With the commemoration of Women's Month drawing to a close, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called upon women to get more involved in the transport sector.
"South African women are under-represented in the transport sector, especially in planning, decision making and business ventures. The fact that they are under-represented as transport professionals and service providers in the industry is a major cause for concern. Gone are the days when specific business areas were designated for men only; women must grab all available business opportunities within the economy.
"Women must accelerate and increase their representation in the transport sector. It is for this reason that the Department of Transport formed the South African Network for Women in Transport (SANWIT) to facilitate more transport economic opportunities and careers for women from all walks of life. SANWIT is represented in all provinces and promotes women in transport development ventures including public transport, aviation, freight, rail, road construction and non-motorized transport.
"SANWIT is also working towards increasing the number of female students entering male dominated careers such as civil and mechanical engineering, piloting, electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering, surveying, apprenticeships and other areas.
"SANWIT can also be a good sounding board for policy ideas and can help government to shape and deliver a whole range of tangible projects aimed at meeting the transport needs of the people of our country more effectively. It is absolutely necessary to have an organization such as SANWIT to elevate the profile of transport as a business and career option for women. In this regard, as part of the transport family, the Department of Transport has to lead by example by changing the face of our own organisation and agencies to ensure that more women occupy strategic positions.
"Women empowerment is a major pillar of government's programme of action and is set to change the transport landscape substantially in terms of economic opportunities and skills development," said the Minister.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
26 August 2009
