The SPU Women’s Month Public Lecture on 7 August 2024 was a remarkable celebration of women’s achievements and contributions. The event featured a keynote address by Dr Nthabiseng Moleko, a distinguished Development Economist and Senior Lecturer at the Stellenbosch Business School, and included interactive sessions focused on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the significant roles women play in various sectors. These discussions fostered a dialogue on advancing women’s rights and creating an inclusive society, aligning with the University’s commitment to social justice and development.
Ms Maureen Malaka, Director: Infrastructure Project Management and Acting Director of Facilities and Services at SPU, delivered the welcome and opening remarks. She highlighted the historical significance of Women’s Day, and the progression made by women at SPU, noting her own position in a career predominantly occupied by men. Her sentiments on the significance of women’s roles were echoed in Dr Nthabiseng Moleko’s keynote address, which underscored the critical role of women in societal transformation and economic development. Dr Moleko highlighted the high unemployment rates among black African women and their economic vulnerabilities. Education, she argued, is a significant game changer in addressing these disparities. She emphasized the importance of having women in HR director positions to tackle workplace inequality and called for universities to implement social programmes and policies to support those facing social violence and sexual harassment. She passionately advocated for funding women, asserting, “When you fund a woman, you fund a nation,” and stressed that entrepreneurship could alleviate economic vulnerability, but is often hindered by limited access to capital.
In her closing remarks, Ms Kashini Maistry, Director: Institutional Advancement, paid tribute to the women who have paved the way for future generations. She highlighted the significant strides made at SPU, where women are increasingly represented at all levels of the institution. Ms Maistry emphasized the responsibility to empower each other, stating, “We women have a responsibility to empower each other and those who are coming up behind us. We must not ‘pull her down’. We must lift as we rise so that the future is female.” She extended heartfelt thanks to Dr Nthabiseng Moleko, the event organizers, and special guests for their contributions.
The SPU Women’s Month Public Lecture highlighted the university’s commitment to democratic issues, gender equity, and women’s empowerment. The event left attendees inspired and motivated to contribute to a more inclusive society. Women at SPU are taking their place and space and embodying the principle of lifting as they rise.
The full event can be watched here.
