SA will only rise when women in science, technology rise

WHEN Professor Brenda Morrow broke new ground by becoming the first woman and the first non-physician to lead major international paediatric critical care societies, she achieved more than a personal milestone.

- NOMALUNGELO GINA

Like the growing number of pioneering women in science, she unlocked doors and created opportunities for many South African girls and women who want to use science and innovation to shape the future.

Her journey as a clinician-scientist in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, where she dedicated her career to improving child health in resource-limited settings through interdisciplinary research on severe paediatric conditions, reminds us that ones background or gender must never be a barrier to making a significant contribution to the advancement of our country.

Her work saves lives, advances knowledge and uplifts communities. This demonstrates that empowering women in science, technology, and innovation (STI) is not merely a question of fairness but is vital for South Africa's development and prosperity.

This emphasis reflects DSTI’s impact statement positioning STI beyond economic competitiveness toward social justice, state capability, and intergenerational well-being as cornerstones of South Africa's transformation.

As the curtain closes on commemorating Women's Month under the theme: “Building Resilient Economies for All”, we reaffirm the government' strategic commitment to positioning STI as a game-changer for the nation.

In addition to being a vital component of economic competitiveness, it is also a key driver of the social justice system, serving as a core element of capacity and job creation in alignment with the Medium-Term Development Plan.

Raising gross public and private investment in Research and Development (R&D), primarily through private-public partnerships (PPPs), is a crucial part of this quest.