MechChem Africa September 2019

⎪ Local manufacturing, production and food processing ⎪

It has been said that a country that does not fully exploit the potential of women is only using half the nation’s intellectual capacity.With the Women in Steel event, the SAISC seeks to show its commitment to encouraging women to be proactive and contribute to the industry and the global market. SAISC leads steel industry towards female future

doing things need to be embraced. There are no small roles. We believe that the SAISC’s drive to encourage and foster more inclusive representation throughout the steel sector is integral to positioning the entire industry for success,” says SAISC marketing manager, Denise Sherman. “In an industry context, ‘See Yourself in Steel’ is about recognising and being proud of the part you play in the story of SouthAfrican steel, and our Women in Steel event speaks to and links directly with that messaging,” she concludes. The speakers at this year’s event included women with direct industry experience, who have carved their way into leadership roles in a male-dominated industry. They provided insights to women in the industry, about how to stand out and get a seat at the ‘table’. q This year’s Women in Steel event had all levels of the industry attending, from shop floor level all the way up to management.

“ T he steel industry, likemany other ‘heavy’ industries is still seen as male-dominated,eventhoughwe have many women in different professional capacities and roles doing great things in steel. The SouthernAfrican Institute of Steel Construction (SAISC) is determined to challenge the perception that the steel industry is a club for men alone,” says SAISC CEO, Paolo Trinchero. “We need to acknowl- edge and celebrate our talented and capable women in steel,” he asserts. SAISChasavisionof50%femalerepresen- tationonitsboardandisproudtoleadtheway with its first female Chairwoman, Nicolette Skjoldhammer. The inclusion of women, SAISC believes, is a catalyst for change and will ultimately boost industry transformation and growth.

“The event is a great opportunity where women can connect with and inspire each other, share vital skills and tips on expanding theirinfluencewithinthesector,andadvocate for greater career success,” explains SAISC corporate marketing and events manager Liezel Weber. “The first Women in Steel event was held last year, where we had over 80 women join us – the response was amazing. This year’s eventwasnodifferentandwehadthesupport of our first-ever event sponsors, Stewarts and Lloyds and ProRoof, who are just as passion- ate about this event as we are,” she adds. As part of its 2019 marketing campaign, the SAISC has adopted the slogan ‘See Yourself in Steel’. “For the steel ecosystem to thrive, every- one has to step up and new ideas and ways of

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