DWS’ women’s dialogue seeks transformation of the water sector
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, successfully held a breakfast dialogue with women professionals in the water sector to give impetus to transformation in the sector.
The interactive dialogue, which was also used to commemorate Women’s Month, was held under the theme: “Breaking down barriers for women professionals in the water sector”, and took place at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.
The dialogue mainly focussed on programmes provided to young professionals, how professionals are supported in the department and economic opportunities in line with BBBEE for female professional entrepreneurs. Other aspects that were also dealt with involved the department’s graduate trainee programme and contributions of entities in the creation of jobs for professional women and entrepreneurs.
The DWS Provincial Head in the Eastern Cape, Ms Portia Makhanya, said the dialogue was meant to highlight the reality that women consistently have to do even more to be recognised as well as to change the embedded beliefs that portrayed them as being incapable.
“Women must commit to deal with the stumbling blocks to their growth and fight the self-limiting beliefs. We have to deal decisively with the situation where females are followers,” Ms Makhanya said.
Advocate Tshidi Hatshatse, Chairperson of the Board of Rand Water, said the real progress of what was discussed would be if they are turned into a plan that could be monitored to show progression as the women move forward to ensure the goals that have been set are achieved.
Advocate Hatshatse said the dialogue provided a platform for women in the sector to share their experiences so that they understand these negative experiences are not happening to them only.
More information:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
Hosia Sithole
Cell: 082 723 2442
