Gender Equality takes Centre Stage at Imbokodo Seminar

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Gender equality and women in leadership was discussed at a recent Imbokodo seminar at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Held at UKZN’s Unite building on the Howard College campus, the event was hosted by the University’s Human Resources Division in partnership with Corporate Relations.

Lecturer in the School of Law, Ms Janine Hicks spoke on developments in gender equality and the implications for the University.

Hicks encouraged all those present to be “troublemakers”, following in the footsteps of women who have made indelible marks in history with acts of defiance and civil disobedience.

She said while South Africa has made inroads in passing laws geared at gender equality, challenges existed with implementation. ‘We keep hearing that South Africa has good laws, but we are not so good at implementing them,’ said Hicks.

She cautioned that gender parity in top management at the University needs to be addressed – while 55% of the workforce at UKZN are women, she said only 27% of top management positions are occupied by women.

She commended the high enrolment of women at UKZN but suggested that women need more awareness and confidence in systems with regards to sexual harassment, rape and gender-based violence.

Independent Media’s Ms Vasantha Angamuthu looked at female leadership in a world of VUCA - volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Angamuthu cautioned against the ‘sticky floor’ - things that hold or pull women back - and encouraged all those present to ‘hook a sister up’ to ensure the development of other women.

The former journalist said she had learned life lessons from her grandmother, including ‘be kind always’ and to ‘step up and do what needs doing.’

Human Resources’ Mrs Busisiwe Ramabodu said Imbokodo had been conceptualised to inspire women leaders to achieve greatness while it also serves as a platform to engage on issues and for women at the University to network. Ramabodu led the women present at the event on a moment of silence to acknowledge and remember the scourge of violence against women and children, which seems to be on the rise, saying it has to STOP!

Ramabodu thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the event, including Music and Drama Perfomance graduate Ms Jamie-Lee Simons who entertained the crowd, with musical accompaniment by UKZN’s Professor Chats Devroop.

Words and photographs by: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer