DURBAN - HUMAN Settlements and Public Works MEC Jomo Sibiya has urged women to participate in the political space so they can influence policies being forged.
He was speaking during the Departments of Human Settlements and Public Works’ women senior managers high tea, held in commemoration of the late ANC stalwart Charlotte Maxeke at the Greyville Racecourse on Monday.
“Don’t close your eyes when it comes to politics. This is where the country’s decisions are made,” Sibiya said.
The MEC said they had many highly educated women who were leaders in their respective sectors, who needed to come on board and advise on the decisions and policies being made, to achieve gender equality.
Sibiya said he wanted to see more women who were decision-makers, and not just at the periphery.
“Women need to make tangible inroads. If we do not stand up and change things, they will never change. The struggle of women cannot be left to women alone. It is we as males who must protect women.”
Sibiya added: “Do not hold back. Do not allow men to ridicule you. If you as women get to a conference and there are 80% female and 20% male, as a majority you must elect women and not men. Use the opportunity given to you to advance the women agenda.”
KZN legislature Speaker Nontembeko Boyce urged women in senior management positions to “cultivate themselves” to open up space for new entrants with merit in all sectors.
“In a position that is given to you as a woman, be an ambassador for other women. Open up more opportunities for new women entrants on merit. A cohort of women in leadership positions is needed if we want to end gender-based violence.”
Boyce said women in senior management posts needed to use their positions in government to drive and improve women employment challenges.
“You need to understand how to integrate the interdepartmental relations within government to deal with the issues. Women are lagging behind in the labour market. The high unemployment rate means there is a high probability of women dependent on men for survival. Which then escalates the issues of GBV.”
She said there was a need for women to support each other.
“Women in senior management need to stop preoccupying new entrants and interns with tea making, carrying of handbags, etc. They should be able to learn more about work, rather than being limited by unpaid labour.”
Boyce added that divisions among women needed to stop.
“Be an advocate for change in society. Do not live above the people, but live with them. When you rise to the top, bring someone with you .”
Public works portfolio committee chairperson Mbali Fraser said women senior managers were in control and had a responsibility to transform sectors where they have control.
“Ask yourself, what is it that you have done to encourage and mentor young women to venture into your field? Know your story, empower yourself, be exemplary and be mindful of your attitude towards others.”
Fraser stressed a need to appoint people with relevant skills for ease of implementation.
“Develop your junior employees in order to meet your targets. Double your efforts in order to ensure that women are fully empowered. Let’s build a second layer of management above ourselves.”
Human settlements portfolio committee chairperson Linda Madlala-Hlongwa said women managers needed to be sensitive to other women’s needs. “You should not be threatened by the rising up of other women. Empower yourself and be able to deliver on bigger projects.”
Acting director for non-communicable diseases at the KZN Department of Health, Sindi Mthethwa, stressed a need to live a healthy lifestyle and to deal with mental health issues.
Daily News