Winile Mbala

What does your company do?

EMPOWERING WOMEN AND SECURING COMMUNITIESWomen In Security South Africa Association (WISSAA) is a registered non-profit company (NPC) committed to transforming the security industry by empowering women, supporting communities, and creating safer environments for all.WHAT WE DO:1. EMPOWER WOMEN IN SECURITYWe provide training, mentorship, and leadership development to help women excel in all areas of the security sector - from guarding and close protection, investigation, and management.2. INSPIRE AND EMPOWER RURAL YOUTHThrough school career days and awareness campaigns, we expose rural learners to careers in security, safety and risk management - equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and pathways to professional growth. We also promote self-defense, resilience, and life skills to prepare them for urban life challenges. 3. SUPPORT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) VICTIMSWe stand with survivors of GBV. WISSAA works to raise awareness, advocate for justice, and connect victims with support services. We empower women with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and rebuild their lives.4. ADVOCATE FOR TRANSFORMATIONWe partner with stakeholders to influence policy, promote fair access to opportunities, and champion gender equality in the security sector. 5. BUILD NETWORKS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIESWe connect women-led businesses with funding, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities - helping them to grow and thrive in competitive industry.We believe that empowered women are powerful agents of change in building safe, inclusive communities.

What is your biggest success?

One of the greatest achievements of Women In Security South Africa Association (WISSAA) has been the successful training and employment of women in guarding, patrolling, and critical areas of security sector. Through partnerships with SAPS, schools, the Black Business Council, and communities local authorities, we've empowered women with accredited training, job placements, and leadership opportunities. In 2024, our Chairperson, Winile Mbala, was invited as a guest speaker at the Pan African Women Empowerment Summit (PAWES) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where she addresses the importance of women's participation in safety, conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding. She was also honored as the 2024 PAWES Award Winner under the Women i Health, Safety, Peace and Security category. Our rural outreach has reached over 1,000 leaners, promoting self-defense, GBV awareness, and youth empowerment. These milestones highlights WISSAA's growing impact in transforming communities, advocating policy change, and driving gender inclusion in security and peace efforts.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

The biggest hurdle facing Women In Security South Africa Association (WISSAA) is the lack of financial resources to fully implement and scale our programs. While our mission to empower women in the security industry and promote safer communities is clear, we are currently operating with limited funding. Most of our members come from underprivileged backgrounds and are not in a financial position to contribute significantly. As a result, we rely heavily on volunteers, many of whom are passionate but unable to commit themselves fully due to personal and financial constraints. This impacts our ability to consistently deliver training, outreach, and advocacy programs at the scale needed. Despite this challenge, we continue to make progress through dedication, partnerships, and sheer determination. However, to truly expand our impact and create lasting change, sustainable funding and operational support are urgently needed.