Gender equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM
One of the core pillars of AIMS’s mission, and that of our House of Science, is to address the gender imbalance in South Africa’s scientific and innovation landscape. In South Africa, the National Developmental Plan has set a goal that, by 2030, women and Black Africans should make up more than 50% of research and training staff. But the path towards a PhD in mathematical sciences and beyond remains challenging and many young women get lost along the way. In academia, the dropout of women is attributed to socio-cultural and institutional factors. We join hands with African governments, universities and scientific institutions, sister AIMS centres, and African Gong to offer capacity-building and mentoring programmes that aim to foreground and empower women in mathematical sciences as leaders and agents for advancing their studies and career progressions across academia, research, and industry.
Women in STEM Programme
The Women’s Advancement Forum: International Exchanges, Research & Academia (WAFIRA) is a capacity-building programme concept that is uniquely centred on the contexts, realities, challenges, opportunities and strengths across the landscape of African Women’s indigeneity – ‘Made in Africa’, by African women, for African women, and delivered by African women. It is designed to meet the leadership development, career aspirations and professional development needs of African women in STEM (in academia and research).
Since 2014, WAFIRA has been delivered in various African countries, benefiting over 1,500 female academics and researchers. In March 2023, the program was successfully implemented for the first cohort of young women researchers and academics in mathematical sciences at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa.
WAFIRA is delivered jointly by AIMS South Africa and African Gong in collaboration with interested universitity or research institute.
The WAFIRA workshop is facilitated by dynamic female experts, practitioners, researchers, and academics. It has been conceptualised as intensive, hands-on, and minds-on, informative, engaging, transformative, and highly interactive.
Female postgraduate students (Honours, Master’s and PhD) registered for mathematical sciences programmes in African Universities are eligible to apply.
In order for you to host WAFIRA or participate in WAFIRA workshops, please contact Dr. Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe at houseofscience@aims.ac.za.
2023 WAFIRA WORKSHOP @ UWC
DATE
29-30 March 2023
VENUE
University of the Western Cape
PARTICIPANTS
27 female postgraduate students in mathematical sciences
THEMES
Intrinsic and Extrinsic enablers, Success Strategies, and enhanced skill sets for the advancement of Women’s research and career progression and more.
WORKSHOP SUMMARY
Workshop Summary (click to access)
2023 Workshop - Snapshot of the participants
Participants’ Feedback & Testimonials
“The WAFIRA capacity building workshop dealt with real issues on challenges, opportunities and strengths we women face on a daily basis. We were exposed to different financial resources that women can tackle and apply and progress. A mindset paradigm shift, networking with different women in STEM. I understand the different cultural, social ns economic values of women. I improved self affirmation and confidence. I learned the power of representation and advocacy.”
“The content of the workshop covered all the problems, obstacles and challenges women face in their STEM career progression. We were able to get ideas on how we can advance ourselves in the field as African women. I got to understand that I am not the only woman in STEM facing challenges in pursuing my advancement in research and postgrad. It is common among women. Luckily I also learnt I can overcome these challenges and make it through.”
“I learned to be intentional and to be committed to my own professional growth and more importantly to know the intrinsic and extrinsic enablers and to be able to differentiate, to be mindful to set clear career progression, to affirm myself in every milestone.”
Gender in STEM InHouse Mentoring
Targeting the AIMS students, the Gender in STEM InHouse Mentoring aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters mentorship from caring senior students, facilitates networking with successful STEM professionals, including AIMS alumni, and actively promotes the participation of women and girls in STEM careers. For more information
Stories of Emerging Female Scientists in South Africa
Because Science is Fun is a dynamic book that presents the stories of 25 emerging South African young female scientists to inspire young girls and women in South Africa, on the continent, and around the world. It tells stories of how these young women scientists have overcome a range of obstacles to obtain their PhD degrees, embarked on successful science-based careers, and their engagements in science for society work. Their personal stories tell of overcoming financial and personal challenges; dispelling misconceptions about science; and tackling societal pressures and beliefs to follow their dreams. The vivid recollections elicit emotion and provide sound inspiration to young people, and especially girls and young women in South Africa. The stories are told in the form of a motivational talk and do not reflect biographies of the young women scientists interviewed. It encourages girls and young women to follow their education and career dreams in science.