Deputy Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize: Higher Education Resource Service South Africa

Program Director
Esteemed Academics
And the audience

I must mention my deep sense of appreciation to Ms. Brightness Mangolothi for granting us the privilege to present on this occasion. Ladies and Gentlemen, our most valued invited guests and esteemed academics, I would like to take this opportunity to place on record our hearty thanks to Higher Education Resource Services South Africa for its enormous cooperation in the organization of this event.

Dr. James Aggrey stated that, “Education can not be taken away from anyone. If you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate the whole nation”. Hence, the center of interest in this presentation is precisely on how education, particularly institution of higher learning can be utilized to empower women.

Higher education Institutions are dreams and aspiration to the minorities, young girls in particular. Therefore, Universities, Colleges and Polytechnics, are granting women options, empowering them to be independent thinkers and agent of change, which will enable women to be aware of their own strengths and have no doubts about their academic abilities.

Curriculum transformation has been put into effect by the higher education institutions. Multiple new courses should continue to be created and introduced in many disciplines based on critical examination of knowledge about gender and sexual orientation in order to empower more women.

In addition, institutions such as The University of Western Cape (UWC), University of Kwa Zulu-Natal (UKZN), and the University of Free State (UFS) offers Women’s and Gender Studies in order to empower women. However, it is not studied by every female student. It should be introduced to every female student as a compulsory module in the foundation phase in every institution of higher learning.

Over the past decade, awards have been presented to women by the Department of Science and Technology, in partnership with the nation-wide celebration and their success within the field of Science and Technology.

Consequently, these awards are granted to women scientists and researchers who have made a magnificent scientific contribution to enhance science and positively construct the knowledge base in their respective discipline.

As a result, University of Pretoria invariably partnered with the Department of Science and Technology over the past few years so that young women can be empowered. The likes of Aretha Maharela and Denielle Twilley have achieved Department of Science and Technology fellowship to pursue their studies at the University of Pretoria.

Patriarchy is the prime restriction to women’s advancement and emancipation. It is through patriarchy that the societies, let alone women are still psychologically enslaved. Women are still going through discrimination and oppression in their workplaces.

However, the institution of higher learning fights against patriarchy, enabling women to occupy prestigious positions in their offices; Mamokgethi Phakeng being one of them, as Vice-Chancellor of University of Cape Town (UCT). Manakedi Ntlatleng being the former Principal of Ekurhuleni West College.

The man is perceived more as a manager than an equal colleague in a work environment, particularly in higher education institution. However, the Department of Women strongly believes with affirmation that women are equal and more productive than most men.

Women empowerment in higher education institutions will encourage women to head scientific institutions and scientific faculties. I urge all institutions of higher learning to encourage young women to participate in research and academic related activities.
According to the 1996 report by the National Commission of higher education, in 1993 women occupied 32 percent of the total research and teaching positions. The report further explained that, majority of women were employed at junior level and underpaid positions.

After multiple interventions were introduced by the institutions of higher learning as a process of promoting women and to increase the number of female scientists in Colleges and Universities; more positions for academic women opened up. Gone are the days when gender stereotype in education permeate society, women are now pursing Science and Technology courses rather than humanities and care giving fields.

Institutions of higher learning removes political restrictions; these institutions encourage women to actively participate in women and political organizations. It allows women to learn about the relation of power in societies, the principle and qualities of good leadership. A good example is of the 26-year-old Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, the newly appointed member of parliament acquired her strong leadership qualities from University during her time as a student activist.

The abuse of women and girls by men on account of failed relationships are intensely increasing daily within the University and college premises. Hence, the institutions of higher learning should go to the women’s aid in tackling this social issue, ensuring that students are deployed as watchdogs and whistleblowers. Gender-based violence is a sensitive yet serious issue faced by female South African students.

One in ten women is abused daily in South Africa. Therefore, these whistleblowers will work hand in glove with authorized officials in order to tussle this issue. I strongly believe that gender-based violence and femicide can be championed.

This will also assist with reducing the violent crimes as part of the Five Fundamental goals which are part of the Seven Priorities mentioned by the President during the State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual) LGBTQIA community are facing stressful and tough challenges at tertiary institutions, with women inclusive of this community, particularly lesbians, I believe that empowering the LGBTQIA community will boost the confidence of most women who are struggling with being lesbians.

Most Universities have organizations that are in favor of women. The University of Limpopo has an organization called University of Limpopo Women’s Academic Solidarity Association (ULWASA) which deals with the social challenges faced by female students, lesbians in particular. Organizations like these should be established in all higher learning institutions in order to empower women.

As much as the Five Fundamental goals stated by the President incorporated that no person in South Africa will go hungry as per the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, there are still female students going to bed with empty stomachs. I strongly believe that every institution of higher learning should have a ‘’meal a day program’’ for female needy student.

Sanitary Pads are luxury to those who cannot afford to purchase them; hence the Universities and colleges should intervene on a monthly basis by donating to the needy students.

We conclude by rephrasing the words of Angelina Jolie when she said:
“There is no greater pillar of stability than a strong free and educated woman”

Thank you.