Women in Health Given a Boost with New Bursary Opportunities

Empowering Women in Health: A New Wave of Bursary Opportunities

Women’s Education Takes Centre Stage

At the event, five female staff members from the department were awarded bursaries, symbolising a major step towards gender equality in healthcare. These opportunities give women across the province better resources to enhance their skills and make lasting impacts in health services.

The Path to Empowerment: Bursary Details

In partnership with STADIO Higher Education, the GDoH offers financial support to women pursuing higher studies. This bursary programme embodies a commitment to building a resilient, skilled healthcare workforce. The focus mainly lies in encouraging women to excel in sectors traditionally dominated by men and to assume leadership roles.

Today, 253 women representing 71% of bursary recipients are enrolled in the GDoH programme. It spans fields like public management, human resources, and finance, tackling skills shortages and bolstering an efficient health system.

A Story of Success: Diketso Makhele

Diketso Makhele, an administrator in GDoH’s Communication Chief Directorate, shares her inspiring journey:

“The Human Resource Development (HRD) programme has helped me immensely with my studies, and continues to do so. Education is something no one can take away from you, and it helps you grow in your career.”

Diketso’s story highlights the challenges of balancing study, work, and family, and shows how investing in women’s education spurs both personal and professional growth.

Why It Matters: Promoting Women’s Empowerment in Health

The Women’s Month theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All,” emphasises that strong economies depend on empowered women. Samantha Ngindi from the HRD division revealed growing interest in diverse qualifications (from IT to finance and management) key to building an inclusive and dynamic healthcare system.

Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Alongside education, the initiative encourages women to explore entrepreneurship and leadership. Events during Women’s Month focused on mindset shifts to foster women’s growth and success within healthcare and beyond.

Creating a Skilled and Resilient Healthcare Workforce

GDoH’s bursary programme is part of a broader strategy to develop an innovative workforce capable of tackling present and future health challenges. With women forming a large portion of this workforce, the department is committed to inclusivity, providing continuous professional development opportunities.

Supporting Women Beyond Education

Beyond bursaries, the department offers mentorship, training, and personal development initiatives fostering confidence and leadership. Financial independence was also addressed during the event, with experts like Motlatjo Nkadimeng from Old Mutual stressing the importance of discipline and long-term financial goals.

A Future of Empowered Women in Healthcare

The clear message celebrating Women’s Month is that empowered women build thriving communities. By investing in women’s education and leadership, Gauteng is paving the way for a resilient health sector and a stronger economy.

The Bigger Picture: Healthcare’s Future is Female

The new bursaries come at a pivotal time as the healthcare sector faces rapid change. By equipping women with the tools they need, GDoH ensures gender equality becomes ingrained in all areas; innovation, management, and service delivery; leading to overall improved access to quality healthcare.