This article first appeared in the Executive Leadership magazine

As we commemorate Women’s Month this year, we also celebrate over 30 years of democracy and hence, our focus moves beyond symbolic recognition. We embark on a journey of reflection and empowerment—one that honours the transformative leadership of women in science and marks the beginning of a new era for sustainability.

In recent years, we have witnessed a seismic shift in perceptions surrounding gender roles in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). No longer confined by outdated stereotypes, women are increasingly assuming leadership positions, driving innovation, and catalysing meaningful change through their pioneering research, visionary thinking, and unwavering dedication to a more equitable and sustainable future.

This shift is not merely about achieving gender parity. It is about embracing the unique perspectives, talents, and insights that women bring to the table. It is about unleashing the full potential of our collective intelligence to confront the urgent challenges facing our planet.

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, women’s participation in the workforce has steadily increased since 2016. In South Africa, we have seen the adoption of progressive economic empowerment legislation that promotes equal opportunities for women in the marketplace and in leadership roles. More young women are enrolling in university programmes and, against the odds, rising to high-ranking positions across both the public and private sectors. South Africa now ranks among the top three countries globally in terms of female representation in Parliament, with the new Government of National Unity boasting 42% female representation in the national executive.

Yet, despite this progress, it is not enough.

Women in South Africa still face entrenched socio-economic and cultural inequalities. Many remain trapped in lower-growth, lower-paying, temporary or contract jobs that are especially vulnerable to disruption. This is further compounded by the digital divide. While technology holds the promise of inclusion—offering access to knowledge and opportunity regardless of geography or income—the reality is far from equitable. Unequal access to technology and digital literacy disproportionately disadvantages women, limiting their ability to participate fully in the digital economy and benefit from its opportunities.

In the STEM workforce, women remain underrepresented, accounting for less than 30% of the workforce, compared to 47% in non-STEM fields. The “drop to the top”—from entry-level to C-suite—is also more dramatic in STEM. Female researchers often endure shorter, less well-paid careers and lower representation at every stage of the academic and professional ladder. The data reflects this: women hold only 27% of Vice-Chancellor positions at South African universities (seven institutions); 40% of directorships at state-owned entities; 36.7% of roles in the professional services sector; and just 27% of board positions at JSE-listed companies.

These challenges underscore the urgent need for the full and equal participation of women and girls across all dimensions: economic opportunity, educational attainment, health and well-being, and political empowerment. These pillars are not just moral imperatives—they are essential to achieving gender equality and fostering sustainable development. When women are empowered in these domains, they help shape policies and practices that promote sustainability at every level, from local communities to the global stage.

As we celebrate women in science leadership, we must also honour the trailblazers who came before us—from the 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, to the late Didi Lekganyane, listed among South Africa’s 50 most inspiring women, whose life was tragically cut short by gender-based violence last year; and to Olorato Mongale, the Wits student who was brutally violated and murdered in May this year. Their legacies remind us of the urgency to act. Their stories inspire us to strive for excellence, defy convention, and dismantle systemic barriers with unwavering determination.

Indeed, the theme of women in science leadership is both an aspiration and a call to action. It urges us to harness science and innovation as tools for positive change, to embrace diversity as a strength, and to build a more sustainable, equitable, and just future for all.