Women's Wing
Healthcare systems are vital for delivering essential healthcare services to communities. Yet, in South Africa, these systems face challenges such as resource shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access.
A SAMA initiative, the Women’s Wing creates a unique opportunity to address challenges experienced by female healthcare professionals, and to develop innovative solutions to enhance the overall healthcare delivery
OUR PURPOSE
Aligned with the Women’s Wing Committee’s Terms of Reference and the SAMA Board of Director’s strategic objectives, the Women’s Wing advises on gender-based violence (GBV), gender equity and parity, workplace harassment, career advancement, and maternity leave.
It is aimed at influencing policy on related issues that are specific to women and marginalised groups. It is a platform that prioritises women’s issues, while being supportive and fostering integration and empowerment.
COMMITTEE
Dr Sharon Harbor – Chairperson
Dr Sharon Harbor specialises in Anatomical Pathology, with a special interest in Dermatopathology.
In 2015 she obtained her medical degree (MBBCh) with distinction from the University of Cape Town. She aims to make a significant impact in the medical field with her research which entails evaluating the role of HPV in head and neck cancers.
She is a diplomat of the Royal college of pathologists. Dr Harbor sits on the Board of Directors of SAMA and is the Chairperson of the South African Registrar’s Association. She is particularly passionate about advocating for young doctors and women in medicine.
Prof Ames Dhai – Women’s Wing Member and SAMA Vice-Chairperson
Professor Ames Dhai is Founder and Past Director of the Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics at the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences (2007 – 2019), Professor of Bioethics and Health Law at the Wits School of Clinical Medicine and member of the Academy of Science South Africa (ASSAf). She is the immediate past Chairperson of the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee.
Some of her current activities include: Chairperson of the SAMRC Bioethics Advisory Panel; Chair of the Human Sciences Research Council Research Ethics Committee, Chair of the SANBS Research Ethics Committee, Chair of the ASSAf Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee; and Board member of SAMA.
Dr Zanele Bikitsha – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Zanele Bikitsha obtained her medical degree (MBChB) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has been affiliated with the National Department of Health since 2010. She is a former Youth League branch member of the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine. KZN. She is also a former local and central SRC member, a former Provincial treasurer for SASCO in KZN; and a former UKZN College of Health Sciences representative.
She is currently the CEO and manager for Mfundo Arnold Lushaba CHC. Dr Bikitsha serves on the District Health Management Team. She is a Task Team Member of Strategic Remodeling for Registrar Training in KZN. Dr Bikitsha is also the LTT Chairperson of uMzumbe sub district in Ugu. A former Board Director of SAMA, she is a member of the SEC and a KZN Coastal Branch and serves on the SAMA Women’s Wing and Structures Committee.
Dr Kgaugelo Manyoni – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Kgaugelo Manyoni is one of the founders of Lifehub co, a medical practice that prioritises primary health care with a patient-centred approach, emphasising health promotion and preventive care. She earned her MBBCH degree from the University of Witwatersrand in 2016 and has extensive experience working in the emergency department for several years.
She is presently doing her MBA in Health Care Leadership at the University of Stellenbosch, where her passion for business and healthcare leadership is being further developed.
As a woman working in the healthcare field, she has personally faced the difficulties that many women encounter in the medical profession. To advocate for the numerous women who not only handle healthcare duties but also strive to maintain a balance between their ambitions and obligations, she has become a member of the Women’s Wing Committee.
Dr Sisanda Mabude – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Sisanda Mabude is a seasoned medical practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in both private and public healthcare management. She holds an MBCHB from the former University of Natal and diplomas in Occupational Health and HIV/Aids Management.
Dr Mabude is a founding director of Drs Mabude and Bester Inc.; a pioneering health care company which has, for over decade, held several contracts managing private emergency units.
She is the Chief Medical Officer at Arcelor Mittal South Africa, and additionally, she serves as a Medical Advisor on disability and incapacity management at a leading Health Risk Management company. She is currently pursuing an MSc in Health Economics, Policy and Management with the London School of Economics.
Dr Mahlatse Makgotso Chidi – Women’s Wing Member
Dr Mahlatse Makgotso Chidi is a young female doctor who is currently serving the community of Mankweng (Limpopo) in the Psychiatry Unit.
She is one of the first cohort of graduates of the University of Limpopo Medical School, that was established in 2016. Dr Chidi is passionate about improving women’s overall, health but above all in raising awareness about matter affecting women in their workplace and mental health.
She is excited to be part of the SAMA Women’s Wing to help eradicate gender biases, whilst promoting equality
Projects
Women in Leadership Gathering – The SAMA Women’s Wing invited women in health to a lunch to recognise and celebrate the incredible achievements, strength, and resilience of women in medicine. The event created a valuable platform for powerful women in medicine, who continue to break barriers and uplift others, to connect in a beautiful setting. The Women’s Wing is committed to building a community that nurtures and empowers future generations of women in medicine.
Mini-medical career expo – The Women’s Wing hosted a mini-medical career expo in Winterveldt at the Abel Motshoane Secondary School. Representatives from the committee and SAMA imparted important information about studying medicine and what it means to commit to the noble profession. (with images)
Loreto Convent School – The Women’s Wing hosted female learners from the Pretoria’s Loreto Convent School, based in the Pretoria CPD, at the SAMA Annual Conference in February 2024. The purpose of the engagement was to provide a mentorship platform for female doctors and the learners to forge meaningful connections, while having real conversations about matters that uniquely impact women in the medical profession. (with images)
If you would like the Women’s Wing to support a project, please share the proposal to marcomm@samedical.org
Speak Up
The SAMA Women’s Wing is committed to influencing policy and calls on female doctors to share their experiences. Contact us on marcomm@samedical.org
WHISPA
If you have experienced a traumatic or life-changing event, or in need emotional and psychological support in the event of:
- Violence
- Abuse or bullying
- Trauma
Reach out to WHISPA, a confidential SAMA programme supported by Profmed, available 24/7 to all SAMA members.
You can trust WHISPA, it is a completely confidential helpline.
You are not alone. We’re here to help.
Call anytime on 0861 106 151
View our Woman’s Wing community HERE