WATW? : Iterim and final report CGH001

Abstract

The primary issue that the WATW? Project addressed was lack of representation of women across all sugar industry sectors, noticeable to all observers, including Government Census 2004. This lack of women’s perspective, and particular skills, often in research, negotiation and networking, has been a factor in some of the thorniest issues which beset the industry: Inward looking, overly politicised, and protectionist. So, the particular perspective and thinking that women may bring to a meeting, a project, and decision making in general, has been lacking, and the industry suffers accordingly.

The lack of numbers of women throughout the value chain doesn’t encourage lone women to ‘break in’, and events in the past have ensured that if they do, then they will need to be of a sturdy and determined type. Women tend to lack confidence, even though often qualified beyond requirements. (Pini, B. 2003).

The WATW? Project addressed the issue by encouraging and supporting women, in very small, medium, and large groups, to learn to network, and to gain confidence and profile in their roles.