Part two of this series of articles continues to discuss the inroads being made by women in traditionally male-dominated STEM-fields – for part 1 go to our African Mining, incorporating Mining daily news page. 

Women’s Day highlights the societal and systemic barriers women have faced throughout history. It commemorates the 9 August 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government’s control over the movement of black women. While women still face inequalities globally, forward-thinking organisations are answering the call to arms, dedicating considerable resources to empowering more women in professional fields and leadership positions.

Automotive lubricants industries

In part 2 of this article, African Group Lubricants (AGLubricants), a marketer and distributor of lubricants and services in South Africa, continues to share the stories of its growing staff complement of professional women, who, are fuelled by an enabling, open environment that rejects gender bias, are shattering outmoded stereotypes.

 

Glecious Raganya – laboratory intern

“I have learned that in the workplace, we are all equal regardless of what one has achieved or how old one is, and we must always respect each other.” – Glecious Raganya

Glecious Raganya – laboratory intern.

Glecious Raganya – laboratory intern. All images supplied by AGLubricants

Glecious Raganya, an intern at AG Lubricants, represents the future of women in STEM. Having completed a BSc in Life and Environmental Science, she is gaining valuable experience and insights through her internship. Her enthusiasm and dedication to learning exemplify the potential of young women entering the field of STEM.

Raganya echoes Thando’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of facing fears and persisting despite obstacles. She highlights the evolving landscape for women in business, noting increased representation and opportunities in male-dominated industries.

 

Fortunate Mdlalose – chemical engineering graduate

”The landscape for women in STEM is evolving positively; many women now have more significant roles in STEM careers. And we are managing very well and making strides in technical and manufacturing environments. ” – Fortunate Mdlalose

Fortunate Mdlalose - chemical engineering graduate.

Fortunate Mdlalose – chemical engineering graduate.

Women in STEM are making remarkable progress, with many holding influential roles and excelling in their fields. Fortune Mdlalose is a prime example of this positive shift. Despite facing challenges such as overcoming initial self-doubt and mastering complex material, Mdlalose’s experience has significantly shaped her perspective and strengthened her confidence, making her a resilient and knowledgeable professional.

Entrepreneur, Reginah Moloi

Entrepreneur, Reginah Moloi 

AG Lubricants has also given entrepreneur, , a unique opportunity through the Enterprise Development Program – “We encourage and assist the upcoming generation of female leaders in their business endeavours”. Moloi once operated an informal business beside the road near AG Lubricant’s blending plant but, these days, she cooks delicious meals for their employees on a daily basis. This is an ongoing project. Through networking opportunities, mentorship, and resource access – all crucial for growth and success – this project aims to empower women in business.

In the spirit of celebrating the top women achievers on Women’s Day, Zandi Sigabi, HR manager at AG Lubricants concludes, “On Women’s Day and every day of every year, if we continue to champion the advancement of women in leadership positions, we will see a shift in the global consciousness and experience a new paradigm.

Source: supplied by AG Lubricants

According to United Nations Statistics:

  • Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues, and while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.
  • In cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.
  • Despite a shortage of skills in most technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of computer science and informatics graduates.
  • Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers. Their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals, and they are often passed over for promotion.”