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ESWATINI ADVANCES GENDER EQUALITY IN STEM WITH ENWISET STRATEGY

By Nonjabuliso Mabunda | 2025-03-27

Eswatini has taken a significant step towards promoting gender equality within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sector with the validation of the Eswatini National Chapter on Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology (ENWISET) strategy.

The validation workshop, held at the Happy Valley Hotel on Tuesday, brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry experts to refine and endorse the strategy aimed at increasing women's participation in STEM fields.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, Phesheya Dube, highlighted the transformative shift the strategy represents, stating, "The ENWISET strategy is a crucial step towards bridging the gender gap in Eswatini's STEM sector." He emphasised the strategy's role in providing structured support, mentorship, and policy direction to empower women and girls in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Dube further elaborated on the strategy's potential to drive Eswatini's economy towards a knowledge-based future by harnessing the potential of women in STEM.

Lead consultant of the project, Dr. Thabile Ndlovu, echoed Dube's sentiments, asserting that the strategy is more than just a policy framework. She stressed the importance of women embracing science in its entirety, including everyday applications like cooking and beauty product manufacturing, as these are highly scientific.

Director of Research, Science, Technology and Mathematics, and lead of the interim committee, Professor Nonhlanhla Sukati highlighted the need for women to take up leadership roles in STEM fields. She presented data on the current state of women's participation in STEM careers, noting the barriers they face, such as gender stereotypes and limited access to resources. Sukati emphasised that ENWISET is a national chapter that will ensure all organizations of women working in STEM fields are accommodated under one body, which will be registered as an independent entity.

Royal Eswatini Institute of Science and Technology President, Dr. Rejoice Maseko discussed the challenges women face in accessing and implementing STEM programs. She highlighted the importance of ENWISET in facilitating access to these opportunities.

Dr. Thabile Ndlovu added that the next step for ENWISET is to secure regional WINSET funding to implement the strategy. "This process is still ongoing, and Eswatini will be in a position to implement if the bid is successful," she stated.

The ENWISET strategy, once adopted, will serve as a guiding framework to drive women's inclusion and empowerment in the STEM landscape of Eswatini

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