The South African-Tunisian collaboration has been a bright example of how teamwork in science can empower women. By sharing research, offering mentorship, and providing funding, both countries support women to thrive in science and lead innovation. Tunisia’s strong focus on gender equality inspires South Africa, while South Africa’s programs help women break barriers in STEM. Together, they show how science and friendship can open doors for women, creating fairer, smarter futures for everyone.
How has the South African-Tunisian collaboration empowered women in science?
The South African-Tunisian collaboration empowers women in science through:
– Joint scientific research emphasizing gender equality
– Mentorship and networking programs like Tunisia’s ATFiS
– Funding and awards supporting female scientists in South Africa
– Policy reforms promoting inclusivity and leadership in STEM fields
This partnership advances innovation and gender equity across both nations.
The Historical Ties That Bind Two Nations
On an August morning in Pretoria, a gathering of diplomats, scientists, and policymakers set the stage for a remarkable conversation about partnership, progress, and purpose. Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina spoke with conviction, recognizing the deep-rooted histories of both South Africa and Tunisia. These nations share more than a continent – they carry parallel stories of resistance against oppression, hard-fought freedoms, and the forging of national identities under pressure.
The connection between South Africa and Tunisia dates back decades, especially to the era when apartheid cast a long shadow over South Africa. Tunisian support for South African exiles during the 1960s built a foundation of solidarity that continues to shape their relationship today. Exchanges of knowledge and resources, once centered around liberation, now encompass scientific and technological advancement. These ties echo the gatherings of European artists and thinkers in the early 1900s, where creative ferment and the cross-pollination of ideas gave rise to new forms of expression and understanding.
As Minister Gina emphasized, the shared struggle and mutual support between these nations remind us that collaboration can transcend politics and geography. It can become a driving force for innovation, education, and ultimately, social transformation. The resonance of this partnership, rooted in shared experience and mutual respect, offers a powerful model for others who seek to move beyond transactional alliances towards genuine, long-term cooperation.
Bridging Borders through Science and Innovation
After 2010, South Africa and Tunisia formalized their commitment to joint scientific progress. A bilateral agreement on Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) emerged as a cornerstone of their modern relationship. Together, they invested in joint research initiatives – starting with a substantial $500,000 call for proposals and later expanding to a R14 million fund. These financial commitments have sparked collaborations in vital areas such as healthcare, renewable energy, environmental research, and education.
Science, as Gina pointed out, does not heed national boundaries. It flourishes in open, collaborative environments. The projects born from this partnership mirror the spirit of the Enlightenment: a belief in universal access to knowledge and the power of collective problem-solving. These values serve as a reminder that progress in science is most robust when it springs from shared effort and mutual curiosity.
A distinguishing feature of the South African-Tunisian partnership is their explicit commitment to gender equality in research and innovation. Both nations have recognized that diversity in STEM fields leads not only to more creative solutions but also to more equitable societies. This awareness gains special significance every August, when both countries commemorate their respective Women’s Days – on the 9th in South Africa and the 13th in Tunisia. These celebrations serve as both a tribute to past achievements and a call to action for ongoing reforms.
Tunisia’s Leadership in Gender Inclusion
Tunisia occupies a unique position in the Arab and African worlds as a leader in gender rights, particularly in education and scientific research. Its constitution enshrines equality, and the country has translated this principle into real-world impact. According to UNESCO, women account for more than 55% of the nation’s science graduates. Tunisian women not only study but also lead in universities and research institutes, setting an example that inspires partners like South Africa.
South African delegations visiting Tunisia have witnessed this firsthand. Female scientists welcomed their counterparts, demonstrating both expertise and leadership. Tunisia’s progress calls to mind the early suffrage movements in Europe and North America, where women fought for – and eventually won – the right to participate fully in public life. By turning legal rights into lived reality, Tunisia has shown that cultural and legal reforms can work hand in hand to elevate women’s roles in science.
These achievements are not merely symbolic; they challenge longstanding stereotypes about gender and leadership in the STEM ecosystem. Tunisian women now mentor younger scientists, shape research agendas, and serve as role models for a new generation. Their visibility and influence underscore the critical importance of sustained investment in education, legal reform, and institutional support.
South Africa’s Work Toward Greater Inclusion
South Africa has also advanced the cause of women in science, albeit along a different trajectory. Policy reforms have focused on transformation, inclusivity, and building partnerships to ensure equitable access to scientific opportunities. The 2019 White Paper on STI guides this national effort, emphasizing the importance of representation, capacity building, and collaboration.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) plays a vital role by funding postgraduate education, especially for women. Programs such as the South African Women in Science Awards shine a spotlight on female trailblazers whose research shapes policy and practice. The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) bursaries – one of which supported Tunisian astrophysicist Dr. Raja Mchaalia – highlight the interconnected nature of talent development across national borders.
