During the 2024 South African Women’s Month (August), we honoured and drew inspiration from the exceptional leadership of the 1956 women. History shows that they paved the way for the empowerment and advancement of women in South Africa’s democratic journey. 

As a scientific community, we are reminded that gender equality in STEM is a global issue that requires collective engagement and innovative solutions from all of us. In South Africa and across the African continent, there is a critical need for more transformative and intentionally practical solutions concerning gender and STEM education that are deeply rooted in local contexts at policy, institutional, and individual levels.

To commemorate Women’s Month, with the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development,” AIMS South Africa House of Science participated in the Women in Mathematics Seminar at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and conducted a Social Media Campaign. The two events aimed to inspire women and stimulate discussions about equality, diversity, and inclusion in mathematical sciences in South Africa and across the continent.

The campaign aimed to engage both the mathematical community and the general public. It involved AIMS students, researchers, and staff sharing their hopes and perspectives for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in mathematical sciences in Africa over the next 30 years. Messages were also directed at the next generation of female mathematical science professionals. The campaign received a positive response on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Here are some key messages and perspectives shared during the Campaign regarding gender equality in mathematical sciences in Africa over the next 30 years by AIMS students, researchers, and staff.

“My aspiration for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Mathematical Sciences in Africa in the next 30 years is…”

 “My message to the next generation of mathematical science professionals is…”

“It’s good to see women actively engaging in the process of the transformation of Africa through the lens of the mathematical sciences. Thank you, AIMS.” AIMS South Africa Facebook top fan, Clinton Paye Quee, who will be joining the class of 2024/25 from Liberia

The social media campaign was coordinated by Noluthando Sithole, an intern at the House of Science and DSI-HSRC. 

“The campaign was inspiring to me; it served as an eye-opener. It also reminded me and all young girls out there that anything is possible. Our gender does not define or limit how much we can achieve and how far we can go.” said Noluthando