In celebration of Women’s Month, the Durban University of Technology’s (DUTs) Community Engagement Office, in collaboration with its social partners, Ikamva Youth and the Umkhumbane Schools Project (USP) under the Architectural Design and Engineering (ADE) Programme, hosted a Women in Science and Engineering Dialogue. The event took place at the West City Fellowship in Chesterville on 17 August 2024. The dialogue was aimed to honour women in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sectors while addressing the challenges they face and encouraging young female learners to pursue STEM careers.
The dialogue focused on celebrating female achievements and overcoming barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. It welcomed Grade 10 female learners from schools in Cato Manor and surrounding areas, and featured four distinguished women from the STEM industry as guest speakers.
The guest speakers were Ms Xoliswa Feikie, Civil Engineering lecturer at DUT, Ms Namhla Mtukushe, Electrical Power Engineering lecturer at DUT, Ms Hlengekile Lubanyana, Department of Chemistry lecturer at DUT and Ms Lindelwe Sithole, DUT Alumni and Architectural Technologist.
The speakers shared their experiences and the significance of having more women in STEM fields. They spoke about their personal journeys, the hurdles they overcame, and the impact of their work on their communities.
Ms Feikie emphasised the urgent need for female innovators in STEM: “If you are a woman and you are still in high school, in STEM we need you. We need people like you, we need innovators, we need thinkers.” She highlighted the crucial role that young female engineers could play in addressing community issues.
Ms Mtukutshe, hailing from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape, shared her journey into STEM, emphasising how determination and hard work helped her achieve her academic goals despite initial academic challenges. She encouraged students to view STEM as a means to solve community problems.
The event was marked by active participation from the learners, who engaged with the speakers, took notes, and learned about various engineering and chemistry fields. They were also provided with guidance on applying for STEM programs and the academic requirements needed.
Asanda Shabalala from Umkhumbane Secondary School expressed newfound clarity about her career path, stating, “As a science learner, I’ve been doubting my capability. I realised my passion lies in Biochemistry, where I can help patients and bring change.”
Lisakhanya Bokhwe from Bonela Secondary School shared her inspiration, saying, “This event has shown me many career opportunities related to my school subjects. I was particularly inspired by the lecturers and their experiences.”
Ms Thandazo Jafta, District Manager of Ikamva Youth, praised the event’s success: “This event was a huge success. The learners had the chance to hear from professionals who come from similar backgrounds. It demonstrated that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can still achieve your goals.”
The dialogue was a meaningful step towards inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in STEM, illustrating the potential and importance of female representation in these fields.
Pictured: DUT’s Ms Hlengekile Lubanyana with learners from Bonela Secondary School.
Phumeza Msongelwa
