From left: Ms Varonique Philander, Founder of Legal Ascend and Chaya Legal, Ms Elona Ndlovu, Vice President: Small Businesses, Chartered Coach, Executive and Entrepreneurial Coach, Ms Zana Boshoff, Project Manager: Entrepreneurship, Ms Sive Mbangiswano, Lecturer: Business Support Studies, Ms Karen Snyman, EDHE (Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education) Chairperson for the Student Entrepreneurship Coordinators Community of Practice (SEC CoP), Dr Norah Clarke, founding Director of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, Prof. Alfred Ngowi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, Mr Kareli Kutwane, Business Development Officer and Ms Ellen Fischat, Founder of Story Room and Co-Founder of Inspiring African Women.

On 8 October 2024, the Central University of Technology (CUT) proudly launched the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), an initiative aimed at further empowering women students with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in entrepreneurship.

Against the backdrop of gender-based violence and the under-representation of women in business, SWEEP seeks to equip CUT women with resources to become entrepreneurs and leaders, driving economic change within their communities. The launch aligns with efforts of a continued increase to the representation of women in business and entrepreneurship, positioning CUT as a key player in the fight for gender equality in education and the workplace.

In her opening address, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, acknowledged the launch of SWEEP as a significant step towards gender equality and empowerment at the university. She emphasised the need for women students to find their voices and make substantial contributions in male-dominated spaces. She stated that the programme will provide the necessary tools, resources, and support to help them overcome challenges and succeed.

“This initiative holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited to witness the beginning of what I believe will be a transformative journey for our women students. This is an extension of many of our initiatives aimed at uplifting our CUT women.”

Prof. Dube further highlighted that SWEEP is more than just another university programme but rather a powerful movement to empower women students to break through barriers that have traditionally held them back. “With a distinct focus on economic empowerment and the liberation of women, SWEEP aligns with national efforts to increase the representation of women in business as entrepreneurs. We aim to see an increase in female-led startups on both our campuses over the next couple of years, as well as more women equipped with employability skills.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Norah Clarke, a renowned advocate for women’s economic empowerment, captivated the audience with her profound message about the challenges that women face, particularly in terms of self-confidence and societal expectations.

“The emphasis on how important it is for women to gain control over their economic futures is inspiring and thought-provoking. It’s not about waiting for someone else to provide the opportunity or expecting society to change overnight, but about taking the reins and creating those opportunities for oneself.”

Dr Clarke encouraged women to challenge the visible and invisible barriers they encounter, be it limited access to resources or societal pressures. She praised SWEEP for its focus on enabling women to generate their income and retain their dignity in the process, describing the programme’s vision as "an Africa where women have financial independence and no longer need to rely on others."

In a reflection on culture and humility, Dr Clarke urged women to navigate cultural values while building confidence. “Cultural values can sometimes unintentionally hold us back, and there’s a need to navigate these values while building confidence to take up space in leadership and entrepreneurship."