With Women’s Month 2024 already well under way, we at Totem Talks thought it might be time to both celebrate the women who’ve already shattered so many glass ceilings on our behalf—especially four remarkable South African women who have conquered the field of STEM—and reflect on what remains to be done to ensure our girls have every opportunity to live happy, fulfilled, and prosperous lives.
We’ve made great strides in many areas, but when it comes to our daughters’ place in the world of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—there’s still a journey ahead. Yet, as any mother knows, where there’s a challenge, there’s also incredible potential. Today, we look not just at where we are, but at where we want to be in 2034—a world 10 years from now, where our girls have every opportunity to thrive in STEM fields, where their dreams are nurtured, and where they lead with confidence.
The World We Envision: Women’s Month 2034
Picture this: It’s 2034, and the landscape for women in STEM has transformed. No longer do we discuss the barriers holding our girls back, because they have been dismantled. Our daughters are thriving in classrooms, laboratories, boardrooms, and beyond. They are scientists, engineers, technologists, and innovators, standing on equal footing with their male counterparts, shaping the future in ways we could only dream of a decade ago.
This is the future we are building today. But to get there, we need to understand the challenges that still exist and the actions we can take to overcome them. And as we do, we should celebrate the women who have already paved the way—women whose stories inspire us to keep pushing forward.
We’ve made great strides in many areas, but when it comes to our daughters’ place in the world of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—there’s still a journey ahead. Yet, as any mother knows, where there’s a challenge, there’s also incredible potential. Today, we look not just at where we are, but at where we want to be in 2034—a world 10 years from now, where our girls have every opportunity to thrive in STEM fields, where their dreams are nurtured, and where they lead with confidence.
Currently, only 13% of women in South Africa graduate in STEM fields, and the disparity in academic performance is stark: just over half of the girls who wrote the 2021 National Senior Certificate Examination achieved a score of 30% or above in Mathematics, compared to nearly 60% of boys. These numbers highlight the gap that still exists, but they also serve as a rallying cry for what we can achieve in the next decade.
Nurturing the Seeds of Change
Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes
In the world of 2034, the notion that STEM is “for boys” is a relic of the past. Girls grow up knowing that they belong in these fields, that their curiosity and intellect are assets to be celebrated. This shift started in homes like yours and mine, where we made a conscious effort to challenge stereotypes, to encourage our daughters to explore, to build, and to question. We surrounded them with books, toys, and stories that opened their minds to the possibilities that STEM offers.
Ensuring Equal Educational Opportunities
Schools in 2034 are places where every child, regardless of gender, is given the tools to succeed in STEM. Girls aren’t just present in advanced math and science classes; they’re excelling. This change didn’t happen on its own—it was the result of years of advocacy, investment, and a commitment to equity in education. Parents and educators worked hand in hand to create environments where girls were supported, where their achievements were celebrated, and where they were encouraged to aim high.
Empowered by Role Models
One of the most powerful drivers of change has been the visibility of female role models in STEM. These women have shown our daughters what’s possible when they dare to dream big. Let’s take a moment to honour some of these remarkable women and imagine how their legacies will continue to inspire in the years to come.
The Trailblazers Lighting the Path
Professor Tebello Nyokong
Innovator in Science
Professor Tebello Nyokong is a name every young girl in South Africa should know. A scientist of extraordinary vision, she has dedicated her career to photodynamic therapy (PDT), a groundbreaking method in cancer treatment. Her work earned her global recognition, including the prestigious L’Oréal UNESCO Award for Women in Science.
But beyond the accolades, what truly sets Professor Nyokong apart is her unwavering commitment to mentoring young women in science. She has been a guiding light, showing our daughters that their place in the scientific community is not just welcomed but needed. In 2034, we see her influence in the countless women who followed in her footsteps, confident in their ability to change the world through science.
Lindiwe Matlali
Tech Visionary
Lindiwe Matlali’s story is one of empowerment through education. As the founder of Africa Teen Geeks, she has transformed the lives of thousands of children across Africa by teaching them coding and computer science. Her work has been particularly impactful for girls, who, under her guidance, have discovered a love for technology and the confidence to pursue it.
