The shared strengths of the women of Vantage

Vantage Specialty Chemicals employs a team of dynamic women in South Africa, with many positions from finance and sales to technical support and laboratory management filled with women.

Despite being a small team, it is one of the best in the industry and continues to make a big impact. In celebration of National Women’s Day, Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review caught up with the Vantage South Africa ladies to find out more about their passion for the cosmetics industry and perspective on workplace diversity and violence against women.

Phemelo Motseokae is a research and development chemist at Vantage South Africa. She says the team is committed to skills development and information sharing to ensure the best possible outcome in individual and collective tasks. Before embarking on an internship at Vantage, she wasn’t aware of the opportunities in the South African cosmetics industry.

“The cosmetics industry is dynamic. This challenges me to have a broad knowledge of almost everything happening in the industry to better to do my work. I have a great manager and she knows how to teach and allow one to learn,” Phemelo comments. “Increased awareness will open up minds to the whole range of careers to follow in this industry – cosmetic chemistry is just one of them.”

The power of collective support

While a woman alone has power; collectively they can have much more of an impact. We should all raise each other up and channel the power of collaboration, much like the women of Vantage South Africa, who Phyllis Bohale says “are special, strong and unique”. They speak up against gender-based violence and encourage others to do the same. They are also passionate about access to education and independence.

Kim MacCallum, sales and marketing, says women should never stop learning. “Education in everything you do is so important. Don’t let fear stop you from doing everything you want to pursue.”

Wanda Posthumus, laboratory manager, encourages all women to follow their dreams. “Don’t let anybody tell you what you can or cannot do. We are all capable of a lot more than we give ourselves credit for.”

Diversity is a beautiful thing

Apart from being successful and results driven, the Vantage South Africa team is also highly diverse. Diversity in the workplace is crucial to introduce different perspectives to situations and opens up more possibilities in problem solving. Compared to a century ago when women weren’t allowed in the workplace or politics, women no longer have to doubt their intelligence or abilities because workplaces are now more diverse.

Being part of a company such as Vantage South Africa has empowered each of these women to grow in her career, be assertive and show initiative. It’s beautiful to see these women encouraging and uplifting one another – they sure do know there is power in the pack.