The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) celebrate 20 years of honoring women who have changed the face of science in South Africa. This special event shines a bright light on women’s achievements, from research breakthroughs to leadership roles, inspiring future generations. Over the years, more women have stepped into labs and classrooms, breaking barriers and reshaping the scientific world. Yet, the journey continues as more effort is needed to reach true equality, especially in top leadership. SAWISA is not just an awards night – it’s a powerful movement lifting women up and lighting the path for those who will follow.
What is the significance of the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA)?
The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) celebrate 20 years of advancing gender equality in science. They honor women’s achievements, promote mentorship, and highlight progress in research, education, and leadership, driving transformation in South Africa’s scientific community.
A Night of Recognition and Reflection
As darkness settled over Mangaung, anticipation buzzed through the air. The South African scientific community gathered under glittering chandeliers to commemorate a landmark moment: the 20th anniversary of the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA). Leaders from government, academia, and industry filled the hall, united not just to celebrate achievements, but to bear witness to a transformation still unfolding.
SAWISA, which began in 2003 as a small project launched by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), has grown into a powerful symbol of progress. Its evolution mirrors South Africa’s broader journey toward gender equality, particularly in scientific fields where women long faced marginalization. As Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina highlighted in her opening address, the honorees continue to break new ground, deepening our understanding of both the natural world and society itself.
This annual gathering is more than a ceremony; it’s a reflection of South Africa’s determined push to rewrite the narrative around who belongs in science. Each guest, from seasoned professors to emerging researchers, shares in the collective recognition that the path toward equality demands both celebration and continued effort.
Progress by the Numbers: Shifting the Landscape
The data tell a story of steady, hard-won progress. According to the 2024 national reports on science, technology, and innovation (STI), women are steadily closing the gender gap in research output. Back in 2005, women contributed to just 32% of South African-authored scientific publications. By 2021, their share had increased to 43% – a remarkable leap in less than two decades.
These gains extend to higher education as well. Women now account for half of all enrolments in science, engineering, and technology (SET) programs at public universities, a dramatic shift in fields once dominated by men. Even more notable is the rise of Black women, who make up 72% of female graduates in these disciplines – a testament to the dismantling of historical barriers.
Postgraduate achievements reflect similar trends. Women comprise 52% of postgraduate enrollments and 54% of graduates, demonstrating a growing presence in advanced research. Yet, challenges persist. While women now make up 48% of research and development personnel – up from 41% in 2006/07 – the number of Black South African researchers with National Research Foundation (NRF) ratings remains stubbornly low, at only 17%.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges present another complex picture. Women represent 63% of students, yet only 23% of artisans are female. These figures highlight the continued obstacles women face in technical trades, despite dominating the classroom.
Leadership Gaps and the Push for Transformation
South Africa stands out globally for its strides toward gender balance in science, engineering, and technology, thanks to a range of government policies and initiatives launched since 1994. The DSI has surpassed its goal of 55% women among postgraduate students for over ten consecutive years, demonstrating sustained momentum. But beneath this progress, deeper challenges remain – especially when it comes to leadership.
Despite strong representation at entry and mid-levels, women remain underrepresented at the top. Only 30% of CEOs and 25% of chairpersons in public research institutions are women. In academia, women account for just 32% of professors and 43% of associate professors. When considering both race and gender, the statistics become even more stark: Black women hold a disproportionately small share of these senior roles.
At the recent National System of Innovation (NSI) Transformation Summit, policymakers and stakeholders united to address these gaps. Their recommendations are now shaping the DSI’s annual plans and those of its agencies, signaling a new phase in the country’s transformation agenda – one that aims to embed equity and inclusion at every level of the scientific ecosystem.
Honoring Legacy, Fostering Future Leaders
The 20th anniversary of SAWISA serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action for the future. Since its inception, the awards have honored over 200 women, many of whom have gone on to become influential mentors, leaders, and advocates. This year, their journeys are featured in a special commemorative booklet, “20 Years of Inspiring South African Women in Science,” spotlighting 40 alumnae who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for others.
Dr. Nomakwezi Mzilikazi’s story is emblematic of the SAWISA legacy. As the first recipient of the SAWISA Doctoral Fellowship in 2003, she now holds the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships at Rhodes University. Her trajectory illustrates how early recognition can catalyze impactful careers.
SAWISA’s commitment to inclusion extends across South Africa’s provinces, with the awards ceremony rotating locations each year to ensure that women’s achievements from all regions receive national attention. The event’s annual theme, this year inspired by UNESCO’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, underscores the importance of amplifying women’s voices, challenging stereotypes, and fostering mentorship.
The event also honors trailblazers like Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri – an icon of education, science policy, and ICT. The DSTI-Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri Fellowships, rebranded for 2025, pay tribute to her lifelong commitment to uplifting the disadvantaged and empowering girls through education. Today, her legacy continues in the vibrant community of SAWISA finalists.
