Maths and science no Cinderella

The SAWISE committee members: (from left, back) Laura Roden, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan, Melinda Griffiths, Thakane Ntholi, Dr Denise Saravanakumar; (front) Emily Mokoena, Thyla van der Merwe and Jaynie Padayachee.

SA Women in Science and Engineering (SAWISE) took full advantage of National Science Week to host two events at the MTN Sciencentre; the first to market maths and science to young women at local schools, and the second to promote networking between women who work in science and engineering.

SAWISE was started 12 years ago out of the need for women to have a network through which to share their experience, and to actively encourage female learners to pursue careers in the fields of science and engineering.

The first promotion was a Science Café for 180 top maths and science learners from local high schools, including Rhodes High, Thandokulu, Bulumko, Kwamfundu, Bergvliet High and Cape Academy.

Speakers included young UCT academics and alumnae such as Melinda Griffiths, Thyla van der Merwe, Dr Denise Saravanakumar, Thakane Ntholi and Jaynie Padayachee, who spoke about their interesting careers in science and engineering.

The second event was for women engineers and scientists. At the afternoon session, A Celebration of Women in Science, Engineering and Technology, there was an address by Vanessa Lynch, the executive director of the DNA project.