The HWSETA held a Gender Forum Webinar on 28 August 2020. The theme for the webinar was the Role of Women in Covid-19 crisis in honour of Women`s Month. The event was well attended by a variety of stakeholders representing the different sectors in which the HWSETA operates.
Mrs Elaine Brass, CEO, welcomed everyone and shared that as the HWSETA honours women in the sectors of Health, social development and veterinary science.The sector is made up of 70% women, and proud of the dedication and courage in the fighting of covid-19 for every precious person in our country today. We salute you for putting other people`s life’s before your own.
“The HWSETA also has a workforce made up of 63% women, the Chairman of our board is Dr Mnisi, a veterinary surgeon and a starring example to women for success and passion. The HWSETA`s board is comprised of 62% women, and over half of our Executive and Management team and at HWSETA is also made up of wonderful women, we are proud of you all”, she said.
The first speaker of the day was Robyn Clark, a maths educational specialist, with experience in teaching, lecturing and with designing educational resources. She is deeply passionate about making a difference in education in South Africa.
Her presentation focused on the effects of school closures on girls from vulnerable backgrounds and shared with us the education system of South Africa.She believes that many learners will be affected negatively due to school closure, more especially girls because attending school physically is often a ‘’safe space’’ for many. She highly recommends that school open with immediate effect given that all Covid-19 safety protocol are in place as this might have a longer effect on a girl child.
The second`s speakers of the day was Vuya Mazibuko , a qualified social worker registered with the South African Council Social Service Professional (SACSSP) .Her presentation focused on gender-based violence during covid-19. She shared with the audience that developing a women-led network to assist with education and awareness of health and social issue is crucial to all women during this tough time.
She believes that lockdown has cut off a lot of people, especially women from their support systems e.g. friends, psychologists and therapists.
She concluded by saying that the social and economic impacts of Covid-19 will be different for boys and girls, men and men: Increased economic insecurity may increase stress within the household, along with a GBV survivor`s economic dependence on their abuser`s, making it more difficult to leave,
