COLLEAGUES IN ENGINEERING, THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE WELCOME! HANNELIE NEL 29 AUGUST 2007

2 IN SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN REPRESENT: 52.2% OF THE POPULATION 54.8% OF REGISTERED VOTERS 4.6% OF MAGISTRATES 28.2% OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 98% OF DOMESTIC WORKERS 29.5% OF DOCTORS 2.5% OF THE PRISON POPULATION 43.8% OF THE WORKFORCE 44.8% OF THOSE EARNING LESS THAN R1 600 pm 52.3% OF THE UNEMPLOYED 58% OF THE HIV INFECTED ADULTS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

3 WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE PUBLIC SET WORKFORCE Study conducted by Centre for Research on SET, Women represent 52% of the African population estimated at million. Female students constitute 53% of all higher education enrolments and 58% of graduation. Female students constitute less than 50% of postgraduate enrolments and graduations. Female student doctoral enrolments and graduations constitute 31% of the total in Natural Sciences and Engineering sectors (lowest).

4 WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ACADEMIC WORKFORCE Study conducted by Centre for Research on SET, Women represent less than 30% of the academic workforce: lecturers, senior lecturers and professors. Women represent 35% - 40% of the R&D personnel in science councils. Female academic and R&D personnel are less qualified than their male counterparts. Women are under-represented in Natural Sciences and Engineering. Total number of women students in UJ FEBE is 24% of the total of approximately 6300 students.

5 WHY ARE THERE SO FEW WOMEN ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS? THE LEADING REASON IS THE SUBTLE BUT VERY DIRECT DISCOURAGEMENT THAT GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN GET FROM ADULTS, THEIR PEERS AND THE MEDIA. THESE DISCOURAGEMENTS ARE THE RESULT OF TRADITIONAL AND STEREOTYPICAL VIEWS - VIEWS THAT CREATE OBSTACLES THAT PREVENT THE PROGRESS OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN ENGINEERING. IT IS THE RESULT OF SUCH VIEWS THAT MOST HAIRDRESSING APPRENTICES ARE FEMALE AND MOST ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING APPRENTICES ARE MALE. THE MANY TRADITIONAL AND STEREOTYPICAL VIEWS AND REASONS THAT DISCOURAGE GIRLS FROM PURSUING ENGINEERING INCLUDE…

6 MYTH versus REALITY MYTH: Boys are better at math and science than girls. REALITY: There is no difference in ability to learn math and science between boys and girls. MYTH: Competitive activities are the best way to motivate students to learn. REALITY: Girls and many boys often respond better to cooperative and collaborative learning experiences than to competition. MYTH: Girls don’t like technology. REALITY: Girls are very interested in technology, but cultural differences in the way that boys and girls are raised typically limit the experiences girls have with different technologies.

7 MYTH versus REALITY MYTH: Female engineers cannot be feminine, are dull and unattractive, and have no family life. REALITY: A woman in engineering can be stylish, attractive, and a good mother. In fact, you are an excellent role model to your children! MYTH: Women can’t succeed professionally in engineering careers. REALITY: Engineering is still a male-dominated profession, but women can add and do build successful careers, which is illustrated by example today. As more women enter and work their way up through the engineering workforce, the profession is becoming more women-friendly.

8 Why should we encourage girls and young women to become engineers? There is a shortage of skilled and professional engineers and scientists in South Africa. Society benefits from a more diverse engineering community. Women often add a different perspective to problem solving, management and teamwork. Engineering can be a rewarding lifetime career. And you will have time for family, being involved in your community and practising your hobbies. In South Africa, women represent 52% of the population group and is a major consumer group. By attracting women engineers, companies gain better understanding of their customer needs, improve product design, innovate, and compete more effectively in the marketplace.

9 How do we encourage girls and women to build careers in maths, science, engineering and technology? BY SHARING EXPERIENCES, MENTORING, NETWORKING, INFORMING & MOTIVATING YOUNG FEMALE ENGINEERS.