Durban — Women’s welfare in the workplace came under the spotlight at the Public Servants Association of South Africa (PSA) Women’s Day event at Sastri College in Durban on Friday.
The theme was the role of women leadership in the public sector and the role played by the government in advocating the interests of women in South Africa. The event celebrated women excelling in the public service and exploring innovative opportunities for the public sector.
Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya said it is important to celebrate women who are powerful and caring, even forgiving men who hurt them. The need for men who protect women is growing, he said, and women need to stop allowing men to get away with injustices perpetrated against them.
“You should not allow them to bully you. You are smart and brilliant and the system has many opportunities you can use for your benefit. The government has given you power. You can start by voting for other women to represent you in government,” he said.
Women in the audience were given an opportunity to voice their concerns. One of the attendees said they need intervention in their workplaces because the nursing profession is dominated by women but they are still being bullied by managers in this profession. The woman requested health MEC Nomagugu Simelane visit Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi. The woman claimed the hospital was understaffed, staff were given written warnings without due process being followed, and they were denied leave.
Another audience member said there has to be race integration programmes in the workplace. She said often for peace to reign people have to compromise. She said women in particular face stereotypes, they are victimised, and not given the opportunity to grow from being offered contract positions that limit their ability to self-develop.
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Daily News