By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Mangosuthu University of
Technology (MUT) in South Africa has launched the Women in Research Initiative
for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT) to promote the visibility,
participation, development and impact of women across its research ecosystem.
The initiative was
officially launched with the participation of Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, who congratulated the
university for taking a bold step towards empowering women researchers in the
country.
WRIGHT will create a
platform to foster collaboration, mentorship and opportunities for growth while
helping address persistent barriers affecting women’s participation and career
advancement in research.
The initiative responds to
national imperatives for gender transformation in science, technology and
innovation, recognising that women’s full participation is essential to
inclusive knowledge production, technological advancement and sustainable
development.
“The 1996 White Paper on
Science and Technology committed us to equity through redress, including the
eradication of gender disparity, while the 2019 White Paper on Science,
Technology and Innovation reaffirms inclusivity and transformation,” Gina said.
She noted that the launch of
WRIGHT at a university of technology was particularly significant because such
institutions connect research to industry, professional practice and
communities.
“Universities of technology
connect research to industry, to professional practice and to communities. They
move knowledge from the laboratory, the workshop and the field into processes,
products and services. Women must be able to take part at every point of that
journey,” she said.
Gina also welcomed MUT’s
commitment of R2 million to research initiatives focused on first-time
researchers, alongside plans to develop a multidisciplinary research journal, a
research conference and the “MUT in Research” programme.
“These are the building
blocks of a research institution. WRIGHT can help ensure that women are
supported to build lasting careers and to become leaders within it,” she said.
The Department of Science,
Technology and Innovation remains committed to strengthening South Africa’s
national system of innovation and the human capabilities on which it depends.
Through the National
Research Foundation of South Africa and other implementing agencies, the
department will continue to support the development of researchers.
Gina emphasised that
universities, science councils, industry, professional bodies, communities and
researchers all have a role to play in advancing women’s participation and
leadership in research.
