DigitALL: Digital Innovation and Technology for gender equality was the theme of the annual International Women’s Day event recently held at CPUT.
The event was presented by the Division of Student Affairs and Centre for Diversity, Inclusivity & Social Change, in collaboration with the Faculty of Informatics and Design, in partnership with HERS-SA.
In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chris Nhlapo, said women are grossly underrepresented in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“It is also a fact that we need more girls in Africa in STEM and the key question is how to get them there. My observation is that if this is not addressed, if this is not changing, women will remain in jobs that are likely to be replaced by technology. These are low paying jobs or less economically impactful jobs. And you don't want to fall into that particular trap.”
He said the mindset that STEM is the domain of men must change.
Prof Driekie Hay-Swemmer, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, said this annual event “reminds us of women’s achievements, challenges and ongoing gender equality struggles”.
“Whether we like it or not, women are still fighting for their place in the sun. On the other hand, a day like today also reminds us of women’s remarkable progress in various fields.”
Hay-Swemmer outlined the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Schools STEM Project to the audience and said this empowering initiative had not only made a significant impact on the lives of women but also plays and will play a pivotal role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal number five: Gender Equality.
“This programme at CPUT stands as a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers and stereotypes about women in STEM and it has provided a platform for women to showcase their talents and skills and intellect, providing that gender should never be a limitation to success.”
Central SRC President, Sinelizwi Notshikila, said International Women’s Day is a day “that we're compelled to reflect not only on the contributions and progress that we've made, but on the challenges that still confront us, particularly as young black women navigating the digital landscape in South Africa”.
“As we navigate the exciting possibilities and challenges of the digital age, let us not forget that for centuries women have fought against discrimination and inequality and, while significant strides have been made, we cannot be ignorant about the unique struggles faced, particularly by young black women in our society.”
The event included a presentation by Louise Banahene from the University of Leeds titled: Student inclusivity: A case of Leeds University using a gendered lens.
The keynote speaker was Dr Kolosa Madikizela, a CPUT alumna, whose 20-year career spans across the construction, property development and engineering sectors, where she has occupied senior management, executive management and CEO level positions at various multinational organisations.
“There is importance in days like this. We still need them. For a very long time women were at the back of the bus and very often we weren’t even on the bus. So, these days are about making us get there. But I think if all of us as women take on this baton of being pioneers and bring other women along, the fight can actually be won. We can have a voice instead of being just the noise.”
Other speakers included Prof Tembisa Ngqondi, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Design who spoke on the topic of Bridging the gender-digital divide through mentoring and Brightness Mangolothi, Director, HERS-SA, who spoke about coaching and mentoring as an integral part of young women’s student development.
The programme also included a panel discussion, with the panel made up of Thandekile Ndlovu, SRC member, Ayabonga Sawula, Amajita/HeforShe Ambassador and Tshitso Mosolodi, Snake Nation Africa Director & Co-Founder.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
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