In the heart of Nairobi, thousands of African women have found sustainable employment in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Once confined by cultural expectations and social barriers, this employment trend reflects a broader shift – one where African women are breaking through traditional limitations and shaping their own destinies.
For many African women, seeking employment comes with a unique set of challenges. Cultural norms often dictate that a woman’s primary role is within the home, taking care of children and maintaining the household. In many communities, the notion of women working outside the home, especially in technology-driven fields like BPO, is still met with some resistance.
Social expectations can also be discouraging. Many women face pressure to prioritise family responsibilities over personal ambitions. In rural and conservative settings, young girls are sometimes married off early, their potential to pursue education or employment overshadowed by domestic duties. However, in urban centres across the continent, the mindset is shifting.
The BPO industry has created a unique opportunity for women
The industry has grown significantly across Africa in the past decade. It has also expanded in terms of services – it’s no longer just about agents fielding customer queries; it encompasses customer support, data processing, IT services, and more, attracting a wide range of skills. Countries like South Africa and Kenya have positioned themselves as outsourcing hubs, attracting international companies looking for cost-effective and skilled labour. Unlike traditional industries, BPO offers flexible work arrangements, remote opportunities, and professional growth paths that are particularly beneficial to women who face mobility and childcare challenges – this is reshaping the economic landscape for African women.
For these women, securing a job in BPO means financial independence. With a stable salary, these women can contribute to their family’s needs, pay for younger siblings’ education, and even save for their own futures. Before the BPO industry offered them stable employment opportunities, their choices were limited by educational, cultural and economic restrictions.
An emphasis on skills rather than formal education
While even having a tertiary qualification or a university degree is no guarantee of employment in many job markets, the BPO industry prioritises digital literacy, language proficiency, and communication skills, many of which can be developed through short-term training programmes. This accessibility has allowed women from diverse backgrounds to participate in the workforce, often for the first time.
Non-profit organisations like CareerBox provide a lifeline for these women, who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with crucial workplace skills development training before placing them in a career within the BPO industry.
Sustainable employment in the BPO industry has also led to a significant cultural shift. Women who earn a stable income gain a stronger voice within their households. Economic independence means that they are less reliant on male family members, enabling them to make decisions regarding their education, health, and personal aspirations. Research by UN Women indicates that women who are employed uplift not just their families, but their communities. Not only that, promoting women’s economic justice and rights in the economy and closing gender gaps in the world of work are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Not just a job, but a career
In the vibrant BPO industry, women are not merely employees – they are emerging as leaders. Numerous organisations have implemented mentorship and leadership programmes that promote women to managerial roles. There is a growing recognition that the BPO industry offers not just jobs for women, but the chance to build a thriving career.
When women work, entire communities benefit. Studies show that women are more likely than men to reinvest their earnings into their families and communities. Sustainable employment allows African women to support their children’s education, improve household healthcare, and contribute to local economies. Furthermore, the presence of women in the workforce helps change societal perceptions. Younger girls see role models in their mothers, sisters, and neighbours, inspiring them to aspire beyond traditional roles. Companies that embrace gender diversity also set an example, demonstrating that women’s contributions are not only valuable but essential.
Sustainable employment in the BPO industry is more than just a paycheck – it is a gateway to empowerment, self-sufficiency, and social transformation. It challenges deep-seated cultural norms, uplifts communities, and paves the way for a more equitable future.
As more African women enter the workforce, the continent moves closer to realising its full economic potential. Through resilience, determination, and support from progressive industries, women are rewriting the narrative – one career at a time.