Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) plays an important role in driving innovation, economic development, poverty eradication and empowering disadvantaged groups. Therefore, it is integral that it is nurtured at the grassroots level, especially with empowering women, and young girls in Stem professions.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is held annually on the 11th of February, commemorates the incredible contributions of women in science.
With the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic, women in science have made invaluable contributions to the development of vaccines and emergency response and now, more than ever, it is important that more strides are made so that the future of science is fully inclusive.
Sicelo Dube, known as “The STEM lady,” is a scientist and founder of the Elevate Trust foundation. Elevate Trust, in partnership with UNESCO, held a workshop for women and young girls on the 11th of February in Harare, Zimbabwe, where the focus was using STEM as a tool for addressing global challenges, especially focusing on climate change.
“Climate change will have a profound impact on women and girls because of their role as caregivers and providers,” explains Dube.
The main outcomes of the workshop focused on addressing the issues surrounding gender stereotypes in society, lack of mentorship when it comes to empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM and educating STEM teachers on being role models for young women.
“Inspiration starts with the teacher, and they should be the first role model for students,” says Dube.
According to UNESCO data, less than 30% of researchers employed in research & development globally are women.
South Africa is not far behind with prioritizing Critical STEM related skills in the South African workforce. South Africa is now facing the dilemma that there aren’t enough STEM professionals available in the country and are now recruiting foreign nationals with the relevant Critical Skills.
Background
In 2020, the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) published the bi-annual list of Occupations in High Demand (OIHD). Along with this list, a “Technical Report for 2020 Skills List” was published outlining an updated list of critical skills for consideration by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). This list was published in March 2021 by the DHA as the draft Critical Skills list for public comment.
Xpatweb provided vital inputs into this list based on their annual Critical Skills survey and our Managing Director, Marisa Jacobs, was invited and served on the National Economic Development and Labour Council (“NEDLAC”) committee to represent the business sector with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) along with stakeholders from Labour, Community and Government.
New Critical Skills List
The updated Critical Skills List was Gazetted on 1 February 2022 and came into implementation with immediate effect. As can been seen from the final list, the intention by the government was to raise the bar for individuals to qualify for a Critical Skills Work Visa with specific additional criteria to meet the minimum thresholds for this visa category.
The new Critical Skills list accommodates 101 occupations in total, down from 271.
Science Professionals
The new list features 18 occupations which have been identified to require critical skills, the list includes – physicist, climate change scientist, chemist, geologist, geophysicist, materials scientist, mineralogist, hydrologist, oceanographer, general biologist, biotechnologist, microbiologist, zoologist, agricultural scientist, food & beverage scientist, conservation scientist, and environmental scientist.
According to the list, another area that needs to be strengthened, with regards to critical skills, is in education. Grade 8 to 12 teachers who specialise in STEM related subjects have made it onto the list and this emphasises Dube’s statement that a solid STEM foundation at grassroots level is important for empowering women into STEM professions.
“If there are more teachers that are knowledgeable when it comes to STEM related subjects, this can foster an environment that can motivate the young girl to pursue a career in STEM and challenge the gender stereotypes that they might face at home. STEM is not just for boys, it is for everyone, and the world needs it,” explains Dube.
As a foreign national, it can be an arduous and time-consuming process to get all the relevant documentation and registrations done. It is always prudent and proactive to consult professionals who have experience and expertise in dealing with work permits, visas and other immigration related matters.
