Women in Action South Africa (WIASA), in partnership with Masala Film Works and the Durban University of Technology recently held a special pre-screening of the Academy nominated, Hidden Figures at the Musgrave Centre, Durban, recently.
Hidden Figures tells the untold story of Katherine G Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson- brilliant African-American women working at NASA- who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
WIASA spokesman, Sam Moodley, said the screening was held to inform, educate, create awareness around issues like patriarchy, discrimination, prejudices, stereotype and inequalities that are still meted out against women and the girl child today. “Hidden Figures brought home many lessons. For students, it engendered the feeling that one can do anything that one sets one’s heart on. At the after the movie discussion we in WIASA were of the opinion that this can be made possible by teachers who motivate, encourage and inspire students to think critically, work collaboratively to become innovators of new ideas by embracing new technologies”, she said.
Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Director for Research and Postgraduate Support and acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Engagement at DUT, said the movie is a ‘must’ to watch for any young girl and women in general as it resonates with many of the experiences that we go through as women.
“There were many moments in the movie where I found, as a woman who chose to do a PhD in Mathematics and pursue academia and now as a member of an Executive Management team, familiar experiences and how resilience, teamwork, family support, prior preparation and working hard can change one’s circumstances despite where you come from. In fact, even if you start off with humble beginnings, it is the opportunities that make a difference and how we turn every opportunity into a learning experience,” said Prof Moyo.
Schools can get discounted prices to see Hidden Figures by contacting hiddenfiguressa@gmail.com or call or (021) 705-0253.
– Copy and picture courtesy of: http://risingsunoverport.co.za
