Women to Discuss Science, Tech

Thapelo Sakoana (BuaNews)—The African Union (AU) is to host a conference for leading female scientists to discuss their role in science and technology for Africa’s development.

The first AU Conference of African Women in Science and Technology will be addressed by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and will take place in South Africa from 29 to 31 August.

Women attending the conference will discuss how best they can actively participate in the science and technology initiatives.

The AU’s Department of Human Resource, Science and Technology says the conference will work towards developing programmes that encourage more women to pursue careers in these fields.

Other objectives include identifying role-models for women who seek to further their studies in these areas and developing programmes for successful women scientists to mentor young women.

The conference will also help achieve the following objectives:

* to develop science and technology based life skills programmes for ordinary women in the society;

* to introduce women-friendly elements in the science curriculum;

* to conduct research on problems women have in studying science and to develop remedial programmes;

* to formalise the formation of the African Woman Association of Science and Technology;

* to increase women’s contribution and recognition in applying and developing science and technology for Africa’s development and thereby increasing Africa’s scientific human capital; and

* to develop a mechanism of coordinating existing initiatives for women in science and technology, thereby harnessing synergies in order to ensure the above-listed objectives.

According to the AU, women were identified as under-represented in science, mathematics and engineering fields in Africa.

“They are an under-utilised pool of talent and resource that could contribute immensely towards the social and economic development of the continent through participating in science and technology programmes.

“Women form up-to more than half of the population of any society,” said the department.

The challenge for Africa is to find ways of changing the situation such that women could be used as a resource for science and technology.

“There is no doubt that Africa needs to open up opportunities to bring more women to science and technology by producing a critical mass of scientifically skilled women.

“This in turn boosts and complements its human capital. It is important for ordinary women to appreciate and access the findings of science and technology so as to improve the living conditions of families. “

Women scientists were urged to take up this agenda and develop projects to address their under-representation in science and technology.

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