In a heartfelt and impassioned keynote address at the Women and Youth in Construction Summit held in Mahikeng, North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Elizabeth Mokua, expressed a clarion call to both women and youth to actively pursue opportunities within the predominantly male-dominated construction sector.
However, her address was not limited to professional aspirations; it also confronted the pressing issue of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) that continues to plague communities across South Africa. During her speech, Mokua highlighted the profound social and economic ramifications of GBVF, emphasising that it’s an affront to human dignity and autonomy.
“Gender-Based Violence and Femicide has a significant social, economic consequence and undermines a person’s dignity, autonomy and makes them feel helpless and vulnerable. It is therefore necessary that collectively, we hold perpetrators accountable and protect our young girls and boys,” she said, urging the attendees to confront this societal scourge together.In a bid to empower young women, Mokua implored them to embrace their true worth beyond physical appearances.
“Young ladies, you are not your physical appearance, you are more than that. It’s high time that we stand up for ourselves,” she declared, amidst applause from the audience. Her candid remarks highlighted the importance of personal agency in addressing and challenging the norms that often lead to unhealthy dynamics in relationships.The MEC also made a poignant observation about the role women play in the current landscape of gender-based exploitation.
“We cannot enjoy blaming men for these atrocities, we must stand up. We cannot normalise exploiting men in the hope of getting something for ourselves because whether we like it or not, we have a role to play,” she further stated, acknowledging the complexities involved in the discussion of gender relations.Mokua stressed that coherent, collective action is required from all community members to combat social ills effectively.
She called for increased support towards initiatives aimed at creating safe and healthy communities for the younger generation, stating that such programs are vital for fostering an environment free from fear and violence.Despite recognising the budget constraints that the department faces, which can hinder outreach efforts, Mokua reaffirmed her commitment to fighting GBVF and encouraged private partnerships to invest in local initiatives.
“We are committed to enforcing strict inclusive policies when awarding projects to eligible contractors,” she added, illustrating the government’s intention to ensure equitable opportunities in the industry.
As the summit concluded, it was evident that the path forward hinges not only on governmental initiatives but on the active participation and resilience of women and youth. Mokua’s stirring address served as a reminder that while the construction sector may be a challenging field to navigate, collective resolve can pave the way for a future of equal opportunity and safety.
