UKZN Launches STEM MentHer Programme

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Eleven female Grade 12 learners in KwaZulu-Natal were given a launch pad to pursue careers involving Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at an inaugural STEM MentHer induction ceremony at UKZN.

The ceremony at the University’s Science Technology Education Centre (STEC) was hosted by Dr Cerene Rathilal, a UKZN lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science in partnership with the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NiTheCS) and UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. 

The STEM MentHer Programme aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing mentorship and support to young female learners who want to pursue careers in specific fields. By connecting the learners with experienced and accomplished female mentors, the programme strives to empower and guide them through their educational and professional journeys.

In 2022, Rathilal founded and piloted the STEM MentHer Programme at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), with a total of 16 students inducted. After its successful implementation, the programme which continues to run at UJ under the leadership of its director Dr Lungile Sitohle, was launched at Stellenbosch University where nine students have been inducted. This success and the support from the wider community led to the programme’s expansion to KZN with UKZN’s Dr Yaseera Ismail and Dr Chevarra Hansraj taking the lead.

The ceremony boasted an impressive lineup of accomplished women in STEM, including Dr Ronalda Benjamin, Dr Lungile Sithole, Dr Yaseera Ismail, Dr Chevarra Hansraj and Dr Dalia Varghese, all of whom have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Their presence inspired the mentees and sent a powerful message of encouragement to young learners and their parents.

The event opened with an informative and eye-opening presentation by Professor Rituparno Goswami, the Academic Leader of Research and Higher Degrees at the School of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science. His presentation clarified the various disciplines within the School and emphasised their important role in solving real-world problems. Goswami’s talk explained the path ahead for these aspiring scientists and engineers, fostering enthusiasm and igniting a passion for knowledge within them.

The highlight of the ceremony was the exciting moment when Sithole went on stage to hand over mentee badges and announce the much-anticipated mentor-mentee pairings. The mentors were carefully selected to ensure that each mentee’s aspirations aligned with her mentor’s expertise, allowing for a tailored and impactful mentorship experience. The mentor-mentee pairs are as follows:

1. Ms Jyothi Ramdhani - Dr Zamambo Mkhize
2. Ms Tamica Singh - Ms Sivumile Mbatha
3. Ms Thokozani Nene - Professor Joyce Chitja
4. Ms Tumelo Mbatha - Dr Boitumelo Precious Phakathi
5. Ms Rejente’ Dorasamy - Ms Yuvika Singh
6. Ms Tarika Harilal - Dr Nombuso Zondo and Dr Danielle Roberts
7. Ms Akeesha Maharaj - Ms Yuvika Singh
8. Ms Zaahira Khan - Dr Naimah Ebrahim-Khan
9. Ms Mishka Maharaj - Dr Reratilwe Mphahlele
10. Ms Misbah Hussain - Dr Sarisha Harrylal
11. Ms Maia Lucie Klijnstra - Dr Chevarra Hansraj and Ms Shavani Naicker

Following the announcements, a Principal Academic Development Officer at UKZN, Dr Dalia Varghese, explained the significance of STEM and presented this alarming statistic: globally, less than 30-35% of women pursue STEM careers and in South Africa the percentage drops to a mere 13%, emphasising the importance of initiatives such as the MentHer Programme in bridging the gender gap in those fields.

Dr Yaseera Ismail, the UKZN STEM MentHer programme manager, delivered a powerful closing statement, stressing that the programme served as a catalyst for positive change in STEM, encouraging women to pursue their passion, break barriers and contribute their unique perspectives and talents to make significant advancements in science and technology. Through mentorship and community building, this initiative aspires to create a more balanced and promising future for women in STEM careers.

The collaboration between STEM MentHer co-ordinators, NiTheCS, UKZN and the dedicated mentors reinforces the collective commitment to empowering women in STEM. The journey of these young mentees has just begun and with the amazing sessions and activities planned, they will receive guidance and support from their mentors and the wider STEM community.

Words: Siphesihle Owen Shezi

Photographs: Supplied