Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit creates opportunities for girl learners in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths

● Women remain underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, accounting for only 35% of STEM graduates globally and about 30% of researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the UN Women and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Gender Snapshot 2024.

● In South Africa, less than one-third of female tertiary students graduate from STEM programmes, and only 13% of digital-related graduates are women, showing a persistent choice gap starting at school level^[1].

● The STEM gender gap starts early, with fewer girls choosing these subjects. Despite more girls than boys writing Grade 12 maths and physical science exams in 2021, boys outperformed them^[2]. This persistent educational gap limits girls’ career opportunities and contributes to poverty, inequality, and unemployment in South Africa.

September 2025: Globally, women with qualifications in  Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are under-represented, and sadly, South Africa is no different.  In South Africa, less than 13% of women choose to study in STEM disciplines, with men accounting for up to 28%, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021.

Initiatives like the Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit, co-created by the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) and Dream Big Stay Humble, look to actively increase girls’ access to engineering, science and technology skills, aiming to inspire and empower 100 high school girls annually.

Set to take place from 3 – 5 October 2025 at the American Corner Maponya Hub, Johannesburg, the overall theme of the Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit will focus on the development and growth of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), offering girls from grade 9 to 11 hands-on knowledge of what to expect in the fields and how challenges are solved.  Participants will then work in groups to solve a challenge based on STEM and ensure the solution is sustainable.  The sustainability segment is based on real-life social issues that align with the 17 UN United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as part of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Attending the summit is a journey that opens your minds, builds your skills and proves that even small ideas can make a big difference,” Majayo, grade 11 learner from Nanisa Secondary School, a member of one of the winning teams at the Dream Women in STEM Technovation Summit held in Kwa-ZuluNatal in April.

Early childhood experiences influence women’s willingness to be involved in STEM-related industries and ultimately affect girls’ career choices. “Girls and women who had exposure to the STEM industry through family members or teachers are more likely to pursue a career path in this sector,” says Khaye Nkabinde, Founder and CEO of Dream Big Stay Humble, adding that “global studies reveal that gaps in science knowledge start opening at a young age with more girls increasingly choosing not to study science subjects”.

The programme will include coding, understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics for future innovators, as well as be inspired by powerful stories from trailblazing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Participants will be exposed to early coding using different coding languages and platforms, as well as how AI can benefit in developing sustainable solutions for problems in the community.

“We’re thrilled to be involved in initiatives that empower young girls to pursue careers in engineering and other STEM fields. The future of our industry depends on a diverse and inclusive talent pipeline, and it is encouraging to witness programmes that break barriers and inspire the next generation of female ,” notes Sekadi Phayane-Shakhane, SAICE CEO, adding “engineering is a field of innovation and problem-solving, and young girls must know that they, too, have a place in shaping the world through infrastructure, technology, and design.”

All three days are packed with a diverse group of speakers and mentors from Gautrain, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), the South African Road Federation (SARF), the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIBD), the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) to inspire, educate, and challenge the participants to think creatively and solve real-world problems.  

Attendees are in for a treat on the final day when all of the teams of the Technovation Challenge get to pitch their solutions addressing real community problems through science, technology, engineering and mathematics, in front of a team of judges.  The winning teams will win amazing prizes, including being featured on the Root of Science podcast.

“My favourite part of the Technovation experience was seeing our ideas come to life and working together as a team to make a real impact. Of course, the road wasn’t always smooth as our team struggled with limited resources, time and had to learn how to pitch our project confidently. But those challenges only made us stronger,” comments Owam Dima, grade 10 learner at Zamaki High School, a member from one of the winning teams attending the summit in April.  Dima added that “at the summit, she learnt that creativity and purpose can go hand in hand and that we (young people) truly have the power to lead change.” 

SAICE launched the SAICE STAR (Success Through Academic Readiness) initiative to address gaps in STEM education, nurture talent, promote engineering careers, encourage skills sharing, and prepare youth for future employment.

SAICE STAR has regions throughout South Africa and hosts career-focused events for high school learners throughout South Africa.  Although this initiative was initially founded in Kwa-ZuluNatal in collaboration with Dream Big Stay Humble, the vision of the team is to roll out summits throughout South Africa and eventually globally. 

Phayane-Shakhane remarks, “At SAICE, we are committed to fostering an environment where girls should feel encouraged and supported in their journey through STEM and enhancing collaborations to build a future where gender does not limit potential and every aspiring young girl has the opportunity to thrive.”

“All of our summits take place thanks to some very kind donations from our industry partners, and we hope in future to be able to extend our vision to hold more summits across South Africa, including the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and beyond,” says Phayane-Shakhane.

For further information, visit https://saice.org.za.