Ms Karen Shippey has a Master’s Degree in Environmental and Geographical Science from the University of Cape Town and over 25 years of work experience. Whilst her post-graduate studies focussed on Sustainable Development, her work experience took her into the world of infrastructure development, working as an Environmental Assessment Practitioner. Ms Shippey joined the Western Cape Government in 2011 and became Chief Director: Environmental Sustainability for the Western Cape in 2015. This role saw her providing oversight and leadership across the Provincial Climate Change, Green Economy, Sustainability, Biodiversity and Coastal Management portfolios. Ms Shippey added the obligations of Departmental Strategic Gender and Human Rights Focal Point to her portfolio in 2017. This enriching work has challenged her to take a fresh view of the public sector gender mandates and obligations and to engage actively in awareness raising and policy reform.
Ms Shippey was awarded with the Western Cape 2023 Service Excellence Award for Exemplary Public Service Leadership for her efforts in her Department and across the Province the field of Gender and Human Rights Mainstreaming.