There is an urgent need for women to follow a career path in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
This is according to Willowmoore High School alumni Zaainaz Hansa.
Now an IT student at the North West University, the McKenzie Park resident was part of Vodacom’s #CodeLikeAGirl programme which the telecoms company introduced in 2017 to tackle the widening gender gap in STEM careers.
She argued that increased participation of women in science-related industries will ensure there’s diversity and more inclusive solutions.
“The jobs of the future will require education and skill development in STEM. Sadly, with only 35% of STEM students in higher education globally being women, the gender gap hinders progress. Females can bring a unique and valuable dimension to this industry,” she commented.
Despite companies like Vodacom making tremendous strides toward increasing women’s participation, a gender gap persists, with only 13% of female graduates in the field in South Africa.
“It is critical that as females we don’t stay in the shadows. We must emerge and make our voices heard.
“We must speak up when we feel discriminated against or when we see it. We must not condone it. When we speak up, we need to support each other so we don’t become isolated or victimised,” Zaainaz added.
Also Read: Willowmoore learners bag robotics award
She participated in and won phase one of #CodeLikeAGirl last year and Vodacom subsequently offered to fund her BSc IT degree.
“I’ve been involved with Vodacom as alumni, being afforded the platform to speak at phase two #CodeLikeAGirl 2021 iteration and at the #CodeLikeAGirl 2022 press release in July.
“I was honoured to be interviewed by Dejan Kastelic, Vodacom’s group chief technology officer, as part of the Women’s Month initiative.
“I was also part of Vodacom’s women’s month campaign called #DiscovHer which featured some of the most inspirational women.
“The company has been instrumental, not only in my education but in giving a voice to us as the youth and creating opportunities to network, for which I am eternally grateful.”
A voracious reader who’s always to challenge herself, Zaainaz hopes to inspire the next generation of girls who want to pursue a career in STEM.
“STEM, especially coding, can be very empowering. This is no more a luxury but rather a necessity in the current context of our economy where unemployment is high and given the changing dynamics globally due to technology.
“Through such skills development, women especially can become more liberated in the workplace and on a personal level,” she concluded.
Also Read: SB Decryptors invited to robotics world champs
