Roll up your sleeves and get involved with the MISA’s Women’s Forum.

 

Every day members witness the extraordinary work the representatives of the Union’s Women’s Forum and their teams are doing nationwide. 

 

Through the projects of the Forum, MISA has become a beacon of hope for non-profit organizations by strengthening their hands to continue serving.

 

Martlé Keyter, Chief Executive Officer: Operations, founded the Women’s Forum in August 2009, the objectives are as follows:

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• To raise general awareness and to increase the understanding of gender equality issues in the “world of work”;

• To increase women’s economic and financial independence and decision-making;

• To address issues relating to pregnancy, balancing work and family life, to promote flexibility in working conditions and enhancing social benefits;

• To address issues on access to education and training;

• To assist women to live above the expectations of society;

• To establish social dialogue between MISA, female members and employers, to address conditions of employment through collective bargaining;

• To assist and train women in non-traditional work roles;

• To identify obstacles for women workers to join trade unions; and

• To build alliances with other women's organisations.

 

Through MISA, women invest in skills, knowledge and lifelong learning experiences.  We are the vanguard of basic workers’ rights and carry the obligatory responsibility to adequately protect and promote the interests of women in the workplace.

 

As a trade union, MISA is a leader in the quest for a more just and decent society in which our members can control their own destiny. MISA believes in Ubuntu, humanity to others.

 

By taking hands with a network of individuals and organisations in our MISA FAMILY, we can achieve so much more and allow our members to play their part in building a better South Africa for generations to come.

 

We need all the help we can get. If you can make a contribution or have a suggestion for the Women’s Forum, please don’t hesitate to contact Karen Gouws on (041) 364 0102 or Karen.Gouws@ms.org.za

 

 

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Candice puts Upington on the map

 

Candice de Beer was overcome with emotion after realising she had made history as the first recipient of the MISA Woman of the Year Award in the Northern Cape.

 

 “It felt like a dream when Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, announced my name. I started shivering and I cried. I realised that I was making history for the Northern Cape, but especially for Upington.

 

 “Whenever you tell people that you are from Upington, they will ask where it is. I have always known that Upington and its people are hidden gems, and it is an honor to be able to show our town that the sky is the limit for all of us. Upington is now on the map,” says the Service Advisor at Upington Toyota.

 

She was the regional finalist for the prestigious award for two consecutive years in the Free State/Northern Cape region.

 

“My sister, Lee-Ann Procter, also a MISA member, nominated me this year. She said I should not give up before I achieved my goal. Last year I was very shy. This year I realized how much I have grown as a person thanks to the journey.

 

 She can’t wait to join MISA’s leadership on an educational trip to the United States where they will attend the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

“I want a photo next to the sign saying ‘Welcome to Las Vegas,’ and I want to visit the Elvis Chapel. That is on my bucket list.”

 

According to Ria Bronkhorst, one of the judges, she was impressed with De Beer’s community work and her ability to think on her feet when she was asked to answer a difficult question.

 

"She is spontaneous and driven.” Ester de Beer, another judge, says De Beer is set to make a difference wherever she can.

 

“She wanted to prove to the women of Upington that where there is a will, there is a way and was determined to try again, and to keep on trying despite setbacks and disappointments. She has nerves of steel.”