The face of women in science is smiling

In the lead-up to Women's Day tomorrow, the Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering (SAWISE) organised an event to celebrate the achievements of women in science, engineering and technology and to raise awareness among schoolgirls about careers in the fields.

The morning session at the South African Museum, Iziko Museums of Cape Town, saw about 200 young women from high schools in the Western Cape and their teachers pack the ocean-life-themed auditorium for talks by various women academics and professionals, including a number from UCT.

The afternoon workshop, themed Women in a Male-Dominated Environment, brought together high-flying women from the science and engineering fields to share their experiences.

SAWISE, L'Oréal, Element Six '“ an international diamond manufacturing company - and Iziko Museums all had a hand in the day's planning. SAWISE also awards two honours bursaries annually to two women in the fields of science, engineering, chemistry, physics or metallurgy.

For more information, contact Dr Eva Plagányi.

To read more on SAWISE go to their website

In the picture above a group of high school pupils watch a science demonstration at the SAWISE event celebrating Women's Day.