The South African Women in Energy Network (Sawien) launched its first annual South African Women in Energy Awards in Gauteng last month to celebrate women and validate their hard work in advancing the energy landscape.
“The role each of us play in the energy landscape is emphasised through the formation of Sawien. Women can and must play an active role in the planning, producing, supplying and managing of energy. “There can be no sustainable energy for all unless women tap into the energy sector, engage with the industry and provide expertise that can bring about change,” said Sawien founder Marlene van Rooyen during the ceremony.
British High Commission political counsellor Danae Dholakia was one of the speakers and indicated how, as one of the funders of the Sawien, the commission believed in South Africa and the UK’s joint work on climate change, energy work and the combined goals in empowering women.
She stated that, although South Africa had a strong women-in-energy focus, less publicised achievements and successful women in other industries also needed exposure.
“Women are scattered across industries within the sector and this network will bring together all the women from different industries whose focus is in the energy sector. The network will also provide a platform for women in male-dominated environments to share ideas, career strategies and knowledge on how to capacitate women in South Africa,” Dholakia mentioned.