In a proactive move to tackle gender inequality and champion inclusivity, the Academy of Science of South Africa (Assaf) has introduced a pioneering initiative aimed at diversifying its membership. Unveiled at the Science Forum South Africa in Pretoria on December 7, the initiative seeks to challenge the prevailing male dominance within the academy while ensuring equitable representation for individuals with disabilities.
Currently, Assaf reports that 69 per cent of its membership is male, and data regarding the number of members with disabilities is yet to be fully documented. Tebogo Mabotha, a national liaison officer for strategic partnerships at Assaf, emphasized that the initiative's focus is not to alter admission standards but to proactively identify and nominate individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups.
To address the issue of nominations originating from a limited pool of research-intensive universities, Assaf has embarked on a series of roadshows, visiting universities with historically low representation in the academy. Mabotha highlighted that exceptional talent and excellence exist beyond the boundaries of these institutions, and the roadshows aim to uncover and acknowledge these contributions.
The initiative will establish committees within Assaf dedicated to advancing diversity goals. These committees will play a pivotal role in guiding the organization's activities, fostering inclusivity across all facets of its work.
Moreover, Assaf plans to collaborate with external organizations in South Africa and beyond to promote gender equality in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) on a broader scale. Mabotha emphasized the desire to extend the impact beyond the academy, recognizing the need to address inequality at all stages of the academic pipeline for meaningful change to occur at the top.
Assaf's ambitious initiative aims to pave the way for a more representative and equitable future within the scientific community, setting a significant precedent for fostering diversity and inclusivity in academia.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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