Introduction

Women in Nuclear South Africa (WINSA) was officially launched at a workshop hosted by Susan Shabangu, the former Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, in August 2003.

The workshop brought together more than 140 women from a wide spectrum of backgrounds to deliberate on the challenges facing women in nuclear fields, the opportunities available to these women and the mechanisms for maximising such opportunities. As an organisation, WINSA aims to gather and disseminate information at national, regional and global levels. WINSA also targets organisations and institutions in South Africa that pursue objectives similar or complementary to those of WINSA.

As laid out in WINSA's charter, our vision is to be the leading organisation promoting the participation of women in South Africa in the various nuclear related fields and supporting them to realise their full potential in those fields. And our mission is to promote meaningful participation of women in the fields of nuclear technology, safety and non-proliferation by:

• Creating a national forum and network for women in these fields enabling them to meet regularly to exchange ideas and experience towards advancing the role of women in respective nuclear-related fields;
• Promoting broad-based understanding of the fields of nuclear technology, safety and non-proliferation through targeted interventions, including public information programmes; and
• Interaction with all relevant stakeholders to foster an environment conducive to advancing the empowerment of women in the relevant fields.

Joining WINSA
Would you like to join WINSA? Download our membership application form [PDF: 95KB]

About the WINSA logo
South Africa is known as a country of diversity and culture. The hands holding the atom symbolise the multiracial society we live in. To demystify the fears and concerns around nuclear energy, we have used the image of two hands to symbolise that anything that can be held can be used peacefully.

Frequently asked questions

What is WINSA?
WINSA is an organisation of women in the nuclear industry.

How does WINSA fit in with other organisations for women?
WINSA has the same objectives as other organisations for women - that is to better the under-representation of women in their respective sectors.

How does WINSA improve the progress of women in nuclear-related fields?
By providing better training that will empower women to be able to lead better lives.

What does the logo mean?
South Africa is known as a country of diversity and culture. The hands holding the atom symbolise the multiracial society we live in. To demystify the fears and concerns around nuclear energy, we have used the image of two hands to symbolise that anything that can be held can be used peacefully.

What are the challenges facing WINSA?
The main challenges are to change the mindsets and behaviour to promote the realisation that women have potential.

Who is allowed to join WINSA?
Both women and men can be members of WINSA as long as they have the same objectives.
If I am a member of WINSA and I change jobs to one outside the nuclear industry, will I still be allowed to be a member? Of course.

How is the organisation funded?
WINSA is dependant on DME and other organisations in the nuclear sector. If there are any other donors, they are welcomed.

How does WINSA promote and market itself?
WINSA promotes itself through holding workshops, talks, conferences.

How can the general public benefit from WINSA?
The public benefits from gaining more knowledge about nuclear energy.

What organisations support WINSA?
The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR), National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), and Eskom.

Is there any registration fee?
No.