Women Impact Network - WIN

Dear WINners,

As we commemorate the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, we embrace this year’s theme, "Girls' Vision for the Future."

Today, we celebrate the dreams, aspirations, and the powerful potential that girls around the world possess to shape a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

At WIN, we are driven by the belief that every girl has the right to dream boldly and to have access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to turn those dreams into reality.

Our mission is to unlock pathways for women and girls in both tech and non-tech fields, fostering a community where each individual can thrive, grow, and lead with confidence.

Through our programs, we work tirelessly to amplify the voices of girls and equip them with the skills to learn, build, and thrive.

Whether through mentorship, hands-on training, or workshops, we remain committed to helping them realize their visions for the future: visions of innovation, equality, and leadership.

On this day, we reflect on the importance of listening to girls, investing in their education, and supporting their ambitions.

As we move forward, let us continue to champion their rights and ensure that their visions, ideas, and leadership shape the world we all want to see.

Together, we will create a future where every young girl can dream without limits and have the freedom to pursue those dreams with courage and determination.

With hope and solidarity,


Founder,
Empowering Dreams, Inspiring Growth

Soft Skills - What They Are and Why They Matter.

Yesterday, I made a post asking what soft skills you will love to learn and from the responses, I discovered that some people do not really understand what Soft skills are and here I am to clarify on the subject and why they matter.

You know, when we hear the term "skills," we often think of technical abilities such as coding, data analysis, graphic design, engineering, or any other specialized expertise that defines a particular job.

But while these "hard skills" are essential, there is another set of skills that are equally, if not more, important in shaping successful careers. They are called soft skills.

What Are Soft Skills?

Soft skills refer to the personal attributes, communication abilities, and social intelligence that help you navigate your work environment, relate to others, and solve problems effectively.

Unlike technical skills that are specific to a certain job, soft skills are universal.

They apply to any role, any industry, and any stage of your career.

Think of soft skills as the “how” behind your “what.”

They determine how you interact with colleagues, how you approach challenges, and how you manage your time and energy.

While hard skills can get you in the door for a job, soft skills are often what will help you grow, maintain relationships, and advance in your career.

Examples of Soft Skills:

1. Communication: The ability to clearly and effectively convey your ideas, whether in writing, speaking, or non-verbal communication.

2. Teamwork: Working well with others, knowing how to collaborate, listen, and contribute to group goals.

3. Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically, assess situations, and come up with creative solutions to challenges.

4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Understanding your own emotions and the emotions of others, which helps you manage relationships and resolve conflicts.

5. Adaptability: Being open to change, learning new things, and adjusting to different environments or situations.

6. Time Management: Effectively prioritizing tasks, managing deadlines, and balancing multiple responsibilities.

7. Leadership: Inspiring and motivating others, making decisions, and guiding teams toward shared goals.

8. Conflict Resolution: Knowing how to manage disagreements in a healthy and productive way.

9. Work Ethic: Showing dedication, discipline, and reliability in your work.

10. Creativity: Thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative ideas and solutions.

Now you may ask: Why Are Soft Skills So Important?

You will agree with me that today, technical knowledge alone won’t guarantee success.

Soft skills are what make you adaptable, relatable, and a valuable asset to any team.

Here’s why soft skills matter:

~ Workplace Collaboration: No matter how talented you are in your field, most jobs require collaboration. Whether it is working on a team project, communicating with clients, or managing stakeholders, your ability to work with others effectively is key to achieving results.

~ Leadership Potential: If you aspire to grow into leadership roles, soft skills are non-negotiable. Leaders need to inspire, communicate, resolve conflicts, and foster teamwork. Without strong soft skills, leadership roles will be much harder to attain.

~ Career Progression: Studies have shown that soft skills are often the deciding factor in promotions. When companies look to fill higher positions, they seek individuals who not only know their job but can manage people, handle stress, and lead projects.

~ Adaptability in Changing Environments: The world of work is constantly changing. As new technologies emerge and industries shift, the ability to adapt to change becomes one of the most valuable traits an employee can have.

Can Soft Skills Be Developed?

Absolutely!

While some people may naturally possess strong soft skills, they can be learned and improved with practice.

Below are a few ways to develop your soft skills:

- Self-Awareness: Pay attention to how you interact with others. Are you a good listener? Do you communicate clearly? Start by being mindful of your strengths and areas for improvement.

- Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors on how you handle certain situations. Constructive criticism can help you understand how others perceive your actions and behaviors.

- Practice: Soft skills improve with experience. Engage in more team projects, practice problem-solving in real-life scenarios, and push yourself to adapt to new challenges.

- Take Courses or Workshops: There are numerous resources, both online and offline, that offer training in communication, leadership, emotional intelligence, and other soft skills.

- Observe Role Models: Look to people you admire who possess strong soft skills, whether they are your colleagues, mentors, or leaders in your industry. Learn from their approach and apply it to your own interactions.

You see eeeeeh, Soft skills are the secret ingredient that can turn a good employee into a great one.

They are the bridge between technical ability and professional success, and they are more relevant than ever in today’s work environment.

Whether you are starting out in your career or aiming for the next level, investing in developing your soft skills will pay off in both your professional and personal life.

Thank you so much for reading through!

Have a beautiful Tuesday ahead!

| Empowering Dreams | Inspiring Growth

From a disadvantaged orphan to a remarkable Accounting Academic.

Meet - Lisa Nqala, inspirational Accounting Academic, she cames from a disadvantage background full of poverty and limited resources, but through determination, perseverance and work hard, today she is a remarkable Accounting Academic.

Lisa lost her mother when she only 7 years old in 1997 and she lost her grandmother who was her guardian a year later.

In 2008, she went through the trauma again when her father got sick and passed away, and that time she had just completed her matric and was looking for a university to study further.

"After Matric, I worked at the laundry as a laundry assistant and as a domestic worker for the laundry owners in Margate, KwaZulu-Natal. It was hard and I felt hopeless, watching my peers going to varsity. I used the money that I got from my job to phone the universities and request application forms and send them back to the universities."

"I got accepted by three institutions, two for education and one for accounting so I decided to go with CPUT because I love accounting and auditing, I have always wanted to be an Auditor," said Lisa Nqala.

Against all odds, Lisa obtained a Master of Internal Auditing, a Bachelor of Technology in Internal Auditing, a National Diploma in Internal Auditing and a Certificate in Accountacy all from Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

Lisa Nqala is a PhD candidate in Accounting Sciences at the University of South Africa, and a member of Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA).

She is currently a Lecturer at Boston City Campus and Business College.

“Growing up in disadvantaged rural areas made it difficult for me to adjust to university and a big city."

“When I came to varsity, I did not even know how to use a computer. I struggled to communicate in English. I struggled with low self-esteem. Through all these things, I carried so much pain for so many years from my childhood trauma."

“It took me time to finally open up about them. The other challenge I face is that it takes so much time for my skills and knowledge to be recognised. I often have to work harder than anyone else to prove that I am capable.”

"My goal is to study further to obtain a doctoral qualification and eventually become a rated professor in accounting."

“I would also love to have a mentoring program that would cater to disadvantaged children's needs,” said Lisa Nqala.

Join us in celebrating her 💃🏾🚀👏🏿

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