Durban:Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, is set to deliver the keynote address at the launch of a new initiative by Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) aimed at promoting women's roles in research and innovation.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event will take place in Durban on Wednesday and will introduce the Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT). This platform is designed to enhance the visibility and impact of women within the university's research ecosystem, fostering collaboration and mentorship while working to remove barriers hindering women's advancement in research careers.
The WRIGHT initiative responds to international, continental, and national calls for gender transformation in science, technology, and innovation, emphasizing the necessity of women's full participation for inclusive knowledge production and sustainable development. Dr. Gina's keynote address, titled "Breaking Barriers The Critical Role of Women in Driving Global Research Innovation," will highlight the need to address challenges that limit women's career growth in research.
Additional speakers include MUT Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Rushiella Songca, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Engagement Professor Mncedisi Maphalala, and Deputy Director of CAPRISA, Professor Kogieleum Naidoo. A seasoned patent attorney, Omphile Netshiozwi, will discuss technology commercialisation from a female perspective, exploring intellectual property protection's role in supporting women-led innovation. This event represents a significant move towards gender transformation and the empowerment of women in South Africa's research and innovation sectors.