The Central University of Technology joined the country in celebrating women’s month with a virtual seminar held on Tuesday 18 August 2020 at 17:00.

Facilitated by Reynell van der Ross, Industrial Psychologist and Senior Talent Management at CUT, the webinar featured women from all levels is the institution, who addressed issues faced by women under the theme: I am generation equality: realizing women’s rights.

In his welcoming, CUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof Henk de Jager said: “I wish each one of us, in South Africa and on the continent could stand up to say ‘I am generation equality: realizing women’s rights. And that is the commitment we are making as CUT and it is not only about targets it’s about changing culture.”

The panel included Mpho Mbeo: Faculty Officer, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT; Gloria Pule: Departmental Manager, Welkom Campus; Lucy Makhokolo; Third Year Student, Welkom Campus; Prof Freda van der Walt: Assistant Dean, Teaching And Learning, Faculty of Management Sciences and Dr Ntsoaki Malebo: Senior Director, Centre For Innovation and Learning CUT.

Mpho Mbeu shared statistics highlighting that women in education still tend to be underrepresented in leadership positions. “The university still has a long way to go to make sure that all of us are treated equally because women are competent leaders, yes there are policies in place, there are strides that the university is making to ensure that they are elevating women to top positions but there is still a gap that has to be closed.”

Gloria Pule touched on what exactly is referred to when we say women’s rights. “some of us are not really sure of what our rights are. We need to be educated, its high time as women in the CUT community to realise how important it is to be educated and to encourage each other to reach that level.”

Lucy Makhokolo added that it is important to remember that this month is not only bout celebrating women who are identified as women because they were born female. “As women, we need to stand together and be there for one another. In order to do this, we need to accept those individual as well.” 

Prof. Freda van der Walt highlighted the gender-based violence pandemic and mental health. “Whereas the COVID-19 strategy suggested that citizens should stay at home, this place of safety is exactly where gender-based violence is flourishing. Gender-based violence is detrimental to women’s health. Health does not imply survival. Because women are victims of GBV women often carry life-long hatred, anger and shame with them which intoxicates our minds; which should be our best friends but have now become a battlefield where we self-destruct rather than heal.”

Dr Ntsoaki Malebo talked about her journey of growth within CUT. “As a girl from a small town with no opportunities available for young girls. I came to CUT as a post-doctoral fellow, and I had to navigate my space within the university up until I reached the level that I am currently at. Surround yourself with women and men who will encourage you, who will push you because at the end of the day we stand on the shoulders of giants.”

In her absence, CUT Chancellor, Justice Mahube Molemela’s speech was presented by the VC. “As we demand what is due to us, let us remember the plea of those who are vulnerable and voiceless. Our institution CUT is undoubtedly a forward-looking university of technology. Four years ago, it appointed its first female chancellor, living up to its motto that CUT is a cut about the rest.”

Watch the full discussion on CUT's Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/CUTFreeState/videos/225420492151899/