UCT AIR Celebrates Women
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- Published on Thursday, 16 August 2012 09:25
- Written by Robyn Thomas
UCT hosted a Women's Day workshop to celebrate the empowerment of women as well as the many facets that make up females as individuals.
On Saturday 11 August 2012, UCT AIR hosted a Women’s Day workshop for female students to commemorate the empowerment of South African women.
Campaign coordinator, Simone Franks said the objective of the Women's Day workshop was to celebrate the many facets that make up a woman as an individual. “We wanted to host an event for female students that specifically catered to their needs, that is, looking at what women want, and celebrating that.”
Managed by students and held within the Development and Alumni Department (DAD) at the University of Cape Town, UCT AIR aims to provide students with networking opportunities, getting students excited about events and societies on campus, and bridging the gap between students and alumni.
Franks said the objective of UCT AIR is to create a sense of pride and belonging in students for their Alma mater, both currently registered and graduated alumni. “We are basically a support structure for students and alumni. From day one as a registered student, you become an alumnus and UCT AIR is there to help you along the journey of becoming a graduate”.
Located at the Central African Studies (CAS) gallery, the event included breakfast and lunch, as well as gift bags upon arrival. Seating over 50 female students, many were intrigued by the line-up of speakers stretching from 10:30 am to 17:00pm.
Sive Nyanda, a second year Health Sciences student, was particularly interested in Zandi Vaveka’s talk on professionalism. Vaveka, an alumnus of the Graduate School of Business, presented a workshop on how women can be professional as students. Vaveka suggested that the key to professionalism is “taking value in opportunities and relationships and dressing for the job you want and not the job you have”.
Nyanda said she would be walking away with much knowledge gained. “I think it was a good idea for UCT AIR to organise this event for us. The talks were relevant and helpful”.
Furthermore, Glamour Magazine’s fashion editor, Bronwyn Day had much to say about the top trends for summer 2012/2013. Day provided guests with tips on wardrobe essentials and appropriate dress codes for certain events.
Among the contributors was French Cosmetic skincare house, Clarins, promoting an affordable skincare range for women with an active lifestyle specifically suited for students. Each guest was offered samples of Clarins products to try at home.
Director of Adventure Bootcamp for women, Huena Salsana, presented guests with inspiration for exercise by highlighting the short and long term benefits of exercising. Salsana noted that exercise should be prioritised above studies and socialising as it contributes to health, increase in metabolism and improving one’s mood.
Ihata women’s shelter, shared their experiences as a shelter for women and abused children, also thanking UCT AIR for making a contribution to them as they had planned a clothes drive for the organisation prior to the event. .
The success of the Women’s Day workshop follows a comedy show that UCT AIR hosted at the postgrad pub in May this year. More information about UCT AIR and their events can be found on their Facebook page or twitter page: @UCTAIR.