The extent of diversity and inclusion in aerospace of under-represented groups such as “women, minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities and under-represented socioeconomic groups” remains a contested issue globally. With these contestations, it is crucial to highlight that activities aimed at addressing matters relating to inclusion and diversity in aerospace of under-represented groups will require a long-term strategic approach. In an attempt to address these controversies, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), the Embassy of the United States of America in South Africa, the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World South Africa Chapter (OWSD SANC), and the South African Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) will be hosting a public panel discussion titled “A Seat at the Table: A Discussion on Diversity and Inclusion in Aerospace”.

The Panel will comprise of representatives from ATNS, OWSD and the U-Dream Global team. This Panel discussion will be proceeded by a lecture by Ms Aisha Bowe, CEO of STEAMBoard. 

The audience is expected to comprise of individuals from government (local, provincial and national), public research institutions, Basic and higher education institutions, the diplomatic community, media and civil society, among others. If you have any queries about this panel discussion, please contact Floyd Masemola at floyd@assaf.org.za

 Date: 16 October 2019

Time: 10:00 – 12:00 Refreshments will be served afterwards

Venue: Milkplum Restaurant at the National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria.

About:

Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)  

ASSAf was inaugurated in May 1996. It was formed in response to the need for an Academy of Science consonant with the dawn of democracy in South Africa: activist in its mission of using science and scholarship for the benefit of society, with a mandate encompassing all scholarly disciplines that use an open-minded and evidence-based approach to build knowledge. ASSAf thus adopted in its name the term ‘science’ in the singular as reflecting a common way of enquiring rather than an aggregation of different disciplines. Its Members are elected based on a combination of two principal criteria, academic excellence and significant contributions to society. 

Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS)  

The ATNS provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa and a large part of the Southern Indian and Atlantic Ocean, comprising approximately 10% of the world’s airspace. ATNS operates from nine ACSA and 12 other aerodromes. As a globally competitive employer of choice, ATNS is committed to diversity and has achieved ranking within the top 10 companies in South Africa with regards to female representation at executive levels.

Organisation for Women in Science in the Developing World

The Organisation for Women in Science in the Developing World (OWSD) South African National Chapter is hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). It was inaugurated in 2009 and is made up of a group of OWSD International members in South Africa who aim to increase and promote female participation in Science and Technology (S&T) professions, in scientific leadership, and in decision-making processes at the national level.

United States Embassy in South Africa

The United States established diplomatic relations with South Africa in 1929 following the United Kingdom’s recognition of South Africa’s domestic and external autonomy within the British Empire. The United States seeks opportunities for increased U.S.-South African cooperation on regional and international issues. South Africa is a strategic partner of the United States, particularly in the areas of health, security, and trade. Read more: https://za.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/policy-history/