Why more women deserve a seat at the table

IN 2024, encouraged by my PhD supervisor, I attended the opening dinner of the Stellenbosch University Science Communication Symposium. As a newcomer, I arrived with modest expectations. But what unfolded went beyond a conference dinner. It became a lesson in institutional history, influence and the value of inter-generational knowledge.

- GABRIELA CAROLUS

It also showed me the importance of ensuring women have a seat at the table across different spheres of society. As Women’s Month draws to a close, I hope that this is something we will continue to focus on throughout the rest of the year.

At the event, the presence of three eminent female researchers - Dr Beverley Damonse, Prof Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan and Dr Vijay Reddy — served as a reminder of women’ contribution to science. What stayed with me about these three women was not only their stature but the way they navigated the room with unforced confidence. They introduced themselves simply: ‘Vijay, ‘Beverley’ and ‘Anusuya.

Each one of them has made a significant contribution to South African science.

Prof Chinsamy-Turan, a palaeobiologist at the University of Cape Town, is internationally renowned for her research on the microscopic structure of bones and teeth in both extinct and living vertebrates. She is also dedicated to science communication.

Dr Reddy, a Senior Research Fellow at the Human Sciences Research Council, has spearheaded major initiatives such as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), thereby shaping important discussions on the quality and equity of education.