The metro and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) recently held a women’s dialogue at Tshwane House in honour of Women’s Month.
The Women in Innovation and Leadership Dialogue (WILD) was held on August 14 and featured some of the metro’s leading ladies among other speakers tackling the issues affecting women today.
This year’s theme was “Invest in Women: Accelerate Innovation”.
Tshwane’s Deputy Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya said the event was to inspire wide-ranging dialogues between female leaders in the private and government sectors on how to enable their participation in nationwide innovation.
The guest speakers included Andrea Campbell (representing Microsoft South Africa), metro COO Vuyo Zitumane, TUT Vice Chancellor Dr Vathiswa Papu-Zamxaka and Yolande Faro, the Chief of Police for the TMPD.
“We also heard discussions from scientists, social workers and policymakers. Over 200 women attended the event. I appreciated how guests shared their successes and challenges. As the City of Tshwane, we are aware that progress is only certain if we participate in dialogue in partnership with the private sector,” said Moya.
During her keynote address, Moya stressed the importance of women being supported to help end gender inequality.
She believes that support for women needs systematic changes spearheaded by the government. She calls for comprehensive policies that address the systemic barriers hindering women’s empowerment.
“Firstly, the implementation of universal childcare and early childhood development programmes would enable women to participate in the workforce without compromising their caregiving roles.
Secondly, flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flexible hours, should be mandated to accommodate women’s domestic responsibilities.
Thirdly, the government should enforce equal pay for equal work and provide incentives for businesses that prioritise gender equality,” Moya said.
Moya said it’s important to keep dialogues of this nature as reoccurring events and involve policymakers who would be able to implement them in society.
Chief Faro said that the dialogue is important for women in leadership to engage with other women for the collective goal of empowerment and equality. She also looks forward to WILD 2025 and encourages women who didn’t attend this year to make sure they do so next year.
“We also want to encourage women to take up the role of mentorship and make sure that we help, encourage and talk to each other. Such an event is very important especially during Women’s Month so we can make sure that we empower each other, take whatever we’ve learnt from here and apply it in our areas,” Faro concluded.
Watch here: https://x.com/i/status/1823689709932953706
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