Johannesburg: The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has called for young Africans, particularly young women, to take their rightful place in science and innovation. Speaking at the Fondation L'Or©al-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talents Programme, held in Johannesburg, Gina noted that the gathering brought together trailblazing women scientists and the next generation of African innovators.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event, hosted at the African Leadership Academy this year, celebrated its 16th year in Sub-Saharan Africa. The FWIS Programme recognizes 25 doctoral and five postdoctoral women scientists annually, celebrating excellence, resilience, and impact across various scientific fields. Globally, the initiative has supported more than 4,700 women researchers in over 140 countries, infused with pan-African intergenerational school engagement.
Dr Gina highlighted the historical barriers that have discouraged women from entering scientific fields, including harmful stereotypes that portray science as a male-dominated and inaccessible space. She praised the Fondation L'Or©al-UNESCO partnership for producing measurable results in increasing the number of women pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, noting the enduring support for South Africa's flagship South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA).
Turning her focus to learners, Gina urged young women to learn science and mathematics at the school level and pursue STEM careers with confidence, reminding them that the accomplished women scientists present before them were living proof that success in science is attainable. She also called on educators to encourage learners to pursue mathematics and science subjects, cautioning against prioritizing high matric pass rates over quality subject choices that secure learners' futures.
The 2025 young talents are part of a group of 30 individuals who received the Women in Science sub-Saharan Africa Awards for their promising research excellence and remarkable scientific advice. L'Oreal Foundation's Executive Director, Pauline Avenel-Lam, emphasized the importance of these young talents to address major challenges of the century, urging both girls and boys to contribute to building a more just, sustainable, and resilient world.
PhD candidate Keletso Monareng, a 2025 L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award recipient, shared her journey as a scientist, inspired by 'energy poverty' in Africa. Her research focuses on developing clean, affordable energy technologies that offer sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. Attending the event were women scientists from countries including Nigeria, Botswana, and Ghana, alongside local high school learners.