“Our mandate at Maritime EmpowerHer is simple but powerful: to create opportunities, build networks, and advocate for gender diversity within maritime.”
Maritime EmpoweHer (M.EHer) and Move Beyond Consulting (PTY) Ltd (MBC) will be featured at the Science Furum South Africa (SFSA) 2024 which will run from 4 – 6 December at the CSIR International Convention Center. SFSA is co-hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) and gathers over 4,500 leaders in science, technology and innovation (STI) for discussions, exhibitions and outreach.
Reflecting on the conceptualization and mandate of the movement Mpho Monyane, Maritime advocate and founder, reflected, “Maritime EmpowerHer began from my passion for breaking down barriers in the maritime industry, especially for young women entering this traditionally male-dominated field”.
“After 20 years in the sector, I realized there was a need for a dedicated space to support, guide, and empower women in maritime. Our mandate at Maritime EmpowerHer is simple but powerful: to create opportunities, build networks, and advocate for gender diversity within maritime. Through mentorship, career guidance, and strategic partnerships, we aim to transform the maritime landscape into a space where women can thrive.”
On the 5th of December, M.EHer and MBC will lead a session, “Empowering Woman Science, Technology and Innovation” from 15h30 to 17h00. This session will showcase woman’s impact in fields like agriculture, green energy, ICT and maritime, with leaders from South Africa and abroad, as well as local innovators discussing mentorship, collaboration, and empowerment.
“At the SFSA 2024, our session will be an inspiring and dynamic platform where accomplished women from various fields, including maritime, technology, and science, will share their journeys. Attendees can expect powerful insights into how women are pioneering advancements in these sectors. We aim to ignite discussions on innovation, collaboration, and the significance of gender inclusion. It will be a space to celebrate resilience and vision, while also fostering meaningful connections that can lead to future opportunities and collaborations”, said Monyane.
Founded in 2024 by maritime advocate Mpho Monyane, M.EHer aims to uplift women in maritime sector. Monyane was awarded the imbokodo in Maritime Award for community impact. M.EHer’s partner, MBC, offers STI training in Earth observation, agriculture, data science, and AI, empowering over 50 individuals – many women – towards careers in ICT, entrepreneurship, and advanced studies. Supported DSI, SANSA, GIZ, and DCDT, MBC and M.EHer emphasize the value of shared resources in creating sustainable career paths. Alumni from these programs will be amongst the delegates.
M.EHer and MBC will also host booth #F8, showcasing mentorship initiatives and technology displays by startups. Delegates can engage on women-led projects, strategies to overcome gender barriers and public-private partnerships for green initiatives.
This session aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063, promoting a future inclusivity and opportunity for women. It also supports the National Development Plan (NDP) by addressing unemployment, inequality, and poverty, with alumni sharing how STI can tackle these challenges.
To attend SFSA, register at https://www.sfsa.co.za/registration/. To join the special session, email info@maritimeempowerher.co.za. Registration for 30 STI alumni is sponsored by DSI
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