Improving women’s presence within male populated industries, have been a topic debated over many years, in fact into 2024.   Some of the common challenges still faced by most women are: pay disparity, sexual harassment and bullying, pregnancy discrimination, imposter syndrome, lack of equal opportunities and the list goes on.  “As a women I can identify with at least four of the above in my working career of 23 years” says Ankia Roux, Co-Founder of Pinpoint Stewards.   “The fact is, so many of these challenges can be overcome but instead women choose to sometimes just move on.”  Added to the challenges are male populated industries where women are fighting to stand their ground to ensure they not only lead in the Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation sectors but pave the road for others to follow, literally. 

Organised by Pinpoint Stewards a women-owned SA conference company, the 3rd Annual Women and Leadership conference for women in Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation will take place on 28 & 29 February at central hub of business, the Hilton Hotel, Sandton, Johannesburg. The conference will not only tackle the various challenges mentioned above but also focus on the successes and inroads made within these sectors, by women.

Name and fame – 16 Women will be taking to the podium over the 2-day conference to develop, unite and empower others – It’s DUE being the theme of the conference. Leading by example of exceptional tenacity is Deputy Minister for the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Bernice Swarts who will deliver the opening address on day one of the conference showing the urgency for reform in the industry as well as share future opportunities available to women.

Deliberating on the barriers to women's entry into STEM will be Tshegofatso Sibambato, civil engineer, Zutari.  Addressing unconscious bias in the workplace and the host of challenges facing women in engineering will be Phindi Mthambama Africa brewing and quality director AB – INBEV. State owned entity SANRAL, Nthwana Ngoma is ICT services and operation lead and she will  focus her presentation on how organisations can change company culture and pave the way to introduce more women into ICT careers.  Gugulethu Ndlovu, project manager, SANRAL will discuss 5 tips leaders should apply in managing teams.  Naomi Naidoo, founder, Pink Africa Consulting and board member of CESA will elaborate on letting your work speak for itself and not being labelled as either a man or a woman but rather be referred to as an exceptional worker.  Looking at the synergy between renewable energy and green engineering with a special focus on infrastructure projects will be Alisha Raghoonanan, project manager, Enel Green Power.  Representing the SA Agency for Science and Technology & NRF, Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia will be determining ways to change the current statistics. Giving an African perspective and tackling women in STEM will be the acting DG of Technology and Innovation from the National Department of Science and Innovation, Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl. Eskom’s General Manager for Research, Training and Development, Prudence Madiba, will address becoming an employer of choice for engineering, infrastructure and innovation professionals and how industry can attract and retain their women workforce. Head of Sustainability Strategy at Sasol, Charvinia Naidu, will eco a private sector perspective on attracting and retaining women in the workforce and how to remain the employer of choice. Dr Adwoa Boaduo Issaka, unit manager Safety at Goldfields will be looking at what the organisation is doing to empower women in STEM from a micro perspective and looking at the bigger picture in encouraging more women. 

A panel debating the subject of using charters, policies and frameworks to support equal opportunities for women will be facilitated by Chairperson from WiMSA, Raksha Naidoo and Thabile Nkomo, MD, Tshepa Basadi.  These are just some of the speakers, delegates can look forward meeting.

With the help of media partners, Engineering News, African Mining and association WiMSA  the formidable speakers are profiled and the event marketed through their platforms to not only engage industry to support women in these sectors but to also take note of local talent.

Survivor Exit Foundation has been selected as beneficiary to the conference and a percentage of profits will be donated to support their cause against sexual exploitation and GBV.

Pinpoint Stewards have industry conference experience spanning over two decades. They are a 100% women owned, Level 2 B-BBEE company.

For more information to attend, host a table or be branded in support of women in industry contact info@pinpointstewards.co.za