Michelle Gololo, corporate affairs & engagement lead at L’Oréal South Africa spotlights women’s success in the field of science as an area where empowerment and inclusivity intersect.
At L’Oréal, we believe in creating opportunities that amplify the contributions of women in science, which is not only a matter of gender equality but also a cornerstone of innovative development.
Since its inception, the For Women in Science (FWIS) programme in partnership with UNESCO has been important in changing the landscape for female scientists. According to a study by UNESCO, only 35% of STEM students globally are women. In South Africa the number drops to 13% – according to the Department of Science and Innovation. In response, our initiative is dedicated to nurturing the talents of young African women, providing them with the resources and recognition they deserve.
This year marks a significant milestone – 25 years of the global For Women in Science programme and the sixth edition of its South African counterpart. In South Africa alone, our commitment has seen the awarding of 29 grants totalling R3 million, fuelling the aspirations of young scientists across the country. These efforts reflect our broader vision to foster an inclusive environment where every idea thrives, and innovation knows no bounds.
Creating a supportive ecosystem
I recently had the pleasure of hosting a roundtable discussion with several industry thought leaders, and the insights I gathered from the conversation were truly enlightening. It became clear that supporting women in science requires a multidimensional effort that involves the media, government, private sector, and individuals. Each stakeholder plays a crucial role in promoting and ensuring the success of women in diverse scientific fields. This collective effort is essential to build a support system that not only attracts but also retains women in science.
The panel highlighted the crucial roles of mentors and sponsors in advancing women’s careers in science. Mentors provide guidance and support, while sponsors play an important role in advocating for women’s work, securing funding for research, and supporting entrepreneurial ventures. This distinction emphasises the need for active advocacy to ensure that women with advanced degrees find ample opportunities and support.
Investing in brilliant minds
L’Oréal’s enduring dedication to empowering women in science continues to drive our initiatives forward. Programmes such as, For Women in Science (FWIS) and South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) have not only reshaped the landscape pertaining to female scientists in South Africa but also set a global benchmark for inclusivity and empowerment in the scientific community. Our efforts, rooted in the belief that diversity is the key to unlocking transformative innovation, focus on investing in these brilliant minds and ensuring they have the necessary resources, recognition, and support.
By continuing to invest and ensuring these brilliant minds they have the resources, recognition, and support they need, we are championing gender equality and activating the scientific breakthroughs that will shape the future of our world.
Moving forward, it is important to maintain the momentum of these initiatives and strengthen the partnerships that make such achievements possible. Together, we can create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures the potential of every woman in science, ensuring that no talent goes unrecognised, and every contribution is celebrated.
