Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Mr. Buti Manamela, has organized an inter-generational dialogue at Sci-Bono on August 28th, 2023, in Newtown, Johannesburg. The event is aimed at empowering young women leaders in higher education.
Highlighting Women’s Vital Roles
The dialogue will involve 200 young women leaders from various universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. This will provide an opportunity for them to interact with veteran women leaders in different sectors, including the liberation struggle, business, labor movement, and legislature.
The dialogue will highlight the vital roles played by women leaders in their respective fields. Young leaders will learn from the experiences of accomplished women, drawing inspiration to make meaningful contributions to society. Dr. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, the Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University and Chairperson of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, will be the keynote speaker.
Empowering Women in Higher Education
Empowering women in higher education is critical as it involves overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries in an environment that has historically favored men. Encounters with veteran women leaders provide valuable lessons on resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of success.
Higher education is a critical component of personal and societal development. Women breaking barriers and excelling in their fields contributes to the enrichment of academic disciplines and the advancement of knowledge. Young women can learn from the experiences of trailblazing women, inspiring them to become agents of change in their communities and workplaces.
Building Connections and Networks
The collaboration between women across generations and sectors represents a vital exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and ideas. It provides an opportunity for women to build connections and develop professional networks, which are crucial for personal and professional growth. Participating in dialogues like this, young women leaders can amplify their voices and spark meaningful change.
Promoting Gender Equity in Higher Education
The inter-generational dialogue, led by Deputy Minister Manamela, is an essential step towards empowering young women and promoting gender equity in higher education. By fostering connections between emerging leaders and accomplished women in various fields, it cultivates a supportive environment conducive to personal and professional growth. These conversations pave the way for the development of a more inclusive and equitable society, where women can thrive as leaders and contribute meaningfully to their respective fields.
The inter-generational dialogue in Johannesburg, hosted by Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, presents an opportunity for young women in higher education to learn from the experiences of veteran women leaders. This event aims to foster connections, inspire young leaders to make a difference, and ultimately contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable society. It is essential to provide young women leaders with ample opportunities to excel in their fields, including those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which are traditionally male-dominated areas.
