Firstly, a very Happy Womens Months to every woman reading this article, yes you! When you think of scientist, what do you see? Not really a female in a lab coat, right? You probably saw a male. So is the case when you think superhero or warrior. However, years of women coming into their own power and breaking barriers and stereotypes across all fields and industries in society have contributed to shifting these images.

In celebrating women, it’s imperative to showcase women doing great things. Because the more we see women doing great things in roles we could never imagine - the more those ‘perceptions’ mentioned earlier will change.

Sci-Enza is a stepping stone for many young women (and men) with science-related degrees to exercise the skills they have learned during their studies as well as learn new skills to empower them for great futures in the world of work. These young scientists spend a year at the centre as volunteers under the Department of Science & Innovation’s National Youth Service Programme (NYSP).

One such volunteer is Gcinile Nkomo, who graduated with a degree in Human Genetics from the University of Pretoria (UP) and now works as a Technical Support Specialist for an international company. She also has qualifications in Higher Exercise Science and Personal Training & Higher Exercise Science and Management of Sport, also from UP.  

We asked Gcinile to share her thoughts about being women during this month and this is what she had to say:

• Being a woman means…As Poojar Rajkumar said, I also strongly believe that being a woman means being fragile and also fierce. Strong, yet vulnerable. To be a flower and also the fire. We have different shades and whatever we choose to be, we own it and that is what makes us amazing.

• Being a woman in South Africa in 2020 means…This question absolutely shatters my heart because we are currently in the storm of gender based violence and for me to be really honest, being a woman in SA means having to constantly look over my shoulder with the fear of being the next victim. Either than that, I am fortunate in the sense that women are not oppressed to the extent where we do not have a voice at all. We live in a country where we are at liberty to build and sustain careers which is something that is not allowed in some parts of the world.

• Being a young, black, woman in science means…Though we still have a long way to go. Being a young and black woman in science means that I am also presented with the opportunity for my voice and incredible ideas to be heard. The opportunity to contribute towards cutting edge research that will have a positive impact in the society that we currently live in because we are the ones who will come with solutions for the problems we are faced with. Furthermore, it means I am in a position to inspire another young black girl to fearlessly go for what she wants, plus we need more women in science.

• I owe where I am today to…Both my parents. I also owe where I am today to quite a lot of women who pushed me get off my backside and put in the work. The advice I received from my previous manager during my first job also molded the person that I am today.

• If I could envision a better world for women in today’s age it would look like…A world where women are awarded similar opportunities as their male counterparts. Where our voices and ideas are heard and taken at face value. A world that embraces our strength and not view it as something threatening.

When asked to describe herself in five words, Gcinile mentioned these words, ‘inquisitive, ambitious, resilient, fun and spontaneous’. Sounds like the qualities of a scientist to me! So perhaps when you think scientist again, you’ll see Gcinile.

“A wise woman wishes to be no one’s enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone’s victim.” – Maya Angelou [one of Gcinile’s favourite quotes]