The challenge that the project addresses
This project addresses gender inequality in STEM. Statistics show that women are under-represented in the sciences. Historical transgressions against women, live on via the lack of women in academia (ie. Sciences), leadership and other relevant spaces.
What is your project doing to respond to this challenge?
STEM MentHER is a programme that supports grade 12 female students pursue careers in STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Students are paired with academic mentors at universities closest to them. The programme focuses on university placement, career development, mental and physical wellbeing and general life skills and leadership.
Describe the project's impact
STEM MentHER is creating future female powerhouses. It supports girls who show promise in STEM. The programme exposes students to the university culture while in school to help bridge the school-university gap. Students meet inspirational women who currently lead in significant spaces. Students receive mentorship throughout their degree to ensure they stay in the pipeline. They receive free access to study counsellors and career psychologists. Students are paired with university professors or academics (something no other programme does) who share relevant insights in their careers and journeys. The program has launched at UJ, Stellenbosch University and UKZN. The aim is to launch at every university. We currently have 46 students in the programme (16 from 2022 and 30 from 2023).
If successful the award would be spent on:
Stationary packs (R6000), Catering at UKZN (2 events for R8000) and transport costs for students (2 shuttles at R6000).
Follow these links for more info:
- https://www.uj.ac.za/event/stem-menther-induction/
- https://questonline.org.za/applications-are-open-for-the-2023-stem-menther-programme/ http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9861
- https://www.samf.ac.za/en/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-mathematicians-the-legacy-of-dr-cerene-rathilal