 4 December. The award, which was sponsored by Kia South Africa, was in recognition of their unwavering commitment to advancing inclusivity, equity, and the empowerment of women within the organisation and the broader community.

Reflecting on this achievement in a media statement, CEO Siva Gengan said:  “This award marks a significant milestone in our journey toward creating a workplace that champions inclusivity. With women comprising over 73% of our workforce, we celebrate the progress we have made and remain committed to cultivating an environment where everyone can thrive.”

Adding to the celebration, Shervarni Govender, Executive Officer: People and Culture said that winning this award “reflects our dedication to fostering a culture where every voice is heard, and every individual’s contribution is valued. We are proud of our efforts to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion as core pillars of our vision and strategic intent.”

The annual Standard Bank Top Women Awards is recognised widely as one of South Africa’s most distinguished celebrations of women leadership and excellence. 

“Our commitment to DEI has transformed LegalWise into a workplace where we feel valued, empowered and supported in our personal and professional growth,” explains  Shervarni. 

“DEI are integral to every facet of operations and employee experience – from our core cultural behaviours to our policies and practices. Through inclusive hiring, continuous learning programmes, and comprehensive health and wellness initiatives, we ensure that each team member has the resources needed to thrive. Our leadership has established that DEI is not merely a goal, but a fundamental, lived value that enhances our workplace and deepens our commitment to empowering both Champions (employees) and the community.”

The organisation’s bespoke Personal Mastery Programme is an example of how LegalWise prioritises the personal and professional growth of its employees. The programme is grounded in the Time to Think methodology as well as cherished company traditions such as  Appreciation Week. 

In addition, the Impilo programme, an initiative created by employees for employees, celebrates life milestones such as the birth of a child or a wedding, and supports team members through difficult times. Aligned with its Goodwill policy and Employee Value Proposition, LegalWise makes it a point to offer both financial and emotional support whenever it is most needed. 

Inclusive workplace policies and hybrid work for work-life integration 

Recognising that over 70% of its workforce consists of women, many of whom are working mothers, LegalWise has adopted a hybrid workplace policy which has become a cornerstone of their Employee Value Proposition. This enables women to integrate their work and personal responsibilities more seamlessly, addressing one of the primary reasons many women leave the workforce: the demands of motherhood. By offering remote and flexible work options this flexible approach is helping to create a supportive environment that encourages women to remain and thrive in their careers. 

“We go beyond traditional DEI practices, recognising that by actively fostering a culture of unity and shared purpose within the organisation, we cultivate a true sense of belonging. Our people initiatives embody the principles of the Circle of Courage – Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity – ensuring that these values are lived through every employee experience. 

“One standout example is our Proud Champion, Proud Fan initiative, which brings the employees together to support sporting events. These special gatherings go beyond simply supporting sports, they build camaraderie, reinforce our shared identity and foster a sense of belonging.” 

Investing in future leaders through bursaries and opportunities

Since 2006 LegalWise has proudly supported over 150 young South Africans with bursaries, focusing on empowering those who have historically been excluded from financial and equitable opportunities. By investing in their education and future careers, this initiative is also addressing the problem of youth unemployment. Their various internship programmes have resulted in over 50% of interns transitioning to full-time roles, many of whom are promoted within two years. This programme serves not only as an incubator for young professionals, but also as a driving force behind creating a pathway for future leaders who embrace the values of equity, inclusion and excellence. 

Beyond Mentorship Programme

The Beyond Mentorship Programme was created to bridge the gap between the world of work and educational institutions, establishing a pipeline for diverse young talent to enter the industry.Through this programme students from all backgrounds are given opportunities to gain hands-on experience and guidance helping them transition into meaningful roles either within the business or other work environments.

“This programme has been highly successful, with many mentees progressing into impactful positions and it highlights LegalWise’s commitment to empowering the next generation of diverse specialist professionals and leaders.”

Empowering communities through education 

LegalWise also provides consumer financial education to empower people with knowledge to make informed decisions about their finances and legal rights. This commitment reaches out to the communities where the organisation works to make legal knowledge accessible. It also supports employees with regular financial awareness and budgeting training, including a programme previously run for their children, promoting financial literacy across generations. 

“As LegalWise celebrates 40 years of providing legal power and protection, this award reaffirms its commitment to empowering individuals and creating an inclusive future. The organisation looks forward to continuing its mission of fostering growth, transformation, and leadership in building a diverse and supportive workplace.”

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