In recent times, SAWomEng has been accused of being a feminist organisation.  We have had to explain why the need for a an organisation such as ours.  We have even been told that we are a "support" group for women, and we are not needed in the industry.  I would like to take the opportunity to dispel a few misconceptions. SAWomEng is in no means a support group for women or a feminist organisation, everything but.  Over the last five years, our mandate is to increase the number of women in engineering.  This is why we have three very different divisions, GirlEng, our flagship division, the SAWomEng conference, and now SAWomEng@network. The five founding pillars of the organisation is just that, to breakdown stereotypes, and to make engineering more accessible to female students, and to showcase the potential and ingenuity of female engineers. Part of the conference is the technical project, where our delegates are required to find engineering solutions to social problems.  In 2010, we hope to implement these technical projects, and help members of the community, who need services the most.

 
We do not discriminate against males,in fact, our various divisions have males on our committees organising events for students. We will not change the industry, by excluding males, they form a very important part of the organisation and many of our corporate sponsors and biggest marketers for SAWomEng are male engineers. At this years national conference, our networking cocktail function is aimed at engineering stakeholders - an opportunity for anyone who is in the industry, or interested in the industry to attend, irrespective of gender.  It is accompanied by an engineering expo - which will happen on the same night.  It is something that has not previously been hosted by the engineering industry, and it is a great marketing and networking platform, and an evening to celebrate engineering.
 
With all said, I hope that you see that SAWomEng is not a book club, or a vehicle for women to feel sorry for themselves or have a chip on their shoulders about being a women in engineering.  We are NOT a support group.  Women engineers do not need a support group.  It is a platform for excellence, career development, and forming networks with key industry stakeholders.   .SAWomEng is committed to increasing the numbers of women engineers in South Africa and not as a prejudice against male engineers. As an organisation, we believe that South Africa needs engineers (full-stop). It is thus our duty to create an engineering South Africa which is accessible to all. As the industry is currently male-dominated, dealing with the shortage of women engineers is the first logical step. 

Last year alone, 300 female students, from disadvantaged and rural communities attended our workshops and were educated about the wonderful opportunities that a career in engineering has to offer. They were given mentors and interacted with positive role models. Many of them are studying engineering at tertiary institutes around South Africa because of SAWomEng.  We have many success stories of female students at the SAWomEng conference, now working at our sponsoring companies because of the platform we have provided.  So with all said, I remain unapologetic for the work we do at SAWomEng.  I am proud to work with all individuals to create a positive change in South Africa and invite you to attend any one of our functions and see for yourself.