Women in Science (WiS) celebrations 

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was celebrated on 11 February and the International Women’s Day on 8 March. The South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) partnered with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and undertook various capacity building session aimed at young women in science. Under the topic WiS  – Networking and connecting for science, we focussed on how to conference and  presentation skills.

There is a need for early career researchers and young scientists to engage in the international science arena through participation in international conferences and meetings. The educational aspect of international conferences exposes one to new and global ways of conducting research and networking with peers for future collaborations. Sessions were held with female students at the master’s and 1st year PhD level who had not presented at any conference. The following sessions were held:

•  5 March at North-West University (NWU), Mafikeng campus with participation from Prof Olubukola Babalola, ASSAf and A/Prof Adeyemi Aremu, SAYAS
• 6 March at NWU, Potchefstroom campus with participation from Prof Salome Kruger and Prof Wilma Viviers, ASSAf, Prof Rose Hayeshi, SAYAS, and Dr Lebo Gafane-Matemane from NWU.

A further outreach activity aimed at female high school learners was carried out at the Mae Jemison U.S. Science Reading Room, University of Pretoria in Mamelodi on 13 March. SAYAS Alumnus Dr Patience Mthunzi-Kufa based at the CSIR gave a presentation on STEM subjects and her area of expertise in Biophotonics.