The Department of Science and Technology (DST) in partnership with the SADC Secretariat is hosting a workshop aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the development of Africa through science and technology.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) workshop for women in science, engineering and technology 2010 will take place at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel in Durban from 19 to 21 April 2010.
The workshop’s objectives are:
* To establish and sustain fully functioning networks/associations/forums of African women in science and technology (S&T) at national, regional and continental level
* To raise awareness so that more women appreciate the value and benefit of S&T, and apply it to their daily lives
* To advocate and lobby for more women in decision and policy-making bodies and positions with regard to S&T
* To recommend a work plan for short and long-term regional programmes for women in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in line with existing STI projects (as stipulated in the SADC protocol for science, technology and innovation).
The hosting of the workshop follows decisions taken at the African Union and SADC meetings during which the African heads of state acknowledged the significance of the role that science and technology plays in Africa’s development.
Who can participate?
Officials from the ministries of science and technology in the SADC region who coordinate women in science programmes, non-governmental and international organisations, academia and industry involved in women in science and technology programmes and projects. Regional experts and organisations involved in the area of women in science are encouraged to participate in the workshop,
How to participate
The SADC science, technology and innovation desk in Gaborone Botswana will send formal invitations for member states to designate officials to attend the workshop. The Department of Science and Technology will send invitations to South African stakeholders.
Venue: Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel, 63 Snell Parade, Durban
For more information contact:
Phumelele Magubane
Tel: 012 843 6385
E-mail: phumelele.magubane@dst.gov.za
Sikhonzile Nxumalo
Tel: 012 843 6392
E-mail: sikhonzile.nxumalo@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
29 March 2010
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za/)
