Building South Africa's next generation of scientists starts with girls - UP launches inaugural Girls in Stem programme

Held at UP’s Sci-Enza Science Centre during Women’s Month, the programme welcomed learners from six Gauteng secondary schools under the theme ‘From vision to impact: Her science, her future – Building South Africa’s Stem leaders’. The initiative is more than a once-off event – the organisers say it represents a strategic investment in nurturing scientific curiosity before learners make critical subject and career choices, and it widens access to opportunities that have historically been beyond the reach of many young women.

For many of the learners, their participation represented their first visit to a university campus. Some came from schools where opportunities to engage with science outside the classroom are limited. Others had never met a woman scientist. By the end of the day they had explored laboratories, interacted with researchers, engaged in hands-on Stem activities and, perhaps most importantly, begun to imagine themselves as future scientists, engineers and innovators.

The launch also extends the vision of UP’s Women in Science initiative. Launched in 2019, the University’s Women in Science Symposium has celebrated women whose research is transforming society. This year’s symposium, to be held on 6 August, continues that tradition while the inaugural Girls in Stem programme expands the University’s commitment by investing in the next generation before they enter higher education. Together, the two initiatives demonstrate that strengthening women’s participation in Stem requires both recognising today’s leaders and cultivating tomorrow’s.

“Talent is found everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally available,” UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen said during his opening address. “We want every learner here to experience a university environment, to meet scientists and engineers, to ask questions, to experiment, to explore – and perhaps to discover a passion that could shape your future.”

Prof Petersen said South Africa’s ability to address pressing challenges, including healthcare, food security, clean energy, climate resilience and digital innovation, depends on drawing on the full potential of its people. “We cannot solve tomorrow’s problems with only half of our talent. South Africa needs more women scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators. Africa needs your ideas, your creativity and your leadership.”

He added that the programme reflects what can be achieved when universities, government, schools, industry and international partners work together to strengthen South Africa’s Stem pipeline.

As the guest of honour at UP’s inaugural Girls in Stem event, Deputy Minister of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Dr Nomalungelo Gina launched the initiative, which she described as more than an educational intervention. “Today is more than the launch of a programme. It is the opening of pathways, possibilities and purpose,” she said.

Addressing the learners directly, she encouraged them to see themselves as future leaders. “Science needs you. Africa needs you. The future needs you.”

Dr Gina acknowledged that many talented girls never pursue Stem careers because they lack exposure, mentorship and opportunities. “Too many girls with exceptional potential never pursue careers in science because they lack exposure, encouragement, mentorship or access to opportunities. Today, together, we are changing that narrative.”

She said the partnership between the DSTI, the Department of Basic Education, UP, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), L’Oréal South Africa and the National Research Foundation demonstrates how collaboration can unlock talent and strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

“Our country needs more scientists, engineers, mathematicians, technologists and innovators to drive economic growth, strengthen our research and innovation system and improve the lives of our people. Investing in girls is not only the right thing to do – it is one of the smartest investments we can make for our nation’s future.”

Throughout the day, learners engaged with women researchers and Stem professionals whose own journeys demonstrated that determination, education and perseverance can overcome social and economic barriers. These interactions transformed abstract career possibilities into tangible ambitions.

Treasure Mahlangu from Jafta Mahlangu Secondary School in Mamelodi said the experience reshaped her vision of what is possible. “Coming from a community where opportunities like this are rare, attending the Girls in Stem event has opened my eyes to possibilities I never imagined. Seeing successful women in science and technology made me realise that my background does not define my future. I am leaving with confidence, inspiration and the belief that I, too, can make a difference through STEM. This experience has given me hope and renewed determination to work hard and pursue my dreams.”

Lerato Fenyane from Strauss Secondary School in Bronkhorstspruit said the programme gave her a renewed sense of belonging. “Being invited to the University of Pretoria made me feel seen and valued. As someone from an underprivileged background, I often wondered whether a future in science was within my reach, but today showed me that it is possible. Meeting women who have overcome challenges like mine has inspired me to dream bigger and believe in myself. I will return home motivated to work even harder, because I now know that my circumstances do not have to limit my future.”

Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, Director of UP’s Department of Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships, said the learners’ reflections captured the true significance of the programme. “Before South Africa can produce more women scientists, engineers and innovators, it must first create opportunities for young women to see themselves in those roles. By opening its laboratories, classrooms and research spaces to learners at an early stage, the University is helping to transform aspiration into ambition and curiosity into confidence.”

Dr Ramoutar-Prieschl said the most important discovery made at the Sci-Enza Science Centre was not confined to a laboratory experiment or a scientific demonstration. “It was the quiet but profound realisation among hundreds of young women that they belong in science, that their ideas matter, and that their futures can extend far beyond the limits of their circumstances.”

She concluded: “Every scientific breakthrough begins with curiosity. On this day, the University of Pretoria ignited that curiosity in a new generation of young women. In years to come, some of the questions asked in those laboratories may well become the discoveries, innovations and solutions that help shape South Africa’s future.”