Page 36 - Winning Women 2017

36 BWASA

Helping young women

DRESS FOR
DRESS FOR

SUCCESS
SUCCESS

PHELOKAZI MBUDE soft skills, such as writing a good PHOTOS: ISTOCK
curriculum vitae and interview tips.
n tough economic times, “We try to give as much to the
employment becomes increasingly volunteers as they give to us,” Ndibongo maybe they don’t give me a job because
Idifficult to secure. adds. of that,” says Magida.
In 2013 the Businesswomen’s Asanda Magida has been volunteering “First impressions are seldom more
Association started the Corporate Wear at Indawo Yethemba for two years since important than during a job interview.
for Young Women programme to “help she attained a certificate in project Before you have had a chance to
underprivileged women to be able to management. She had a contract discuss your skills, you have already
confidently enter the job market”, says position as a receptionist, but it expired. been judged on your appearance and
Deidre Nxumalo-Freeman from the She is still hoping to get a stable job. clothing,” says Nxumalo-Freeman.
association’s East London branch. “I am looking for a permanent job. I’m “It is important that we not only
This year the programme has always giving out my CV,” says Magida. make corporate wear available to these
partnered with non-profit organisation One of her challenges is having young learners but that they are taught
Indawo Yethemba, which provides appropriate attire for interviews. grooming skills and how to present
educational enrichment opportunities to “I don’t think they take me seriously themselves professionally.”
schools in rural communities. because I look casual. Sometimes Magida agrees with this.
Teresita Ndibongo, a director at I just wear pumps, jeans and a T-shirt. “I think once you dress well, in
Indawo Yethemba, says the corporate “From the moment I enter the room formal clothes, you feel good and
wear initiative has been combined with it’s like they don’t take me seriously and your confidence improves,” she says.

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