Supporting Women in Science in Southern Africa

Brilliant female mathematicians and scientists took centre stage at our annual Scholars' Conference in Cape Town over the weekend of May 27-29.

The Scholars' Conference, which creates a forum for Canon Collins scholars to deepen their engagement with critical current issues, and work towards creating meaningful social change, was a resounding success. One scholar said: "It was by far the most uplifting and engaging conference I've been to. The openness and level of engagement and consideration amongst such a vastly diverse group of scholars is a real testament to the values that the Canon Collins Trust holds dear and I feel extremely privileged and humbled to be part of such a group"

At the centre of the conference was a show-stopping keynote address by Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, Vice Principal of Research and Innovation at Unisa. Professor Phakeng is one South Africa's most highly esteemed black female scientists and has won numerous awards and honours in recognition of her innovative research on teaching mathematics in multilingual classrooms. She gave a powerful and galvanising speech on the importance of institutional transformation of Higher Education in South Africa, as well as sharing her own personal story of overcoming great obstacles to rise to the top of academia. The Canon Collins scholars were moved and inspired by this speech, which one scholar desribed as "articulating ideas that touched us all" and another scholar saying that Professor Phakeng "basically embodies what I want to be as a black female academic". You can read the full address here.

Scholars also got the chance to give presentations and enage in stimulating discussions and debates on their own areas of research. We had a rich variety of presentations from several female scholars who are pursuing postgraduate studies in the realms of science and mathematics. 

Nqobile addressed challenges to food security and agricultural productivity caused by climatic change and the rising global population. Her research is concerned with promoting the use of organic fertilizers in order to prevent environmental degradation while improving crop yields. 

Cerene explored the anxieties and defeatism that surrounds mathematical education South Africa due to common misconceptions about its difficulty. She proposed an educational approach thats seeks to demystify maths and promote its accessibilty and applicabilty.

Kgothatso spoke of the great African resources paradox: 75% of the world’s poorest countries are in Africa yet it has the largest mineral industry in the world. Her research addresses this imbalance and explores how artisanal and small scale mining could provide a sustainable livelihood for millions in Africa. 

Alaika explained her work with The South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE), which aims to create a network of young professional scientists in South Africa and increase public awareness around agricultural and environmental issues.

These women are engaged in a wide range of scientific disciplines but they share a commitment to the promotion of greater accessiblity for southern African women in science. Not only are they breaking glass barriers for themselves but, as Canon Collins scholars, they are deeply commited to the advance of social justice and carving out an easier path for those who come after them.

Please continue to support the work of the Canon Collins Educational and Legal Assistance Trust and help us foster a powerful network of change-makers and future leaders in Southern Africa.