Pizza Hut, in partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES), has launched a powerful initiative aimed at empowering young women in South Africa. Called LeadHERship, this program tackles the stark reality of youth unemployment, particularly amongst vulnerable young women aged 18-24 from marginalized communities.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by young women in the South African job market, Pizza Hut has stepped up to provide a pathway to a brighter future. LeadHERship provides 12-month quality work experiences, equipping these women with valuable skills, confidence, and a crucial reference letter – increasing their chances of securing future employment.
"This initiative will assist these young women by providing them with quality 12-month working experiences, making them more employable in the future," says Ewan Davenport, Managing Director at Pizza Hut. "A young woman is six times more likely to receive a call back after an interview if she possesses a legitimate reference letter. The goal is to empower young and vulnerable women in marginalized communities by developing strategies for their employability and personal development.”
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
LeadHERship is more than just a job placement program; it's about breaking down structural and socioeconomic barriers that prevent young women from reaching their full potential. By partnering with various implementation partners (IPs), Pizza Hut and YES have created opportunities in diverse fields, including healthcare, creative industries, education, and more.
"Through this programme, with our implementation partners (IPs), YES has already placed 109 women in health services, creative entrepreneurial collectives, literacy programmes and schools," says YES acting COO, Leanne Emery Hunter. "With the success of the initiative thus far, we continue to contribute to breaking down the structural and socioeconomic barriers and providing women an equal opportunity to play a role in the working world.”
Empowering Through Partnerships
The success of LeadHERship hinges on the strong partnerships forged between Pizza Hut, YES, and various IPs. These collaborations ensure that young women receive comprehensive support and gain experience in diverse fields, maximizing their chances of future success.
Some of the key IP partnerships include:
- Youth Health for Africa: Providing opportunities in clinics, hospitals, and communities, allowing young women to champion sustainable impact in healthcare.
- YCC (Youth Content Collective): Helping young black creatives become micropreneurs in photography, videography, and illustration, fostering entrepreneurial skills and financial independence.
- Click Learning: Deploying young women to facilitate online English literacy programs in underprivileged primary schools, contributing to educational development.
- Youth@worK: Offering supported work experience in the arts, entertainment, recreation, and education sectors, broadening career horizons.
A Recipe for Social Impact
Pizza Hut's LeadHERship initiative is a powerful example of how businesses can use their resources and influence to create positive social change. By investing in young women, Pizza Hut is not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for South Africa.
This program serves as an inspiration for other companies to step up and address the youth unemployment crisis, particularly amongst vulnerable groups. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to empowerment, businesses can play a crucial role in building a brighter future for all.
Watch how YES and Pizza Hut have partnered to empower the youth with job opportunities.
Amendment to the Gazette