Technogirl Entrepreneurial Programme (TEP): A Case Study by Nomvula Makgotlho: Chief Director-Gender and Women Empowerment. South Africa at the …Global Summit for Women held in Sao Paulo, Brazil -16 May 2015

Famous quotes “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela “Science is not a boy’s game, it’s not a girls game. It’s everyone’s game. It’s about where we are and where we’re going” Nichelle Nicholas, former NASA Ambassador and actress

Some of the factors impacting girl affecting access to and application of technology The persistent gender stereotypes and discrimination Low level of confidence and fear of the unknown language barrier Low literacy level Socio-cultural factors Geographic factors/ proximity to centres of excellence Lack of time and money and restricted mobility Limited or unknown role-models

What is TEP? This is one of the development programmes in the Gender and Women Empowerment Unit of the department. It was initiated in 2006 and is championed by Deputy Minister Elizabeth Thabethe For many years, some of the girls have attended the Global summit and TEP has scooped awards for best PPP. The programme targets girls learners at grade 9, 10, 11 in the Science, Technology, Business studies, Business studies and Accounting subjects from the historically disadvantaged schools that have been producing good matric results for the previous 3 years.

The objectives of TEP To encourage girl learners to choose careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) with a focus on entrepreneurship To empower girl learners through technology and entrepreneurship To demystify the myths and the stereotypes that girls cannot participate, contribute to the body of knowledge and make a living as Technology and Science professionals

Methodology Girls are arranged in a multi-disciplinary groups of 10- they are supported to develop a business concept Concepts are presented at a weekend-long workshop organised by the department- in front of an independent panel of judges (experts) The judges identify winning concept/prototypes and 2 nd -4 th best concepts. Prizes include tablets, computers and printers, laptops cellular phones, a trip to the next Global summit, attending Department budget vote, luncheon with Deputy Minister.

Achievements and Challenges Achievements The department scooped an award at the Global summit for women for the best PPP programme in Greece Some of the previous participants are Medical doctors, Reserve Bank Managers, Optometrists, Accountants, Natural scientists etc. The other one is studying towards pathology. Partnership with SAAB –Grintek, Cell-C, Denel and other private business owners Challenges TEP is too thinly spread on the ground TEP does not have resources to assist the girl learners beyond matric Allocated resources by department are limited TEP relies mainly on sponsorship for prizes

Quotes from the girls “ Before attending the workshop, I used to think that the Science and Technology field was only for men and that a woman’s place was meant to be predominantly in the kitchen. I have however learnt that as a woman I can also be able to live my dreams,” said Tsholofelo Oliphant, TEP 2014 “Since I started to participate in TEP, my family and my neighbourhood is taking me very serious.., I used to be abused sexually…..by my own father..” TEP 2013

Recommendations Increase girl’s access to education Intensify career guidance and steer girls to STEM and entrepreneurship Replicate TEP to encourage critical thinking, innovation and STEM and entrepreneurship Intensify PPP’s to maximise resources, expand beneficiaries Expose girls to Science Expos, Institutions and Centres of Excellence for experiential learning Governments to increase budget allocation through fiscal Engage men and boys as partners and allies Increase exposure to role models

“It always seem impossible until it’s done” Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela

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