The University of Pretoria (UP) recently held its 6th Annual Women in Science Symposium, which  brought together a diverse group of women leaders, from the University’s departments and student committee to TuksSports High School and various organisations.

The symposium was hosted under the theme ‘Women in Science Leadership – A New Era for Sustainability’ and against the backdrop of Women’s Month and as South Africa marks 30 years of democracy. It sought to recognise the role of women and girls in science, not only as beneficiaries but also as agents of change in accelerating progress to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was a journey of reflection and empowerment, and highlighted the invaluable contributions of women leaders in scientific fields. Speakers discussed the seismic shift in attitudes and perceptions around gender roles in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.

“Successful female role models in science inspire many young women,” said Professor Themba Mosia, UP Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “When these women advocate for gender diversity, share their stories and mentor others, they significantly boost the confidence and determination of aspiring scientists. Supportive networks dedicated to advancing women in science further this impact. Recognising the value of a diverse workforce, which brings fresh perspectives and ideas, underscores the importance of gender diversity in driving scientific and technological advancements.”

In terms of gender equality, Prof Mosia pointed out that UP has made great strides in ensuring that women are well represented and that harmful gender stereotypes are dismantled. In fact, 57% of contact students enrolled are female, with consistent institutional efforts to encourage applications from women in subjects and fields where they are under-represented. As of 2021, UP had a total of 1 244 women academics and researchers out of the total 2 178 employed by the University. This is part of UP’s commitment to assisting female staff overcome systemic disadvantages and grow into productive academics, who in turn serve as role models that will shape the aspirations and expectations of future generations.

Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, Head of Research and Development at UP and Acting Deputy Director-General at the national Department of Science and Innovation, said South Africa celebrated the adoption of the economic empowerment legislation, which provides equal opportunities for women in the marketplace and in leadership roles. She noted that the country has seen an increase in the number of women enrolling for university degrees and the rise of young women to high-ranking positions in the public and private sectors.

“South Africa ranks in the top three countries (in Africa) for female representation in parliament, with 42% of the new national executive in the government of national unity being women,” Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl said. “But progressive as it is, it’s not enough, because the realities for women in South Africa still reflect societal and cultural divides along gender lines. Women continue to occupy lower-growth, low-paying, temporary or contract jobs that are likely to be negatively impacted in the short term. This is further exacerbated by the digital divide, which disproportionately affects women, limiting their ability to fully participate in the digital economy and take advantage of the opportunities it presents.”

Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim – co-founder and Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and Pro-Vice Chancellor for African Health at the University of KwaZulu-Natal – emphasised that leadership is not about titles or self-promotion. She stressed that no matter where someone is in their career, they can add value and make a difference.

“Leadership is not an entitlement, nor is it handed out on a plate,” Prof Karim said. “Leadership for women is no different to leadership for men, because it is about building stature, which is achieved through the pursuit of excellence.”