Shattering Glass Ceilings and Leading with Purpose: Highlights from the Women in Print Luncheon

The Women in Print Luncheon, hosted by Printing SA in Johannesburg earlier this month, was a celebration of women's accomplishments in the print industry and led to discussions around sisterhood, the issue of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and living and leading with purpose.

The panel discussion on living and leading with purpose included Anja Kirton, Large Format Product Manager at Fujifilm Graphic Communication South Africa, and other trailblazing women from the industry.

Anja, who grew the Large Format division at Fujifilm Graphic Communication by 250% and was awarded employee of the year, shared her insights on breaking the glass ceiling, emphasising the importance of incremental growth, leading by example, perseverance, embracing discomfort, and lifelong learning.

"You only need to be 1% better every day, and by the end of the year, you will have grown by 365%. This is a tribute to Grant Potgieter's wisdom," Anja said. "It really captures the essence of continuous improvement, which is at the core of our journey here as women in the print industry."

"When I look at my own accomplishments," Anja added, "it's proof that dedication and skill can create remarkable outcomes. I hope it ignites a fire of inspiration for everyone around."

"Whenever things get tough, I tell myself, 'Just keep pushing.' These words hold true because they remind us that success is born from persistence, especially when faced with obstacles that might seem insurmountable. And remember, we're rewriting the narrative for women in this industry, and that takes unwavering determination." Anja continued. "Stepping out of our comfort zone is vital. Sure, not every day feels easy, but that's exactly what it takes to grow."

"We must continue to educate ourselves. As women in the print industry, our journey is one of constant learning, evolving, and adapting. With every piece of new knowledge, we equip ourselves to reach heights we might never have thought possible. So let's embrace these principles and empower ourselves to make our mark." Anja concluded.

In the audience, supporting Anja, was Tiffany Fernands, Brand and Marketing at Fujifilm Graphic Communication, Morgan Barnard, Marketing and Events Coordinator at Fujifilm Graphic Communication and Marjorie Rossouw, Sales and Marketing Representative at Papercor Holdings, who raised some important points on the impact of domestic abuse on young children as well as solutions to helping GBV victims, in particular the womens shelter, Green Door in Diepsloot West.

Also in the audience and in full support of Women in Print was Grant Potgieter, General Manager of Fujifilm Graphic Communication South Africa, and Raymond Blake, Managing Director of Papercor Holdings. Their attendance underscored the significance of male allies in fostering an environment of inclusivity and female empowerment.

The Women in Print Luncheon was a powerful reminder that unity, compassion, and unwavering determination can truly transform industries and lives.