South Africa: Committee Calls for Stronger Action To Ensure Women and Girls Enter and Lead in Science, Technology and Innovation

The Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation calls for stronger and more coordinated action to ensure that women and girls can enter, progress and lead in South Africa’s science, technology and innovation system. As South Africa marks National Women’s Month, the committee recognises the important contribution women and girls are making in research, innovation and technological development, while also emphasising the need to address the barriers that continue to limit their full participation and advancement. Committee Chairperson, Ms Lusizo Makhubela, said South Africa cannot build a competitive and inclusive innovation economy while girls and young women continue to face barriers in scientific and technological fields. “Women and girls must not only be encouraged to enter science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); they must be supported to remain, advance and lead. The country needs their talent, ideas and leadership if science, technology and innovation are truly to be for everyone,” Ms Makhubeka said. The committee believes that the participation and advancement of women and girls in science, technology and innovation is not only a gender equality