Despite these advances, the journey remains incomplete. Women in South Africa continue to face barriers to leadership in academia, research, and innovation management. Implicit biases and outdated cultural norms often limit their advancement. Data from organizations like WIPO and the National Science Foundation reveal persistent gender gaps in patent filings, startup leadership, and top academic appointments. The “leaky pipeline” phenomenon – where women opt out of STEM careers at higher rates – remains a challenge both at home and abroad.
Institutional Strategy and Grassroots Initiatives
Both countries recognize that closing these gaps demands more than broad policy statements. Tunisia’s Association of Women in Science (ATFiS) creates networks, mentorship programs, and advocacy platforms for female researchers. These spaces foster connection, visibility, and a sense of belonging, echoing the intellectual salons of 19th-century Europe, where thinkers found inspiration and solidarity.
South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has developed concrete initiatives to support women. Financial aid, mentorship structures, targeted research grants, and leadership development programs encourage women to pursue and thrive in STEM disciplines. Technical and vocational training expands access, while entrepreneurship programs – including the Grassroots Innovators Programme – reach women in rural and township communities, helping them turn ideas into tangible products and services.
However, challenges persist. Many women still struggle to secure research funding or business investment. Balancing professional and family responsibilities remains difficult, and persistent stereotypes can undermine confidence and advancement. These barriers reflect global patterns: the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report and studies by organizations like McKinsey & Company have shown that no nation has yet achieved complete gender parity in science and innovation.
Charting the Path Forward
Deputy Minister Gina concluded her address with an appeal for unity and mutual support among women, quoting Julie Spira: “Women supporting each other, instead of competing against each other, brings a unity and strength like no other.” The South African-Tunisian model demonstrates that progress comes not only from top-down policy but also from grassroots connection and shared purpose.
The ongoing collaboration between these two countries is a testament to the transformative power of science diplomacy. By investing in women’s empowerment, they have transformed the legacy of political solidarity into a new frontier of innovation and equity. Their experience offers valuable lessons to the global community: true progress requires a blend of visionary leadership, inclusive institutions, and a willingness to challenge old norms.
As we reflect on the journey of South Africa and Tunisia, we see that empowering women in science is not just a matter of justice – it is a strategic necessity for any country that seeks to thrive in a knowledge-driven world. The bonds these nations have forged, rooted in shared struggle and evolving through scientific partnership, point the way to a more equitable, dynamic, and connected future for all.
FAQ: Science Diplomacy and the Empowerment of Women in the South African-Tunisian Collaboration
1. How has the South African-Tunisian collaboration empowered women in science?
The collaboration empowers women by promoting joint scientific research with a focus on gender equality, establishing mentorship and networking programs such as Tunisia’s ATFiS, providing funding and awards to support female scientists in South Africa, and implementing policy reforms to promote inclusivity and leadership in STEM. These efforts foster innovation and advance gender equity in both countries.
2. What historical ties underpin the South African-Tunisian partnership?
The relationship dates back to the 1960s when Tunisia supported South African exiles during apartheid, building a foundation of solidarity. Over decades, this bond evolved from political and liberation support to scientific and technological cooperation. Both nations share stories of resistance and freedom struggles, which now inform their mutual commitment to collaboration, education, and social transformation.
3. What role does gender equality play in the South African-Tunisian science partnership?
Gender equality is a central pillar of their partnership. Both countries recognize that diversity in STEM leads to more creative solutions and equitable societies. They actively promote gender inclusion through dedicated programs, policy commitments, and celebrating Women’s Days (South Africa on August 9th, Tunisia on August 13th). This focus amplifies women’s contributions and leadership in science and innovation.
4. How is Tunisia leading in gender inclusion within STEM?
Tunisia is recognized for its progressive stance on gender rights, with over 55% of science graduates being women. Legal frameworks guarantee equality, and women hold leadership roles in universities and research institutions. Programs like ATFiS offer mentorship and advocacy, helping to break stereotypes and elevate women as role models and decision-makers in science across the region.
5. What initiatives has South Africa implemented to support women in science?
South Africa’s approach includes policy reforms guided by the 2019 White Paper on STI, funding for postgraduate education through the National Research Foundation (NRF), awards recognizing female scientists, and targeted bursaries such as those supporting the Square Kilometre Array project. Grassroots initiatives provide technical training and entrepreneurship support, especially in rural areas. Despite progress, challenges like implicit bias and the “leaky pipeline” remain.
6. What challenges remain for women in STEM within these countries, and how are they being addressed?
Women still face obstacles such as limited access to funding and leadership roles, balancing professional and family responsibilities, and societal stereotypes. Both South Africa and Tunisia address these through mentorship networks, targeted funding, leadership development programs, and advocacy. Their experience highlights that achieving gender parity requires ongoing effort combining policy, institutional support, and cultural change.
For more information on the South African-Tunisian collaboration and women in science, visit the linked resources or contact the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in South Africa or Tunisia’s Association of Women in Science (ATFiS).
