Rustenburg GJS recognised at the 9th Gender Mainstreaming Awards
30 September 2021
Rustenburg Girls' Junior School principal, Belinda Petersen, was a finalist in two categories at the Accenture 9th Gender Mainstreaming Awards.
With nearly two decades of experience in the education sector and no stranger to school leadership, Belinda Petersen was recognised as the winner in the category Positive Role Model Regional and second place for Inclusive Leader Regional and Southern Africa.
Rustenburg Girls' Junior School was also acknowledged in the following categories: fourth place for Women on Boards Award, fifth place for Investing in Young Women Award, and fourth place for Women Empowerment in the Workplace Award.
More than 70 entries were received and only 23 winners and finalists were selected.
“It is vital to show young children, especially young girls, that they can achieve anything. I wanted young girls to see that the only limitations we place on ourselves are the limitations we place on ourselves. I am humbled to be the recipient of such a prestigious award,” Petersen said.
The Gender Mainstreaming Awards are an initiative by Business Engage and were established by Colleen Larsen, the chief executive of Business Engage. The organisation is at the forefront of innovation and gender mainstreaming within the private sector. Larsen explained that the Gender Mainstreaming Awards were centered around showcasing corporations and individuals that are creating inclusive spaces and incorporating gender mainstreaming within corporations. The awards are sponsored by ABSA, Barloworld, in association with Sunday Times, 360% Club, and South Africa Human Rights Commission.