The office of the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), in collaboration with the Chemistry Department at DUT, will be hosting the Inaugural Workshop and DUT Chapter Launch of Women in Science, Technology , Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEAMI) , at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Center (Durban ICC) on Wednesday, 19 July 2023 from 08:00 to 16:30.

DUT has extended an invitation to women and more specifically, to successful STEAMI women entrepreneurs in the country. The workshop will provide a platform for presentations on women empowerment tools, strategies and ideas required for understanding and implementation of entrepreneurship and leadership goals. Female role models in academia have also been invited to share their success stories and how they overcome obstacles to reach the top of their careers.

According to the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Keolebogile Motaung, this prestigious event which is themed: Strengthening the Presence and Visibility, is part of the DUT ENVISION2030 Dialogue Series. In addition, the event is endorsed by the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development (IYBSSD) and it is supported by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and South African Chemical Institute ( SACI).

“The workshop aims to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations with Gender Equality and Reduced Inequalities at its core. To achieve gender equality by 2030, it is imperative to take immediate action to eliminate the many core causes of discrimination that continue to restrict women’s rights in both the public and private spheres. The program will encourage women’s economic and social inclusion by providing them with resources to find gainful employment,” explained Prof Motaung.

Furthermore, Prof Motaung added that, DUT through its ENVISION2030 strategy is deeply committed to establishing the university as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, by leveraging new knowledge and solutions for societal impact, thus contributing to improving lives and livelihoods.