Edenvale’s woman of steel
"I want to live in a world where women are given the same chances as men where we can produce a better world together."
With the hopes of empowering women in the workplace, Dowerglen resident Siddiqca Hardev hopes to give back to women breaking stereotypes.
Siddiqca, who works at Alberton-based Veer Steel Mill in the human relations department and as an operational manager played an integral role in forming a learnership programme which focusses on empowering woman.
Originally from the timber industry in KwaZulu-Natal, Siddiqca moved to Edenvale in 2017.
Formed in 2018 the learnership allows women to work in the steel industry, an industry often associated with men.
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“Typically when you think of a steel mill worker you would think of a man, but we are hoping to change that way of thinking.”
Since 2018 the company has absorbed approximately 18 women out of 28 learnership applicants.
Many of those absorbed into the company live in Katlehong, Thokoza and Germiston, said Siddiqca
The 2020/21 learnership will have 240 available slots to applicants she highlighted.
“We hope to pave the way for a woman in this line of work.”
Empowering women is close to Siddiqca’s heart.
Throughout her life, she experienced how women were restricted and certain behaviour was expected of them.
“I’d say my focus is on empowering women through education and helping them make a name for themselves in the business world.
“I want to live in a world where women are given the same chance as men where we can produce a better world together.”
Although change is occurring in her industry, Siddiqca strongly believes that a lot more work needs to happen before women and men can call themselves equal in the workplace.
Besides focussing on assisting women in the workplace, Siddiqca works with community organisations to help women in need.
Throughout the month of August and into the future Siddiqca will continue to advocate for women empowerment.
