The Gender Forum (GF) at Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently extended its gender outreach initiatives to Bonella Secondary School, a disadvantaged school in Durban. The visit aimed to recognise and encourage female learners in Grade 11 and Grade 12 who show a keen interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
Dr Rekha Maniram, the Deputy Chair of the Gender Forum (Academic), initiated the outreach by writing to Bonella Secondary School, requesting permission to conduct a motivational and career talk. Accompanying Dr Maniram were executive members of the Gender Forum and representatives from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
Upon arriving at Bonella Secondary School, the GF delegation was warmly greeted by Mrs. S. Maharaj, the school’s dedicated Science teacher, and later introduced to the School Principal, Mr. S. Sibiya. The event began with an inspiring welcome address delivered by Dr Rekha Maniram, followed by an interactive session led by Ms. Ronelle Lyson, the Marketing Officer of the Gender Forum. This session aimed to encourage the young female learners to ask questions and actively engage with the visiting team, fostering a spirit of curiosity and participation.
The heart of the outreach programme was the interactive sessions conducted by Ms. Lindiwe Mtsweni, Deputy Chairperson (Admin), and Dr Navitha Ramroop. These sessions focused on the immense potential of girls in the fields of science and technology. The open dialogue provided a platform for the students to recognise their capabilities and envision a future where they could excel in STEM fields.
During the visit, the highlights of the day included captivating career talks by Lebogang Bopape on Engineering Studies and Deon Chetty on Information Technology. Bopape provided students with valuable insights into the engineering field, discussing career opportunities and the educational pathways available. Chetty emphasised the growing importance of IT skills in today’s digital world, offering guidance on pursuing a career in this dynamic sector. To further support and empower the female learners, the Gender Forum distributed gift bags filled with essential items, symbolising the Forum’s commitment to their educational journeys.
The visit to Bonella Secondary School was an enlightening experience for the Gender Forum, underscoring the pressing need for continued support and outreach to underprivileged schools. The Gender Forum is already planning to initiate more programmes aimed at assisting disadvantaged schools, ensuring that even more students have access to opportunities in higher education.
The outreach programme was a resounding success, marking a significant step forward in the Gender Forum’s mission to promote gender equity in STEM fields. As the GF continues to expand its efforts, it remains committed to nurturing the next generation of female leaders in science and technology, reinforcing DUT’s dedication to community engagement and social responsibility.
Pictured: Members of the DUT Gender Forum with learners from Bonella Secondary School.
Ronelle Lyson
