eNews
#03 2024
Celebrating SAEON women
By Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, Managing Director, NRF-SAEON
The fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are fundamental to the progress of societies. They drive innovation, economic growth and provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Despite the importance of STEM, there has historically been a significant gender imbalance in these fields, with women being underrepresented. This underrepresentation not only limits the potential of women but also hinders the progress of STEM fields. Encouraging more women to pursue and excel in STEM careers is crucial for fostering diversity, enhancing innovation and addressing global challenges.
Despite the clear benefits of including more women in STEM, there are still significant barriers that prevent women from entering and thriving in these fields. These include gender stereotypes, lack of female role models, gender bias in education and the workplace, and work-life balance challenges. Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, educational reforms and cultural shifts.
According to the South Africa Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators report, women in STEM fields in South Africa constitute 46.2% of the total. This figure, as highlighted by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande in his South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) speech, surpasses the global average, which stands at 30%.
Women in the environmental sciences
Within the broad spectrum of STEM fields, environmental sciences are particularly critical today, given the urgency of addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Women have a vital role to play in this field, as they often bring unique perspectives to environmental issues, which are closely linked to social and community concerns.
Professor Juliet Hermes, an NRF B1-rated scientist with a background in oceanography, is the founding manager of the Egagasini Node and leads the South African Polar Research Infrastructure. (Photo: Malachite Media)
Dr Mary-Jane Bopape (left) with Dr Sian “Leo” Proctor during the latter’s recent visit to South Africa. Dr Proctor became the first female commercial spaceship pilot on the all-civilian Inspiration4 orbital spaceflight in 2021.
Sue Janse van Rensburg, the coordinator of the Grasslands Node, is leading developments in the highly instrumented terrestrial site at Cathedral Peak in the Northern Drakensberg.
SAEON is making significant strides in promoting women in environmental sciences, with three of its seven nodes being led by women scientists. Professor Juliet Hermes, an NRF B1-rated scientist with a background in oceanography, is the founding manager of the Egagasini Node and leads the South African Polar Research Infrastructure.
In the Arid Lands Node Dr Zanele Ntshidi, who joined SAEON in October 2023, has initiated exciting projects, including water research. She holds a PhD in Environmental and Water Sciences from the University of the Western Cape and brings experience in environmental monitoring and research in arid ecosystems.
The Grasslands Node is managed by Sue Janse van Rensburg, who is leading developments in the highly instrumented terrestrial site at Cathedral Peak in the Northern Drakensberg. SAEON’s science engagement efforts are spearheaded by Kogie Govender, reflecting the active role women play within the business unit.
SAEON’s nodes and hosted research infrastructure are home to a diverse group of women scientists and technicians. Their expertise spans various fields, including ecology, taxonomy, biodiversity science in different areas, chemistry, hydrology, agrometeorology, ocean modelling and education officers. We also have women specialists in ICT and data sciences, such as system administrators, data curators, GIS specialists and data scientists.
Dr Zanele Ntshidi, manager of the Arid Lands Node, has initiated exciting projects, including water research.
SAEON’s diverse science engagement efforts are spearheaded by Kogie Govender.
National office coordinator, Eva Nedzamba, is SAEON’s longest-serving employee.
Vital support
In addition, we have exceptional women in our support functions. Xolisa Gugushe, our first SCM manager, brings extensive experience in supply chain management and holds an MBA. She is supported by two female SCM coordinators, and all our finance officers are women.
The majority of node and research infrastructure administrators are female, playing a vital role in supporting the management of our distributed offices. Notably, Eva Nedzamba, our national office coordinator, is SAEON’s longest-serving employee.
This write-up does not aim to mention every woman at SAEON, but rather to celebrate and appreciate the contributions of all our remarkable women. I wanted to highlight a few to showcase the diverse career paths our women are pursuing. The men at SAEON work alongside these women, fostering a supportive environment for everyone.
As the world faces increasingly complex environmental challenges, it is essential to harness the full potential of all individuals, regardless of gender. This includes ensuring that women have equal access to education and careers in environmental sciences, as well as opportunities to participate in decision-making processes related to environmental policy and management. Gender-inclusive approaches to environmental science not only promote equality but also lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.
The importance of women in STEM cannot be overstated, particularly in fields like environmental sciences where their contributions are vital for sustainable development and the well-being of communities around the world. By breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments, we can ensure that women have the opportunity to lead, innovate and make significant contributions to the scientific community and society as a whole. In doing so, we not only promote gender equality but also enhance the ability of STEM fields to address the complex challenges of the 21st century, including those related to our environment.
