Pretoria: Science diplomacy must be harnessed as a tool to close gender disparity gaps, accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in science. This was the central message as South Africa and Tunisia jointly celebrated Women’s Month in Pretoria on Thursday, reaffirming their partnership in advancing women’s empowerment through diplomacy in science, technology, and innovation (STI).
According to South African Government News Agency, both countries, which mark National Women’s Day in August, used the occasion to reflect on their shared history of women’s struggles and emancipation, while strengthening collaboration to address barriers to gender equality in science and innovation. The event was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Embassy of Tunisia, with the theme: ‘The Role of Science Diplomacy in Women’s Empowerment: South African-Tunisian Experience’.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, stressed that ‘science knows no borders’. She called for deeper cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia. ‘We are here to insist that science diplomacy without a gender dimension is incomplete. We, as women across borders, must start collaborating on joint scientific and research projects more than before. We must support each other across nations,’ said Gina.
She highlighted achievements made since the signing of the 2010 STI cooperation agreement with Tunisia, including joint research projects worth over R14 million. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to inclusivity through policies such as the STI Decadal Plan, the Grassroots Innovators Programme, and targeted support for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
South Africa’s strides also include National Research Foundation funding instruments for Master’s and PhD studies, the annual South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), and bursaries offered through the SA Radio Astronomy Observatory, which currently supports Tunisian researcher, Dr Raja Mchaalia.
Tunisia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Karima Bardaoui, outlined her country’s progress in advancing gender equality since independence in 1956. Women now make up more than 55% of science graduates and hold a high proportion of PhDs. ‘We have implemented policies aimed at ensuring access to education for all and at providing knowledge, tools, and opportunities that help bridge gender gaps and promote equality, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, or geographic location,’ said Bardaoui.
She said science diplomacy can help address underrepresentation in leadership, funding disparities, and cultural barriers, while inspiring the next generation of African women scientists. The programme, supported by the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA), featured thematic discussions with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), United Nations Women, the Commission for Gender Equality, and representatives from leading South African universities.
Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, Dr Barbara Glover, urged greater visibility for women in science. ‘Let us put women on the map so that the younger ones can see,’ said Glover. A recipient of National Research Foundation bursaries, Glover shared how science diplomacy enabled her to study in both Africa and Europe.
Founder of Traversing Liminality, Dr Lulamile Gwagwa, encouraged the DSTI to create a networking platform for SAWiSA participants to engage and collaborate. Recent SAWiSA winner, Dr Maurine Musie, said the awards inspired her to start a podcast on maternal and neonatal health in Africa.
The event concluded with a united call to strengthen bilateral and continental partnerships that place women at the centre of science diplomacy. Gina summed up the spirit of the day: ‘Women supporting each other, instead of competing against each other, bring a unity and strength like no other. Let’s hold hands and empower each other across our countries.’