In 2034, the impact of Lindiwe’s work is evident in the tech industry, where women are leading in innovation and entrepreneurship. The girls who once sat in her coding classes are now the women driving the digital revolution, creating solutions that are not only technically brilliant but also socially transformative. Her legacy is a testament to the power of nurturing young minds and providing them with the tools to succeed.
Dr. Adriana Marais
Pioneer of Space Exploration
Dr. Adriana Marais is a woman who has always looked to the stars—quite literally. An astrobiologist and hopeful astronaut, Dr. Marais has dedicated her life to the possibility of human habitation on Mars. Her work is at the cutting edge of space exploration, a field that has long been dominated by men.
Yet, in 2034, space exploration looks very different. Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Marais, more women are involved in space missions, research, and technology development. The young girls who once dreamed of the stars are now scientists and astronauts, inspired by the determination and courage of women like Dr. Marais. Her story reminds us that no dream is too big, and no field is out of reach for our daughters.
Nonhlanhla Mjoli Mncube
Champion of Entrepreneurship
Nonhlanhla Mjoli Mncube is not only an engineer but also a fierce advocate for women in business. Her work in promoting STEM education and entrepreneurship among young women in South Africa has opened doors that were once closed to them. As a successful businesswoman, she has used her platform to empower others, proving that women can lead in industries traditionally dominated by men.
In 2034, the landscape of business and entrepreneurship in South Africa is rich with female leaders, many of whom credit their success to the opportunities and inspiration provided by Nonhlanhla. Her legacy is one of empowerment, showing our daughters that they can be innovators, leaders, and change-makers in whatever field they choose.
The Steps We Can Take Today
As we look to Women’s Month 2034, what can we do today to nurture this vision for our daughters?
Encourage Curiosity and Discovery
From the earliest age, encourage your daughter to explore the world around her. Provide her with the tools and opportunities to engage in STEM activities—whether it’s building a robot, experimenting with chemistry sets, or solving complex puzzles. Let her know that her questions, her ideas, and her creativity are powerful.
Challenge Gender Stereotypes Every Day
Be vigilant about the messages your daughter receives from society, media, and even well-meaning friends and family. Challenge those that suggest she doesn’t belong in STEM. Celebrate her interests and achievements, and let her see that there are no limits to what she can do.
Support Her Education
Advocate for your daughter’s right to quality education in STEM. Get involved in her school, push for the inclusion of advanced STEM courses, and encourage her to take on challenges. Look for extracurricular activities that will help her develop her skills and confidence in these fields.
Introduce Her to Role Models
Expose your daughter to the stories of women like Professor Nyokong, Lindiwe Matlali, Dr. Marais, and Nonhlanhla Mjoli Mncube. These women’s journeys are filled with lessons in resilience, perseverance, and success. Let their stories inspire your daughter to dream big and pursue her passions.
Foster Resilience and Perseverance
STEM fields can be challenging, but they are also deeply rewarding. Teach your daughter the value of hard work and perseverance. Celebrate her successes, no matter how small, and encourage her to learn from setbacks. Help her see that every step she takes brings her closer to her goals.
A Future Full of Promise
As we celebrate Women’s Month 2024, let’s commit to creating a future where our daughters can thrive in STEM. The vision for 2034 is one where gender equality in these fields is not just an aspiration but a reality. It’s a future where the seeds we plant today—in our homes, schools, and communities—blossom into a world of opportunities for our girls.
The stories of women like Professor Tebello Nyokong, Lindiwe Matlali, Dr. Adriana Marais, and Nonhlanhla Mjoli Mncube are a reminder of what’s possible when we nurture our daughters’ potential. Their achievements inspire us to keep pushing forward, to keep challenging the status quo, and to keep believing in the power of education, opportunity, and encouragement.
At Totem, we are dedicated to this vision. We believe that by nurturing an interest in STEM among our daughters today, we are not only helping them achieve personal success but also contributing to a brighter, more innovative, and inclusive future for all. Together, we can build a world where every girl has the opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a difference in the world of STEM.
As we look towards Women’s Month 2034, let’s work hand in hand to create this future. Our daughters are ready to take the lead—let’s make sure the path ahead is clear and full of possibilities.
Happy parenting!
