The Inspiring Fifty SA awards seek to increase the visibility of successful women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). By celebrating the diversity of the Top 50 women in STEM in South Africa, the initiative aims to publicly position role models for the next generation of female leaders in their fields, respective communities and industries.
Inspiring Fifty SA awards was brought to South Africa in 2017 by former Dutch Consul General, Bonnie Horbach. The initiative was handed over to Ellen Fischat in August 2018, who now serves as the SA Inspiring Fifty Ambassador.
Fischat states that "the initiative has grown to host a series of meetups in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where like-minded 2017 and 2018 winners find their tribes and share opportunities, resources and information. Women in STEM are still a minority group in their fields and this initiative serves as a platform to connect, share challenges and co-create partnerships and support.“
“Inspiring the girls and women of tomorrow is exactly what these top 50 women do. We are glad to be able to celebrate this achievement with them in the 2019 Inspiring Fifty awards,” said Dutch Ambassador Han Peters.
“It is time for us men to also contribute to the acknowledgement and support of the strength of women in STEM in South Africa. Please nominate one of those role models for young girls who can then aspire to bring their creativity, knowledge and skills into the STEM world too. It is not just women-to-women business, we also have a role to play, gentlemen!” exclaimed Sebastiaan Messerschmidt, Dutch Consul General.
“The 2019 nominations stand at a record number of 390, which is a 38% increase since 2018. It's important to note that the initiative is not exclusively for women, and we are pleased to announce that our meetups are attended and supported by men, who actively support the increase of diversity in STEM," concluded Fischat.
Nominations can be submitted at southafrica.inspiringfifty.org/nominations and will be open until midnight on Sunday, 7 July 2019.
