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On Friday 08 August, in celebration of National Women’s Day, Nestlé South Africa hosted a full day programme to honour the women of Nestlé. The XX Factor – Your Edge, was the theme of the programme modelled on the hit TV show; X factor. XX factor is a play on words, making reference to the unique XX chromosome which differentiates women from men.
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The programme kicked off with an exciting short video profiling women in Nestlé. Kgomotso Bonoko, a young Graduate in the Communication and Public Affairs division, played host for the morning and welcomed everyone.
David Moloto, Human Resources Director, then shared a few words and explained how Nestlé is committed to bettering women and shared some commitments made at a NIMCOM level.
He also challenged women at Nestlé to communicate and make it known what their desires from the organisation are. Michelle Marsh, Internal Communication Manager and the organiser of the XX Factor –Your edge explained and positioned the importance of having a day of this nature to celebrate women. Marsh elaborates: “all elements of the month-long celebration cum observation were aimed at helping women understand that they are each uniquely and distinctively different; and how they could leverage their uniqueness to build their self-confidence and realise their aspirations for the future.
The programme for the month was underpinned by our company’s strategic Wellness imperative. However we wanted to let the women of Nestlé Bryanston know that wellness is not just about scoops and serving sizes. It’s also about looking and feeling great, while acknowledging what changes are necessary to be better and bolder, inside and out. So, every-thing our women saw, heard and experiences was designed to help our woman enhance their innate abilities and qualities, while striving to be a Whole Well Woman.”
She also explained the month long activities planned, taking place every Friday for the month of August. The formalities were out of the way and the ladies were ready to start their day energised. Robynn Niemack, Zumba instructor and life coach, got the women of Nestlé moving to the sounds of “I am sexy and I know it” by LMFAO.
The day took a more serious note, with the start of the break-away XX Factor coaching sessions. The different coaching sessions were aimed at providing Nestlé women with invaluable insights and practical guidelines in short and punchy sessions.
In-style: Make your XX Factor shine through facilitated by Daniella Emanuel, owner of Shopology, was a practical demonstration on how women can dress appropriately for the workplace incorporating their own signature style and conveying power. Financial Fitness: Manage your money masterfully! provided women with tips on how to manage their money and budgeting. This session was facilitated by Gloria Msibe from the Old Mutual Group.
Robynn Niemack hosted the Bliss & Beyond:Live! Laugh! Love!. This session was a unique session based on Robynn’s personal experience and her experience as a life coach. Eat Rite. Eat Lite: Prepare meals that are light on your wallet, waist and watch coaching session was run by Skhumbuso Makwasa, Nestlé Professional’s chef-to-chef specialist. He held a practical cooking class with delicious ingredients and practical guidelines for women to prepare meals that are light on the budget, waist-line and time friendly.
The highlight of the day was the presence of keynote speaker, SABC News Anchor, Vabakshnee Chetty during the session titled “You Go Girl!”. Vabakshnee shared her journey from Tongaat to being one of the faces of Prime Time news on the national broadcaster’s screens. She engaged women in the audience on issues they face as women, particularly in the workplace and encouraged women at Nestlé to speak out about the way they want to be treated, being confident and believing in their ability.
The day ended with the Grand Finale where a number of prizes were given to women that attended the most sessions followed by a cocktail networking function afterwards. The prizes included a R2500 wardrobe makeover, a R6000 life coaching intervention and 10 online stress management courses to 10 lucky ladies. The perfect end to a truly special day for Nestlé women.