SAWIP

South African Women in Plumbing and Trades (SAWIPT) is a South African non-profit organisation working to expand opportunities for women, young people, people with disabilities and military veterans across the trades value chain. It advocates for trades as viable careers and for greater access, inclusion and participation in the sector. Its vision is to advance targeted groups through advocacy and improved accessibility, while its mission includes promoting artisanship as a profession of choice and supporting participation in the mainstream economy.

SAWIPT offers hands-on training, mentoring and entrepreneurial support to individuals and small businesses in trades such as plumbing and electrical work. Its programs develop technical, business and workplace skills, including financial management, marketing, sales, occupational health and safety, and relevant industry standards. Initiatives include Activation Hub, a six-month course supporting artisans to build sustainable businesses; Elevate, a 12-month mentorship and training program for women and youth; and CAT(her)LYST, which supports women already running plumbing businesses.