technology field and for more women to join the science party
29 August 2007
Addressing the first African Union (AU) Conference on African Women in
Science and Technology in Johannesburg on the 29 August 2007, Deputy President
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka called on women scientists in Africa to fight to unveil
the myth that dominates the Science and Technology industry that perceives the
field as strictly a domain for men. She also called on the audience to make
more concerted efforts to attract more women to enter the field.
"For many on the African continent the study of Science and Technology
remains mystified. There are commonly held perceptions that the study of these
subjects is the domain of extraordinary people and it is the domain of men, and
is not for the likes of ordinary people, particularly, women," said Deputy
President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Mlambo-Ngcuka told the conference delegates that "according to the Unesco
Institute for Statistics Bulletin on Science and Technology, it is estimated
that about 29% of researchers (in Africa) are women. In just over one half of
countries with available data, they represent less than 30% of
researchers."
"If we wish to change this perception we need to firstly communicate in ways
which makes these subjects attractive. In this way we can create a popular
understanding of science, mathematics and information communication technology,
which will not only attract students, but will also, lead to more people
understanding how these subjects work and can work in the interest of everyone.
We have to demystify these fields of study and their importance to our lives
and the world of ordinary people", she said.
The conference, with the themes, women in science and technology, role
models, gender mainstreaming, career myths and realities and curriculum
impediments to the participation of women in science and technology, is one of
the African Union's programmes aimed at building the science and technology
sector, following the signing of the Declaration on Science and Technology by
the African Union Heads of State and Government in January 2007.
The conference also creates a platform for leading women scientists in
Africa to discuss their role in science and technology for the continent's
development, as well as to enhance their active participation in this field as
well as to acknowledge their immense contribution in science and technology and
to showcase how their achievements have led to the economic growth in their
respective countries and the continent at large.
The conference continues until 31 August 2007
For more information contact:
Thabang Chiloane
Cell: 082 888 8783
Issued by: The Presidency
29 August 2007
