We wrapped up women’s month with a bang as the SAMSA women dressed up in their traditional gear and attended the WOMESA AGM.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was hosted by the Department of Transport in Durban as part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality, leadership development, and the meaningful participation of women in the maritime sector.
WOMESA is an initiative established under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Women in Maritime Programme to advance the participation, leadership, empowerment and professional development of women in the maritime sector. Since its launch in 2008, it has served as a platform for strengthening gender equality, capacity building, leadership development and regional cooperation across the maritime industry.
The AGM included attendance by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa who delivered the keynote address that reaffirmed government’s commitment to the empowerment, development and advancement of women in South Africa’s maritime sector. The second day of the AGM included a clean-up operation at the Durban port where the attendees of the AGM participated in a clean up activation that is a testament to the positive role that women play in the communities around them.
Women’s month has come to be an important observation because of the women who have historically made sacrifices that have contributed to making our country a better place for all. We see this too at the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) as the impact that SAMSA women make is undeniable. From the women who keep our offices clean and organised, to the young minds that need to be developed and nurtured, to the decision makers, the movers and shakers, all of whom keep SAMSA’s engine running.
We showed this appreciation by putting together care packs that were sent to all SAMSA women to remind them that they matter. It has definitely been a month to remember.
