While gender inequality persists in many fields, South African women are making remarkable strides in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and public health. From pioneering HIV research to leading innovation in tech education and health transformation, women are reshaping the nation’s scientific landscape. This article examines current statistics on women in STEM education and fields, spotlights influential leaders, and explores the broader social impact of their work in science, public health, and community outreach.
Educational Entry into STEM
South African statistics from 2022 indicate that women represent approximately 43% of graduates in STEM fields, including life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering. While this reflects near-parity in universities, representation declines sharply at postgraduate level and professional tiers.
Girls now earn nearly half of all Bachelor’s degrees in STEM. However, only about 29% of doctoral candidates are women, and women occupy just 24% of academic researcher positions. This pipeline shrink is due to structural challenges such as mentorship shortages, balancing family responsibilities with research careers, and limited promotion pathways.
Women Leading in Research & Science Innovation
Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim
A globally recognised HIV epidemiologist, Prof. Quarraisha Abdool Karim is celebrated for her leadership in developing prevention strategies for HIV in women. She received the prestigious 2024 Lasker–DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2025. Her work continues to influence global public health strategies.
Prof. Salim Abdool Karim (co-credited along with Prof. Quarraisha)
Her partner and collaborator, Prof. Salim Abdool Karim, also a leading epidemiologist, has worked alongside her for decades. Together, they co-authored groundbreaking studies on gender-specific HIV transmission and prevention. Their research continues to shape policy in South Africa and beyond.
Dr. Mamosa Nete
A bioengineer and biotech innovator, Dr. Nete founded a Pretoria-based firm specialising in developing low-cost diagnostic tools. Her leadership has earned recognition in regional science and innovation forums.
Prof. Loretta Feris
A chemistry professor and science education advocate, Prof. Feris leads initiatives to promote science education among young women, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Public Health & Medical Science
Women in South Africa’s public health sector play vital roles at national and grassroots levels. Senior female medical scientists and hospital administrators have led national COVID-19 response teams, directed vaccine rollout efforts, and played roles in rural health service reform. As of 2023, about 58% of senior managers in public health are women—a reflection of both leadership and policy participation.
Innovation, Start-ups & Tech Education
Beyond traditional research roles, South African women are driving innovation in tech and social entrepreneurship:
- Female-led start-ups in biotech and agritech received 24% of early-stage venture capital funding by 2023, up from 18% in 2020.
- Coding academies and robotics workshops, particularly in townships, are increasingly run by women who mentor girls in technology from a young age.
- Women-founded technology incubators in Cape Town and Johannesburg have increased STEM access for underrepresented communities.
Social Impact & NGO Engagement
Women scientists frequently engage in community projects:
- HIV/AIDS NGOs, led by female health professionals, provide prevention education, testing access, and treatment support in rural areas.
- Environmental scientists, many female, are active in water and wildlife conservation programmes across the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape.
- Social enterprises led by women use data-driven projects to promote women’s health and financial independence in rural villages.
Statistical Landscape
| Indicator | Female Share |
|---|---|
| STEM Bachelor graduates | ~43% |
| Doctoral candidates in STEM | ~29% |
| Academic researchers (women) | ~24% |
| Senior health managers | ~58% |
| Female-led start-ups receiving VC | ~24% |
These figures reflect both progress and systemic constraints. While entry-level participation in STEM is solid, retention into advanced and leadership roles remains limited.
Barriers & Challenges
Women in STEM face multiple hurdles:
- Mentorship dynamics: Fewer senior female role models limits guidance for early-career women.
- Work-life balance: Family-care responsibilities disproportionately affect women, especially in intensive research fields.
- Funding inequities: Female scientists often receive smaller grants compared to male counterparts.
- Gender bias in peer review and academic publishing, where women authors are less likely to be first or last authors.
Although policies exist to support gender equity, enforcement and funding remain inconsistent.
Across the Gender Gap: How Change is Happening
Several interventions are supporting progress:
- Government and university-backed scholarships targeting women in postgraduate STEM studies.
- Mentorship programmes pairing early-career female researchers with senior professionals.
- Gender audit tools in research institutions to assess barriers.
- Community science days and STEM fairs aimed at young girls to cultivate interest from early schooling.
- Entrepreneurial incubators offering women-only acceleration programmes.
These initiatives, though still limited in scale, have begun to impact representation in South Africa’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
South African women are contributing meaningfully to science, innovation, and public health. From leading global HIV research to steering biotech ventures and shaping policy in public health, their roles are central to societal progress.
However, structural challenges persist—particularly in funding, leadership retention, and academic promotion. While women successfully enter STEM fields, they remain underrepresented at senior levels, doctoral ranks, and crucial decision-making positions.
Women’s Month thus celebrates these leaders—but also underscores the need for sustained action. By investing in mentorship, funding equity, inclusive policies, and rural outreach, South Africa can ensure that women in STEM are not just present—but firmly in leadership positions too.
References (Harvar
Abdool Karim, Q. (2024). Awarded the Lasker–DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award. Lasker Foundation.
Abdool Karim, Q. and Abdool Karim, S. (2025). Fellow of the Royal Society election 2025. Royal Society records.
Department of Higher Education and Training. (2023). Youth education statistics in STEM. Pretoria: DHET.
KPMG South Africa. (2023). Women in Tech and Innovation in Southern Africa. Johannesburg: KPMG.
Statistical Data Research Unit. (2024). Women in STEM 2024 National Report. University of Cape Town: Gender and Science Initiative.
Journal of Engineering and Innovation. (2023). Women-led start-ups and VC investment in South Africa.
Feris, L. (2023). STEM education advocacy for women: patterns and progress. Research publication.
University World News. (2024). HIV research leadership in South Africa.