Promoting value chain opportunities for socio-economic empowerment of women in the housing sector will come under the spotlight at the Human Settlements Women Indaba and Exhibition in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will this weekend host the Indaba and Exhibition to showcase and unlock socio-economic opportunities for women in the housing sector.
The two-day Indaba to be held from 19-20 August 2023 at Lucrecia Primary School in Roodepan, will focus on promoting value chain opportunities for socio-economic empowerment of women, including access to market, finance and leveraging on innovative building technologies.
While women have been at the centre of housing delivery over the years, the department said, their full participation in the sector is still lacking.
The department said the gathering happens at a significant time as the nation commemorates Women’s Month and provides a platform for government to cast the spotlight on the transformation agenda for women in the sector through policy.
“The policy includes, among others, enforcing the allocation of 40% of government procurement spent to women-owned businesses, implementing skills development programmes for women and women-owned business, and supporting women to set up their businesses and gain experience through incubator and mentorship programmes,” the department said.
The Indaba will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women Empowerment”.
The department said the outcomes of the Indaba are expected to be integrated into the new Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) starting in 2024 and ultimately, the National Development Plan (NDP). – SAnews.gov.za
