The representation of female senior managers in the public service still need much attention considering the fact that men continue to dominate senior positions, says North West Premier, Thandi Modise.
Speaking at the Public Service Women Management Meeting held at Mahikeng Hotel School on Tuesday, Premier Modise noted the worrying picture of female representation in the public service.
She encouraged women who are already senior managers in the public service to play their role in increasing the number of senior managers at their workplace.
“We really need women to gather in this nature regularly so that the intention of promoting gender equality in the public service is driven by women themselves.
Regularly when you meet like this, it is your responsibility to mentor, nature and come up with programmes that will assists other women who want to lead in the public service,” Premier Modise said at the meeting attended by senior managers across all the provincial departments.
She told women that government is trying its best to provide support mechanisms to empower women to be in senior positions.
Modise added that women must be senior managers in all field including in the finances so that they continue to overcome many barriers such as lack of access to finance and technology.
Premier Modise told women senior managers that gender equality should not be viewed simply as a compliance issue to pacify the Employment Equity Commission.
“Gender equality is a fundamental principle of democracy and human rights. Women must not sit in senior positions in government and not influence the decisions taken at that level,” she added.
Premier Modise warned those women senior managers in the public service who use their position to block other competent women to progress.
“As a women manager at your work, you should be able to empower other women rather than blocking them to progress.
You will not earn your respect if you do not embrace other women by empowering them, ”she cited.
In 2007, the Head of the departments (HoD’s) 8 Principle Plan of Action for Promoting Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality within the Public Service Workplace was launched.
The meeting was part of the plan intended to enhance women’s empowerment and equality in the public service.
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Premier Thandi Modise encourages women senior managers in the public service
Province
