Girls urged to pursue science, technology

UNDER the theme Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth, the Department of Science and Technology hosted female learners at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Joburg yesterday to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The purpose of the day was to raise the awareness of the low levels of female participation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minister of Science and Technology said young women must take charge of their lives and not let anyone tell them what they can and cannot do.

“Where one comes from, does not determine where they will be in future. As young women, you can do whatever you want to do so as long as you stay focused, determined and passionate,” Kubayi-Ngubane said.

The event did not only empower the young women, but also changed their mentality on the sexist stigma and stereotype against women in the world of science and technology.

“Before I came here I wanted to pursue a career in Education and Psychology, but from the information I got there are many careers in the science and technology sector that we women can pursue.

“Some that I thought only males can do, like everything that has to do with astronomy and engineering, but today I found that I can also do what the males do and do it even better,” Thenjiwe Ndhlovu, a pupil at Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation, said.

Kubayi-Ngubane urged learners to use social media to browse through educational websites and look for information that will equip them with knowledge about the careers they want to choose.

“We are looking for more women in the fields of science and technology, and I am committed in developing young women who want to go to the science and technology sector,” she said.

Dr More Chakane, chief executive at Sci-Bono, added: “We identify talented girls and we guide them to search for bursaries and careers. “We guide accordingly.”

He said their programme helped at least 1 800 girls from different schools last year. |