A Tapestry of Achievements: Inspiration for the Next Generation
The 2024 SAWISA cohort showcases the diversity and impact of women’s contributions across scientific disciplines. In the Humanities and Social Sciences, finalists tackle critical issues like maternal health, access to justice, violence prevention, and health care for people with disabilities. Their research directly addresses the challenges faced by marginalized communities, shaping better policies and outcomes in education and healthcare.
In natural sciences and engineering, honorees are leading research into pain science, pediatric critical care, genomics, plant pathology, and environmental chemistry. Their work responds to urgent national priorities, such as sustainable agriculture, antimicrobial resistance, and clean technology. Meanwhile, finalists in the Public Engagement with Research category are redefining science communication, whether by promoting literacy in indigenous languages or expanding outreach for neglected diseases.
Young scientists supported by the DSTI-Dr Matsepe-Casaburri fellowships are advancing fields ranging from cancer therapy and nanotechnology to climate psychology and construction management. Their groundbreaking projects bridge local and global needs, harnessing innovations like green nanofertilizers and AI-driven hospital management systems.
Mentorship plays a central role in the SAWISA story. Many finalists are committed to developing new talent, mentoring students, and leading outreach programs. Their dedication is reshaping the culture of South African research, ensuring that diversity, ethics, and community engagement become cornerstones of scientific excellence.
Notably, Professor Priscilla Baker, a SAWISA alumna, was recently honored with the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award for Africa and the Arab States. Her trailblazing work in electrochemical microsensors showcases how national recognition can open doors to global leadership.
Building a Lasting Community and Looking Ahead
SAWISA’s influence extends far beyond the annual awards. The recent launch of a dedicated SAWISA LinkedIn Alumni platform marks a new chapter for the network, connecting honorees, facilitating mentorship, and providing a platform for science advocacy. This virtual community helps sustain momentum and broadens the awards’ reach far beyond a single evening of celebration.
Ultimately, the story of South African women in science is about more than accolades. It is a testament to resilience, vision, and the relentless pursuit of equity. The statistics, personal journeys, and institutional reforms together form a mosaic of transformation – one that has moved women from the margins to the forefront of research and innovation.
The journey, however, is far from over. Investing in women scientists means investing in the future of innovation, fairness, and societal progress. The banners hung in Mangaung’s hall do not merely mark two decades of achievement; they serve as beacons lighting the way for the generations of women who will shape South Africa’s scientific destiny in the years to come.
What is the South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA)?
The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) are an annual event celebrating 20 years of recognizing and honoring the achievements of women in South African science. Launched in 2003 by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), SAWISA highlights women’s breakthroughs in research, leadership, and education, promoting gender equality and inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Why is SAWISA important for gender equality in science?
SAWISA plays a crucial role in advancing gender equality by recognizing women’s contributions to science and encouraging mentorship and leadership development. Over two decades, it has helped close the gender gap in research output, higher education, and scientific professions in South Africa. Despite significant progress – such as women now making up 48% of research personnel and half of all SET program enrollments – SAWISA continues to spotlight ongoing challenges, especially the underrepresentation of women in senior leadership and technical trades.
How has women’s participation in South African science changed over the years?
Since the early 2000s, women’s participation in science has grown notably. Women’s share of South African-authored scientific publications increased from 32% in 2005 to 43% in 2021. Women now constitute about 50% of enrolments in science, engineering, and technology (SET) programs, with Black women representing 72% of female graduates. Postgraduate women also make up over half of enrollments and graduates. However, gaps remain in leadership roles and technical fields, such as artisanship, where women are still underrepresented.
What leadership challenges do women in South African science face?
While women have made strong gains at entry and mid-levels, they are still underrepresented in top leadership positions. Only about 30% of CEOs and 25% of chairpersons in public research institutions are women. In academia, women hold just 32% of full professorships and 43% of associate professorships. The disparity is even more pronounced among Black women in senior roles. Addressing these gaps is a key focus of current transformation policies and initiatives within South Africa’s National System of Innovation.
Who are some notable SAWISA alumnae and what impact have they made?
SAWISA has honored over 200 women, many of whom have become influential leaders and mentors across South Africa. For example, Dr. Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, the first SAWISA Doctoral Fellowship recipient, is now Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Rhodes University. Professor Priscilla Baker, another SAWISA alumna, recently won the prestigious 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award for Africa and the Arab States for her pioneering work in electrochemical microsensors. These women exemplify SAWISA’s role in nurturing talent and paving paths to global leadership.
How does SAWISA support women beyond the awards ceremony?
Beyond the annual event, SAWISA fosters a vibrant community through initiatives like the SAWISA LinkedIn Alumni platform, which connects past winners for mentorship, networking, and advocacy. The awards also rotate locations annually to highlight achievements across South Africa’s provinces, ensuring inclusivity. Moreover, SAWISA promotes themes aligned with international movements, such as UNESCO’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, to challenge stereotypes and strengthen science communication. This sustained support helps ensure lasting impact for women in science nationwide.
