The Science, Engineering and Technology for Women (SET4W) advisory committee will host a symposium at the CSIR International Convention Centre on the 25th of June 2008. The symposium will be discussing outcomes of the study entitled, Changing perceptions of Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). Sixteen successful role models in SET careers participated in the study and their career histories were recorded. Research results will be presented at the symposium and such will set the scene for further discussions by the invited participants. The symposium will establish factors which contributed to the success of role models and possible interventions that could be considered to attract and retain more women in SET.

The organisers of the symposium, South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) and National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), are targeting participation by key stakeholders such as high level government officials, relevant professionals, policy makers, researchers and representatives from higher education, science councils and industries (especially those from whom role models where drawn). This composition of participants will add to the diversity and richness of information that will inform the final brief back to government.

The overall purpose of both the research work and symposium discussions is to generate advice on what the government needs to do, in addition to current interventions, in order to support and possibly fast track the growth and development of women in SET careers.

for more details, email Thiambi Netshiluvhi