UK-South Africa Newton Fund celebrates women in science
Over half of Newton Fund South Africa’s grant recipients are women leading key research work in South Africa.
Over half of Newton Fund South Africa’s grant recipients are women. 18 of 25 are led by women. This is inspiring and worthy of a celebration considering that the ratio of women to men in South African academia is 1 to 1, yet female academics are underrepresented in senior academic positions.
During this year’s International Women’s Day, the British High Commission in Pretoria will be profiling some of the many great women of the UK-SA Newton Fund, particularly focusing on large research calls, innovation and capacity development.
We thank Minister Naledi Pandor who moves on to Higher Education, leaving behind her an extraordinary legacy in promoting and strengthening science and research in South Africa and handing the baton to Minister Kubayi-Ngubane, another woman to lead this important arm of government.
It is sad that in 2018 we are still talking about the need for equality across all aspects of business and society – it is sad because it is not yet a reality. In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) this lack of equality is often more keenly felt. We all need to address this, working to inspire women and girls to consider STEM, and encouraging greater numbers into research. Some of the tools at our disposal include having a policy that demands equality and representation in programmes that we fund, and promoting and celebrating role models for young women to follow and to aspire to emulate. We are proud that the UK-SA Newton Fund is mostly meeting the challenge and pleased to showcase some of the extraordinary women leading research under this Fund in South Africa in the attached Newton Fund Newsletter.
