The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) held its Reset & Rise Women’s High Tea on Friday, 14 August, bringing together just under 180 women from the metals and engineering industry in Honeydew.
Professional coach Debbie Wheal of Routes Coaching led guests through a self-discovery session using her IDENTITY Workbook. Wheal used personal anecdotes and conversation to prompt attendees to reflect on their identity, motivations and goals.
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Nuraan Alli, marketing, sales and communications executive at SEIFSA, said the event was designed as a space for reflection rather than only celebration. “SEIFSA celebrates the women who play such a crucial role in the male-dominated Metals and Engineering Industry. We wanted this year’s Women’s Month event to be more than a celebration. We wanted to create a space where women could pause, reflect and think intentionally about themselves and what comes next,” Alli said.
Women of Steel mentoring programme
The event introduced guests to SEIFSA’s Women of Steel Women’s Leadership Mentoring Programme, a six-month pilot run in partnership with the Danish Industries Gender Inclusion Initiative. The programme pairs emerging female leaders with senior industry mentors, combining structured mentorship with leadership development and professional support. Its aim is to build a pipeline of women moving into senior leadership roles across the metals, engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Sponsorship
The RMA Prevention Programme sponsored Reset & Rise. Dr Jessica Hutchings, head of prevention at RMA, said the organisation’s approach to prevention extends beyond physical safety to wellbeing. “Reset & Rise created an important space for women to step away from the demands of everyday life, connect with one another and reflect on their own wellbeing and growth,” Hutchings said.
Invincible Valves provided goodie bags for attendees, containing notebooks, pens, lip balm, mugs and sweets.
Alli closed by thanking women in the industry for their work. “Our role at SEIFSA is not only to celebrate these women, but to continue creating opportunities that support their growth, development and progression within our industry,” she said.
