7th Women in Science Symposium puts focus on STEM for Women's Month

As South Africa marks Women's Month, the role of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) was in the spotlight at the 7th Annual Women in Science Symposium, held by the University of Pretoria's Future Africa platform on 8 August 2025.

Celebrating women's voices, power and future in science

Hosted under the theme "Unpacking STEM: Her Voice in Science", the event served as a tribute to the advances made by women in science and a resounding call to action for greater equity, inclusion and representation in STEM.

Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, Director for Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Pretoria (UP), opened the symposium with a powerful welcome, reminding attendees that, while women and girls are excelling across education and industry, there is still a wide gender gap in STEM.

"While we celebrate progress this Women's Month, we must also confront the reality," Ramoutar-Prieschl said. "True equality means more than participation – it means women holding decision-making power, shaping research agendas, and leading innovation across every scientific discipline. We must co-create inclusive strategies that accelerate change."

Her words set the tone for a day dedicated not only to recognition, but also to systemic transformation.

A vision for inclusive science

Delivering the keynote address, Ms Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasised that the pursuit of gender parity in STEM was not about tokenism or optics, but about justice, representation and national development.

"This Women's Month, we reaffirm that every young girl – regardless of her background, race, or socioeconomic status – must see herself in science," said Gina. "We are not just building laboratories; we are building a culture where curiosity, courage and intellect are celebrated in every girl who dares to ask, 'What if?'"

The Deputy Minister highlighted government initiatives aimed at increasing women's participation in science, including targeted funding, mentorship programmes, and policies promoting equitable access to research opportunities.

At the symposium's second session, "Unpacking STEM Careers", women leaders shed light on the many impactful career paths available to young women in science.

Ms Thandi Kunene, Head of Corporate Affairs at L'Oréal South Africa, revealed the science behind beauty, showing how chemistry, data analytics, artificial intelligence and sustainable innovation drive one of the world's most iconic brands. Kunene showed that progress is possible – women make up 68% of L'Oréal's global workforce – but that challenges remain.

"Women still make up less than 30% of the global STEM workforce," she said. "Being bold, building visibility and telling the stories of women in science are key to breaking barriers. At L'Oréal, we don't just hire scientists – we empower science-led innovators."

She encouraged learners to explore careers in research and innovation, green chemistry, digital science and sustainable development, reminding them that STEM was visible everywhere, not only at research institutes.

Ms Vhutshilo Muambadzi, President of UP's Student Representative Council (SRC), delivered a stirring message on the need for representation with transformation.

"Representation matters," she asserted, "but representation without transformation is just decoration." Calling for the dismantling of harmful stereotypes – such as the myth that women are "too emotional" for science or that beauty and brilliance are mutually exclusive – Muambadzi urged institutions to move beyond symbolism and create real structural change.

"Let us stop asking if women belong in science," she said. "Let us start asking how science can better serve women and society."

Planting seeds to grow science and innovation

Ms Puleng Tsie, Manager of UP's Sci-Enza Outreach Programme, emphasised the importance of early exposure to STEM. Through interactive exhibits, mobile science laboratories and hands-on learning experiences, Sci-Enza is making science accessible, exciting and relatable for girls across South Africa.

"We must plant the seed early," Tsie said. "When girls see women scientists who look like them, when they touch, build, and experiment science becomes part of their normal. It becomes theirs."

Earlier in the day, the opening session focused on nurturing the next generation of women in science. The panellists, Dr Hafsa Essop (of UP's Department of Radiography), Ms Thato Semono (Head Girl of TuksSport High School) and Dr Phethiwe Matutu (CEO of Universities South Africa) stressed the importance of mentorship, storytelling and creating safe spaces where girls can dream boldly and fail forward.

They shared personal journeys – from overcoming self-doubt to navigating male-dominated classrooms – and called for schools, families and communities to send a unified message: "You are capable. You belong here."

A clear call to action

As the symposium concluded, one truth resonated clearly. Gender parity in STEM will not happen by chance – it must be designed, championed and sustained.

This Women's Month, the 7th Women in Science Symposium stood not only as a celebration of women's excellence in science but as a bold declaration of the intention to build a future where every girl in South Africa can see herself as a scientist, an inventor or a leader.

From classrooms to boardrooms, from labs to policy tables, the voices of women in science matter.