Special day for women in water and forestry

By Mishkah Anthony
5 August 2008

This year the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry says, National Women’s Day is a special day for most women but this year it will be more so for women in the water and forestry sectors.

The department is conducting nationwide consultations with women; this will culminate with the formation of Women in Water Affairs and Forestry Organisation to be launched by the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry, Lindiwe Hendricks on the 29 August 2008.

In her speech to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Lekgotla, on the 15 July 2008, Hendricks said ever since she arrived at the DWAF, she suggested the department grow beyond the awards and create a platform for women in the water and forestry sectors to mobilise and organise themselves more effectively.

The Western Cape will host two consultative workshops on Saturday, 9th August at Mbekweni Community Hall in Paarl as well as at the Thembalethu Thusong Service Centre in George from 8am till 4pm.

Simpiwe Mashicila from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry says the department is trying to recognised women in the sector who contributed to the water and sanitation initiative, especially from civil society and the community.

“The way forward is to have a women in water forum, with programmes that run right through the year instead of celebrating one day out 365 days.” Mashicila added

The workshops will also discuss Women in Water and Forestry Awards, the 2008 Awards ceremony will be preceded by the launch of the Women in Water and Forestry Organisation on the 29 August.

Women, women groups, women cooperatives, NGOs and other stakeholders have an opportunity to nominate individuals with outstanding contribution in water, sanitation and forestry related projects.