Local college equips women with skills

EAST C recently held a DIY Women Skilling Initiative event dedicated to fostering practical skills and professional growth among women.

The event featured presentations and success stories, networking opportunities, workshops and demonstrations aimed at teaching women how to complete simple DIY projects.

EAST C CEO Dovhani Mamphiswana spoke to the Kempton Express.

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“The event is aimed at empowering women with artisan skills.

“We have termed it Yes She Can, meaning a woman is capable of doing things on her own with skills acquired in the artisan space,” he said.

He added that he has seen an increase in women joining EAST C.

“Government declared the past decade (2014-2024) as the decade of artisans with the aim of promoting it as a career of choice among the youth.

“It is key to get more women in this space which was regarded as a male industry.”

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Mamphiswana added that he hopes the event will change the way women perceive career as artisans.

“Based on where we come from, we grew up thinking women belong in the kitchen, but we’re now looking at a new Africa that empowers women and gives women skills.

“If you want to change the lives of women, there’s nothing that will change them as quicker as artisanal skills,” said EAST C tech group chairman, Mulalo Thabela.

He added that the school offers women skills such carpentry, electrical, plumbing and even something as simple as tyre changing.

Beyond this, women are also taught how to make a living from these skills.

EAST C Electrical Engineering NQ Level 4 student, Nadia Smith, said electrical engineering is not that difficult as long you put your mind to it.

Speaking on women being looked down on in the artisanal industry, she said there is still a stigma around the narrative that women can’t do what men can.

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“If we can show that we do have the will power to do what men can do, nothing can stop us.

“To the young girl who is being discouraged about getting into this industry, if you have the willpower to get what you want, go for it.

“Don’t be afraid to fail because failure is a stepping stone to greatness,” she said.

Matshepo Rapulana, carpenter at EAST C, said that this event was important as it empowers women to do things themselves without having to wait for assistance.

“I grew up in a family that believes certain jobs are for men only but that did not discourage me.

“I want young girls to know that the world is changing and it is important for women to have such skills and broaden up their world,” she said.