Luzuko Pongoma
During
February the world observes the International Day for Women and Girls in
Science (IDWGIS) which among others seeks to close the gender gap at all levels of science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world.
The
rollout of close to 20 Schools of Specialisation by the Gauteng Provincial
Government in mostly previously disadvantaged communities contributes to
closing this gap. These schools specialize in Mathematics, Science, ICT and
Engineering among others and play a role in preparing learners from previously
disadvantaged communities, especially the girl child for careers in the STEM
disciplines.
This
year’s IDWGIS focuses on the role of Women and Girls and Science on Sustainable
Development Goals that include the provision of clean water and
sanitation, affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities
as well as innovation and infrastructure. These SDGs talk to the
Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) programme that is being
rolled out by the Gauteng Provincial Government. This programme puts an
emphasis on the development of these areas.
The
Gauteng Department of Human Settlements which plays a key role in the TISH
programme continues to empower women in the STEM disciplines by offering them
opportunities in the provision of clean water and sanitation in its informal
upgrade programme. It further works with women in innovation and
infrastructure development in the Alternative Building Technology (ABT) sector
and mega human settlements development projects.
The mega projects also offer opportunities in the creation of sustainable cities and communities as they encompass more than 10 000 residential units, light industries, and amenities such as malls, schools and clinics. As we observe the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, by focusing on some of the SDG goals, it is vital that we empower women to be able to play a role in all the 17 SDGs as the goals recognize that ending poverty is linked to education, reducing inequality and spur economic growth.
*This article was published by the Sowetan Newspaper
No comments:
Post a Comment