Women celebrated at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital
From sports achievements to promoting gender equality and encouraging women to have their own small businesses, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital went all out to celebrate women.
In celebration of Women’s Month, Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital announced their netball team’s achievements to help boost their staff’s morale at their recent Women’s Day celebrations.
With the theme ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development’, attendees received a warm welcome from the hospital CEO, Dr Rodney Pheto.
“You are all welcome to the empowerment session, feel free to rejoice with the team,” Dr Pheto said during his welcoming speech.
Chanted with joy, a victorious song was heard from afar, as champions marched towards the stage holding the trophy high in the sky to boast about their nine years of existence.
“We appreciate the support of the stakeholders, thank you for allowing us to represent the hospital in all the games we requested to participate in,” added Innocentia Sepotokele, the spokesperson of the netball team during the presentation of the Master’s Cup.
“We are the champions because of our passion for netball, however, we need young players to join the team to keep the ball rolling,” she said.
What stood out for Innocentia was that the netball team started to be more active in 2015. In 2019, five members of the team were selected to represent Gauteng Province at the National League. The Gauteng team came third in that competition.
As the programme of the day progressed, Noluthando Mangole the hospital board’s chairperson, embraced the stunning work of the health workers but expressed her disappointment with those who have negative attitudes towards the patients and the members of the community.
“I am very proud to be part of the Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital team, but most complaints received are attitude-related, so we can do better,” Noluthando continued.
Dr Mpumelelo Mpama from the Mpumi Foundation then made a presentation on mental health.
“Before anyone spent their money on you, spend yours, before you expect someone to compliment you, compliment yourself, maintain a positive mindset, at times the work condition may frustrate you but remain positive,” he said.
For business development, Kate Masopha, an information officer from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) made a remarkable presentation by encouraging women to have their own small businesses.
“Anything that you enjoy doing even if it can be your hobby coupled with your special skill, can be turned into a business and SEDA is there to make you realise your hidden dream. Pending the approval of the CEO, we will come back and train the staff members at no cost as a gift from SEDA,” she said.
For financial literacy, the two-pot system was also discussed.
“Before rushing to withdraw your retirement funds, have a consultation with a financial advisor who will guide you,” advised Sandra Mokhonoana.
In line with gender-based violence (GBV), Sergeant Lucky Matome, the West Rand facilitator on Human Rights in policing, dignity and diversity expressed that colleagues should avoid being victims of GBV repeatedly by withdrawing cases once it has been reported.
”Allow justice to take its course, so that perpetrators should be brought to book,” Matome said.
The West Rand District Employee Health and Wellness Practitioner Eunice Ramushu further applauded Dr Yusuf Hospital for having a vibrant Women’s Forum.
She encouraged other institutions to launch theirs to defend and advocate the rights of women, advance and promote gender equality, build the capacity of women and promote the health and well-being of women in health.
