The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the “Women as Agents of Change: Innovation and Entrepreneurship” seminar at the Hotel School, Ritson Campus on Wednesday, 15 August 2018.
The seminar was co-ordinated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement Office in partnership with Peace Oasis International, aimed at discussing issues surrounding women empowerment.
Research, Innovation and Engagement Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibusiso Moyo welcomed the guests to the discussion.
“The theme of today is about women being agents of change. Many of you will know that as DUT, we have been driving this innovation and entrepreneurship agenda mainly because we realise that not all our students go directly to the formal sector, and it does take long for some of our students to get jobs. The question we need to ask ourselves as women, working with men of course, how do we become the agents of change, how do we contribute to ensuring that we mentor our youth so that they can become active self-sustaining citizens?” said Moyo.
The discussion included an inclusive panel of women such as Gender Activist of the South African Police Service, Advocate Major General Kabelo Mekute, Humanitarian and Medical Doctor, Dr Nirvadha Singh, Head of Teaching and Learning in the College of Law and Management at the College of Law at the University of KwaZulu Natal , Dr Annah Bengesai, Entrepreneur and Mrs Commonwealth SA finalist, Marlene Govender, Chairperson of the iQhakaza Ladies Network in DUT, Nokwanda Gamede and Regional General Manager at the Road Accident Fund, Ntsoaki Kunene.
Dr Nirvadha Singh elaborated on the role society plays in uplifting the dreams and aspirations of many women. “Society plays an important role in uplifting the dreams of our women, so that they can become the best engineers and design the most beautiful cars. There should be no dissection between a son or a daughter because at that stage that is where the dreams are all equal,” said Singh.
Advocate Major General Kabelo Mekute, motivated women to speak up against ethical injustices in the working environment. “When I was still a young police officer, you would find that the men would say because I am a woman, I should be doing police work within the community so that I stay “safe” but that is not how it works. If men in the force can go and do investigations and respond to calls of robbery, then you can too. Learn to speak up for yourself and take yourself seriously,” said Mekute.
Research, Innovation and Engagement Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibusiso Moyo, said she was pleased with the day’s proceedings. “I’m really happy with how today went. The fact that we were able to collaborate internally between the gender forum, research and Peace Oasis. Our panellists were also amazing. Each one comes from a very diverse background, we are grateful for the wealth of knowledge they shared with us today,” she said.
Pictured: Research, Innovation and Engagement Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Gender Activist of the South African Police Service: Advocate Major General Kabelo Mekute, Humanitarian and Medical Doctor: Dr Nirvadha Singh, Head of Teaching and Learning in the College of Law and Management in the College of Law at the University of KwaZulu Natal: Dr Annah Bengesai, Entrepreneur and Mrs Common Wealth SA finalist: Marlene Govender, Chairperson of the iQhakaza Ladies Network in DUT: Nokwanda Gamede, Regional General Manager at the Road Accident Fund: Ntsoaki Kunene and Kudakwashe Shoniwa.
Thembela Makhuba
