MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Yolanda Avontuur works in emergency services and has a passion for young people and her community.
Tell us about yourself and your career. I am a married mom and an advanced life support paramedic, working as a sub-district manager for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Mossel Bay. I also work with young members of our community as part of the Community First Aid Responder (CFAR) programme.
What are your main achievements to date? My proudest achievement was when I became a paramedic. Another proud moment was when I had to do my first breech baby delivery for a patient on a farm. And then of course, when I received my degree, a Bachelor in Public Administration. I am also proud of the work we do with the CFAR programme. We have only been going for about two years. Because ambulances have so much work, these young first aid responders can assist when arriving first on a scene, like an ambulance on foot. Some of them also get the opportunity to study further as paramedics through the programme.
What are some of the challenges you have faced? I am in a male-dominated profession and I have to be strong, firm and sometimes work twice as hard as my male colleagues.
How do you feel about Women's Day? It is important and I do believe that we can do better. There are still not enough women in most companies or in leadership positions.
Which women have been inspiring to you? First and foremost, my mom. I come from a farm and saw how hard she worked on the farm. She was an excellent example for me.
What do you think are the major challenges for women? One of the challenges is that if a man and woman are in the same company and on the same level, in some cases the man gets more money.
Why is that? What advice can you give on Women's Day? If you want to see change in your community, friends, work relationships or wherever, be the change. Change starts with you.
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