UNIVEN held Women in Science Dialogue under the Theme – ‘Breaking Traditional Barriers’

The University of Venda (UNIVEN), through the Green Technology Confucius Institute (GTCI) in collaboration with the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture, hosted a Women in Science Dialogue on 02 September 2025 at the GTCI building. The dialogue formed part of the last events of the Science Week celebrations, which commenced on 04 August 2025. The main goal of the dialogue was to promote the exchange of insights among women regarding strategies and methods for achieving Gender Equality in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), while also contributing to progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.

During the opening and welcoming remarks, GTCI Chinese Language Teacher Ms Zhang Duo encouraged attendees to actively engage with the panellists in order to gain more knowledge around the theme.
During her presentation, Dr Mpelegeng Bvumbi, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, stated that for decades, science in South Africa was not accessible to all, even to those who were determined and aspired to become scientists. Women, in particular, have frequently been discouraged from pursuing careers in science, with messages suggesting that the field is not meant for them. She highlighted that postgraduate female students continue to experience inequalities such as funding, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and unconscious bias within research envi-ronments. Dr Bvumbi emphasised that barriers are not permanent and breaking them requires turning obstacles into stepping stones. She made emphasis with reference to successful women in South Africa who broke barriers in science, including others, who graduated from the Univer-sity of Venda.
Dr Azwindini Maphiri, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, highlighted that despite advancements, barriers in science persist. Some are external, such as stereotypes and underrepresentation, while others are internal, like the voice that whispers, “Perhaps I don’t belong here.” These bar-riers, she emphasised, are meant to be challenged, questioned, and ultimately dismantled. “You must claim space where others may not expect you,”

Dr Anza Ramabulana-Mhlongo and Ms Vhuhwavho Tshavhungwe also shared the challenges they face daily as women in the scientific field. “The barriers faced by women scientists, ranging from gender bias to funding disparities, are profoundly disheartening. However, it is essential to recognise how inclusivity, mentorship, and policy changes can drive progress,” said Dr Ramabu-lana-Mhlongo. Ms Tshavhungwe added that, as a young scientist, navigating pervasive gender biases and systemic barriers in a predominantly male environment can be quite frustrating. “Women often grapple with implicit biases that undermine their authority and expertise,” she emphasised, highlighting the need for continued efforts towards equality in the field of science.

Dr Sophie Mulaudzi, a Senior Lecturer in Physics, shared her experiences regarding the chal-lenges she faced while managing her responsibilities as a mother, wife, employee, and student. She inspired the students by asserting that, despite the numerous barriers and obstacles she encountered, her successful completion of studies demonstrates that anyone can achieve their academic goals.

When giving a vote of thanks, Ms Mulalo Marandela expressed her gratitude to the panel speak-ers. “When each one of them was talking about their stories, you could tell it was not easy, but they kept on pushing,” she said. In her conclusion, Ms Marandela stated that she was inspired by all the women who have worked hard to pave their way, adding that one day she hopes to hear more women’s stories and see their names celebrated widely, even in their absence, because their impact would be that great.

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