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intEgritY anD crEDibilitY

hat happens when to achieving success in her career. to ensure that Millennials their ability to prosper. Now in its 15th year,
passion meets are upskilled, mentored and the BWOT workshops, a
Wpurpose? Multi- She said, “The fuels and energy empowered to take the industry WOA supports a number of collaborative project with the
award winner Adv. Pria Hassan sector has always operated as an forward. Hassan said, “Young projects that focus on women and Department of Education, is
of Women of Africa (WOA) exclusive, males only club and South Africans need to be child abuse, health and HIV and designed to equip promising
added another accolade to a gaining a seat at the table was exposed to and educated on has worked with international young girls from disadvantaged
long list of achievements when a mammoth task but one that I the opportunities in the energy organisations in Africa to schools across KZN with the
she was recently recognised as am immensely proud of having sector.” distribute rapid HIV confirmatory tools and resources they need to
Businesswoman of the Year in the achieved, without test kits that are make a success of their entrance
Minara Chamber of Commerce compromising my donated to women, into the business world.
2016 Business Recognition business ethics. The so that they The workshop has impacted
Awards. underrepresentation can check their thousands of girls and enabled
of women in key status and treat it them to see, that a world of
Hassan commented that she industries remains accordingly. possibility, outside of their
is humbled by the numerous an ongoing circumstances, is possible.
awards and recognition that challenge that not Hassan views
she has received, as they have only undermines her role as a board Hassan concluded, “I have had
made her realise that “It can be the gender equality member of the to rethink the guilt that comes
done”. She said, “Having grown dialogue, but, Businesswomen’s with seeking that elusive balance
up watching LA Law, I was ultimately, the Association of between a demanding career
determined to become a lawyer economic outcomes South Africa as and the needs of my family
and graduated in the early 1990s. of a country.” an important and I have come to realise that
I started my career in the logistics As an entrepreneur that has part of her long term vision. “It “balance” is a moving target
environment and drew on my Hassan added, “I also learnt early successfully grown and diversified has enabled me to work with and has meant different things
legal and corporate experience to on that if you want to earn respect her business model, Hassan like-minded women to drive the at different stages of my life.
build the WOA brand and expand and overcome gender-based passionately believes that Africa’s gender transformation dialogue at Over the past few years, I have
into the energy sector, women in stereotypes, you have to speak greatest natural resource is our a regional and national level.” learnt to delegate much of
logistics, women in construction, with confidence and certitude. youth and that it is imperative that “It has also allowed me to the operational aspects of the
engineering, mining and, still Coming from a logistical legal we accelerate efforts to foster a business, giving me more time
in its infancy stages, women in background, I had to familiarise spirit of entrepreneurship in young champion a project, together to spend with my family. When
pharmaceuticals.” myself with the methods of people, so that they become job- with a dedicated sub-committee, I am away, technology allows
calculating fuel pricing and creators instead of job-seekers. She that holds a special place in my me to be easily accessible and
She added that given the choice understanding the dynamics of commented that we need a more heart-the “Businesswomen of involved in their day to day
and given the chance, women have the energy sector, so that I could robust private-public partnership Tomorrow” (BWOT) event. Many experiences. A regular dose of
the power and potential to not engage and negotiate as a serious initiative to equip young young girls aren’t given adequate “Vitamin Sea” also helps me to
only operate in any industry, but to role-player.” people with essential business information on how to make unwind and relax. That’s when I
excel in it. Hassan added that the management skills, educate them informed career choices, manage can sit still long enough!" 
recognition from her children has She added that women that are on funding options available to finances, prepare for interviews
made the greatest impact on her. already operating successfully them and help them deal with red or the opportunity to engage with
in the sector need to be more successful women,” said Hassan. www.woaonline.com
“I appreciated early on that if I visible and accessible. Having tape which, often, is what hinders
wanted my son to grow up in a an online information-exchange
world where women are respected forum is one such way for Recent Awards
as equal and valuable contributors aspiring young women to tap
to society and a world where my into multi-perspective insights
daughters can fully actualise their and learn from different Women of the Year Southern Africa (2012) Most Influential Women in Business & Government
potential, then I would have to women’s personal and business CNBC All Africa Business Leaders Energy Sector (2014)
actively work towards creating success models.“Globally, the CEO Africa Most Influential Women in Business
such a world. If I could do that, energy and oil sector is facing Top Black Female Leader of the Year (2014) EThekwini Municipality (2014)
then, ultimately, the long hours a skills shortage. Addressing 13th Annual Oliver Empowerment Awards Women in Business
and sacrifices would be worth it. occupational segregation is now Nominated Outstanding Mature Business (2014)
This is what my work is essentially a business imperative. As the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Women in Business for Competence and Recognition
about. Every accolade, every goal, demand for energy increases, we Awards (2015)
every milestone is about impacting need a pool of talented young Africa’s Most Influential Women in Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry
the world in a way that makes it a people to seek innovative ways Business and Government - Country, Regional
more equal and rewarding place to access complex hydrocarbon and Continental Winner (2014) Circle of Excellence Certificate of Appreciation (2015)
for my children and their peers to reservoirs,” said Hassan. CEO Africa Most Influential Women in Business Mangosuthu University of Technology Circle of Excellence
grow up in,” said Hassan. Finalist Certificate: Top Empowered Business
With predictions that Baby World Entrepreneur Finalist (2014) Leader of the Year (2016)
Integrity and credibility are the Boomers will retire within Ernst & Young Group 15th Annual Oliver Empowerment Awards
top two strengths that Hassan the next few years, it is up
firmly believes have been central to them and Generation X

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