South Africa’s programme that has encouraged thousands of girls to pursue careers in the field of science and technology was yesterday presented to the delegates at the United Nations 55th Session on the Status of Women (UNCSW) taking place in New York from 22 February to 4 March.
UNCSW is an annual meeting attended by all UN Member-States and gender activists from across the world to measure global progress in improving the status of women. The theme for this year is: Access to Education and Training, Science and Technology, including full employment and decent work.
The programme called “Techno Girls” has supported more than 4 500 girls to study Maths and Science and pursue careers in science and technology in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Western Cape.
The programme targets dedicated grade 9-12 learners from disadvantaged communities. During the school holidays, these girls are placed in various companies, job shadowing business leaders to gain first hand insight into the running big corporate and career choices available. The programme maintains an exclusive focus on careers in the fields of Maths, Science and Technology.
Presenting the initiative at a special function organised by South Africa (SA) in New York, Minister for Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Lulu Xingwana announced that the Techno Girls programme will be expanded nationally to increase the number of girls enrolled.
"Education is one of five key priorities of government and we need to use it as a tool to reduce vulnerability and empower girls. This programme is going to be expanded to the remaining provinces,” said Minister Xingwana.
Minister Xingwana said already there were 20 participants of the programme who have graduated with University Degrees in different fields of science and engineering related to the mining industry. These girls were awarded scholarships from the mining industry as a result of job shadowing programme.
Addressing the event, Senior Education Advisor for UNICEF, Dr Barbara Reynolds commended South Africa for its increased focus on education and expressed commitment to partnership with the country in the implementation of Techno Girls and other initiatives aimed at empower girls and boys.
Meanwhile, Minister Xingwana will present South Africa’s country statement to the main plenary of the United Nations later today. The country statement will provided overall assessment the status of women.
For more info contact:
Sibani Mngadi
Cell: 082 772 0161
Source: Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities
