August 26
The COGTA Eastern Cape Women’s Day Celebration at
Kaysers Beach delivered a message that deserves to resonate
long after the event itself While the programme celebrated
the achievements, resilience and contributions Of women. it
also challenged the Department and its cmployccs to
confront a more important question: what does real
empowerment 100k in practice?
Ms Thando Sonjica
The answer heard throughout the day was clear.
Empowerment cannot be reduced to annual
commemorations. craned speeches or photographs taken at the end or a e True
empowerment is reflected in everyday workplace experiences. It is found in how opportunities arc
distributed, how grievances are addressed, how leaders exercise authority and how colleagues treat one
another When no one is watching.
The discussions revealed that women are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fair
treatment. are asking for safe workplaces free from harassment and intimidation. They are asking
for access to training, mentorship and professional development opportunities that for
leadership positions They arc asking to by heard, respected and supported.
Equally important was the call for accountability_ participants made it clear that recurring conversations
empowerment must lead to visible action. Too oncn, Important concerns are raised during
commemorative programmes only to disappear from institutional consciousness once thc event
concludes. If empowerment initiatives are to remain meaningful, they must be accompanied by
measurable interventions and continuous monitoring. Their Success Cannot be measured only by
attendance figures, but by tangible improvements in workplacc culture, Icadcrship development and
employee wellbeing.
