YeBo Women in Leadership - Blog Series - Debbie Bruce

In this special series we will share insights from some of the leaders of organisations we work with - our Implementing Partners. These women are inspiring, motivated, deeply invested and committed to YearBeyond's mission to connect youth to opportunities. 

In our first blog, we chatted to Debbie Bruce, entrepreneur and director of Womb to Tomb Development Centre (YeBo Implementing Partner) in the Eden District.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and grew up in District Six.  Due to forced removals, we were relocated to Lavender Hill.  During these times, I too experienced challenges as many children, and young people face today. This has helped me to show empathy to those who are still having to fight these challenges today. Despite my circumstances, I was determined to make a success of my life. It is this attitude that has helped me to reach many milestones.  Today, I can proudly say that during the Apartheid years, I was the first woman and person of colour to open a real estate company in the Southern Cape.  I have won many awards over the years, and served on many boards - places where women feared to tread.

This month is women's month, Women still face a range of challenges and the violence (in all its forms) against women is still rife. What can be done to address this pandemic? 

We need to continually educate about the reality of GBV in our communities. All our efforts and programmes must ensure that the pandemic of gender based violence is not just a once off topic that is discussed and then we move on; but that it is a key part of what we offer. It is important that all members of our communities, schools and business know that each and every one of us has a role to play in addressing this crisis.

How can employers, partners and colleagues open up more opportunities for women in their organisations?

I think that employers, partners and colleagues are still stuck in the space believing that men can do better than women, and are worth more than women. Companies should also help upskill women, with a focus on building resilience and confidence to grab hold of opportunities with both hands. As companies focus on transformation efforts, I would like to see the same seriousness around creating opportunities for women, particularly women of colour and to promote women to key leadership and decision making roles.

I would also like to see companies break down stereotypes and invest in upskilling women in sectors where historically men were preferred over women.

What are some of the leadership lessons that you have picked up along the way that have really helped you on your career journey? 

Firstly, treat everyone with dignity and respect. As a leader, if you do this, you will gain the respect that you want.  Secondly, never forget where you come from.  As a leader, you need to understand that you too were helped along your journey.  Help others too.

Lastly, be willing to teach and support those following you. Great leaders teach, mentor and support the next generation, so that eventually they can do a better job than you. That’s real empowerment.

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

There are two women. The first is Rosa Parks (deceased) - I admire her for the stand she took against her oppressors. I would like to know if there was any fear before the action. I would like to know how her life evolved after her protest.  How did it affect her family and those she loved. Was she ridiculed because of it.

The second is my mother Sylvia Delport (deceased) – I would like to know how she survived emotionally, although she experienced so much rejection and hurt, yet she showed us so much love and support. Emotional wellness is something I learnt about in my later life and did not have the time to ask her. 

What advice do you have for the youth and specifically young women?

Always give your best.  Work hard – hard work never killed anyone. Be willing to learn – you are never too old to learn. Lastly, don’t let anyone's opinion of you, become your reality.