PlumbingAfrica_Aug2025 Plumbing Africa | Page 5

ASSOCIATIONS 3

Empowered women empower women

By
Steve Brown, executive director, IOPSA
As we celebrate Women’ s Month, I am reminded that the recognition of women’ s strength, skill and contribution should not be limited to a single month or day, it must be part of our daily narrative, our values and our actions.
At IOPSA, we believe that women should be celebrated every day, not because it is fashionable or expected, but because they are integral to the growth and future of our industry.
Over the past few years, we’ ve witnessed a substantial increase in the number of women entering the plumbing industry, not only as apprentices or students but as business owners, site leaders, trainers and thought leaders. These women are breaking barriers and reshaping what the industry looks like. This transformation is not only necessary, but also powerful.
The truth is that empowered women empower women. They create support networks, open doors and shatter the limitations placed upon them. And when that empowerment is paired with technical excellence, professionalism and passion, it changes the game completely.
Steve Brown, IOPSA Executive Director
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IOPSA is proud to be part of a movement that champions inclusivity, skills development and empowerment. We are also proud to support initiatives like SAWIPT( South African Women in Plumbing and Trades) and others that are working tirelessly to uplift women and give them a space to lead, teach and inspire. It’ s no coincidence that many of the women making strides in plumbing today are also those empowering others along the way creating a ripple effect that benefits communities, companies and the entire sector.
Let us not box this celebration into a calendar month. Let’ s keep the momentum going. Let’ s keep recognising and uplifting the incredible women shaping the plumbing industry, not just in August, but every single day.
To all the women in plumbing: we see you, we value you and we stand beside you as we build a stronger, more inclusive industry together. PA
August 2025 Volume 31 I Number 06 www. plumbingafrica. co. za