Local women recognised in Women’s Month

Women’s Month is a great time to share stories about the women who have inspired members of their community.

Florida CPF chairperson Farhaad Sardiwalla as well as Florida police station’s Colonel Amos Tsotetsi agreed that a crucial aspect of Women’s Month is empowerment and giving recognition to local women who go out of their way to ensure the well-being of their community.

“With Women’s Month drawing to an end, the Florida CPF would like to honour a few of the amazing women across the Florida precinct, who add so much value by serving and leading the community.

“Their dedication, sacrifice and loyalty to the Florida community do not go unnoticed, and the Florida CPF would like to say thank you,” said Sardiwalla.

The selfless women whom the community of Florida and surrounding areas has paid tribute to are Charney Müller, Betty Ivy Mabuso, Sumaya Sataar Collins, Shawhaal de Villiers and Leanne Cloete for the outstanding work they do in their community.

The Record sent a few questions to the five women to ask their opinions about Women’s Month.

Charney Müller – 30

• Organisation you represent?

ComMed Emergency Response

• What does this organisation do to assist the community?

ComMed is a non-profit community-based emergency medical response service operating in the Roodepoort and surrounding areas.

• What is your function in these organisations?

I am a volunteer for ComMed.

• What does your organisation do to empower women?

In our organisation everyone has an equal say, we allow people to join our team on merit and not on gender.

ComMed always ensures that our women are safe because of the reality of women not being as safe as men on scenes, and that we are adequately equipped.

• What does Women’s Day or Month mean to you?

To me it’s just an absolute great day. We celebrate women, acknowledge and honour them around the world for the contributions we make to society each day.

• How would you address the cultural issues that form the background of the gender pay gap?

I would say support women into more senior roles, be transparent, and implement gender-neutral recruitment processes. Ensure that you encourage women to progress, and provide equal learning and development opportunities.

• What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially in the workplace?

I think women should learn, because knowledge is power, move confidently into male-dominated areas and speak up as well as prepare to react to any inappropriate or discriminating comments made towards you as a woman.

• What would you change about the assumptions men make about women?

I would change the fact that men assume women are less capable than men. I would want them to embrace working side-by-side with women on any and every front.

Betty Ivy Mabuso – 50

• Organisation you represent?

South African Police Service

• What does this organisation do to assist the community?

We combat and prevent crime.

• What is your function in these organisations?

I am Acting Vispol Commander.

• What does your organisation do to empower women?

We do awareness campaigns on gender-based violence and encourage women to join GBV brigades.

• What does Women’s Day or Month mean to you?

It reminds us how special and important women were to take the initiative to march to Pretoria.

• What are the most effective ways to counteract the negative stereotypes of feminism, especially in the workplace?

We should always preach the gospel that women must not be discriminated against because of their gender.

• What would you change about the assumptions men make about women?

The stigma around women and empowering more women into the higher positions and make sure that women are happy at all times.

Sumaya Sataar Collins – 55

• Organisation you represent?

Florida CPF and Florida CPF Sector 2

• What do these organisations do to assist the community?

Trying to keep the community safe by responding to the community’s needs in emergencies and crime-related issues, patrolling the area, first aid counselling, etc.

• What is your function in these organisations?

I am part of the Exco as vice secretary for Florida CPF, part of the exco as treasurer for Florida CPF Sector 2 as well as an active first responder, patroller and first-aider.

• What does your organisation do to empower women?

CPF has women on the exco boards, women sit in meetings and help run the organisation, and women patrol and respond to emergencies in the community.

CPF has women forums with a group of women ready to assist any woman in need in our community.

• What does Women’s Day or Month mean to you?

A day to acknowledge and honour women around the world for the contributions we make to society each day.

Women’s Day reminds me of the brave step taken 66 years ago (in 1956) by women to protest against the control of movement of women of colour during the apartheid era.

It encourages me to continue empowering women in all aspects of gender discrimination.

• What can men do to help to achieve equality?

Actively listen to women’s perspectives, reflect on your own power and privilege as a man, credit your female co-workers’ ideas fairly, advocate for gender-equitable policies in the workplace, challenge sexism, and speak up when you hear sexist language.

Leanne Cloete – 38

• Organisation you represent?

Gauteng Dragon Boat Association and Florida Lake Dragon Boat Club

• What do these organisations do to assist the community?

The organisation runs a development programme for youth, allowing them to take part in the water sport.

The programmes are aimed at not only growing the sport but enriching the lives of our youth and community, keeping them out of the negative situations that may present themselves.

We also have adult/ family groups participating in the sport. As we live stressful and busy lives, we encourage participation as adults and family units for mental and physical health.

• What is your function in these organisations?

Developing and training teams

• What does your organisation do to empower women?

Our organisation has dedicated female crews and coaches, training to represent our country locally and abroad. We also focus on events dedicated to breast cancer survivors/ fighters/ supporters and how they can keep physically active within a support crew.

Training with coaches who can assist and understand their needs.

• How do you succeed in a male-dominated environment?

I don’t see my industry as male-dominated. Females have achieved positions on merit.

We should have the knowledge and confidence to excel in our respective positions and not see gender as an issue.

Shawhaal de Villiers – 51

• Organisation you represent?

Communities United Foundation (CUF).

• What does this organisation do to assist the community?

CUF endeavours to assist community households and individuals with food packs, community feeding schemes and to distribute sandwiches and fruit to waiting patients at the Helen Joseph breast clinic.

When I was thinking of creating the NPO the restoration of human dignity was the driving force.

The lack of food security during the Covid pandemic reinforced the need for this organisation.

• What does your organisation do to empower women?

At the moment not enough, but medium to long term plans will definitely include programmes that will assist in empowering women to believe in themselves and their ability to contribute positively to their well-being.

• Why haven’t we achieved equality, despite legislation in place regarding pay?

My view is that there are not enough women at the helm of organisations who can assist in driving this agenda.

The appointment of women in positions of influence is slow and should be fast-tracked if we wish to see change in our lifetime.

• What would you change about the assumptions men make about women?

This is a tough one. Small steps, consistent behaviour; my view is that women try too hard to prove that we are equal in the workplace, thus we lose our femininity.

If we focus on being effective empowering leaders we begin to lead by example.

• How do you succeed in a male-denominated environment?

I think with the understanding that there is space for both genders in society and the workplace.

Remain true to yourself, your training and the ability to deliver with the task at hand.

• What can men do to help to achieve equality?

Educate themselves as far as possible, actively listen to women’s perspectives, reflect on their individual power and privilege as a man.

Furthermore, challenge sexism and speak up when they hear sexist language.