“We aim to shape the future of South Africa by contributing to conversations and actions that advance gender equality and equity. Our specific emphasis is on the contributions, aspirations, needs and abilities of women in science, technology and innovation.”
Empowering women in science and tech
“Our mission at the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World South Africa is to enhance the position of women in science, technology and innovation,” explains Elzarie Barnard, the Secretariat to the OWSDSA National Chapter. The organisation in South Africa is hosted by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and was inaugurated in 2009. It is made up of a group of OWSD International members in South Africa. “We aim to increase and promote female participation in Science and Technology professions, in scientific leadership, and in decision-making processes at the national level,” says Elzarie.
Diverse membership
What sets this organisation apart – aside from their emphasis on women in science and tech – is their diverse pool of active OWSD members. “We have members across the human capital development pipeline, all residing in South Africa,” explains Elzarie. Their website provides a platform for sharing information and knowledge products: for connecting this diverse pool.
Stable and supported
This website has been hosted by xneelo since 2010 when a word-of-mouth recommendation led OWSDSA to xneelo. “We were told xneelo was a company with stable, secure and reputable hosting services, for many large companies,” Elzarie says. “The product we chose offered affordable, reputable, stable and 24/7 supported hosting services.”
As for their relationship with xneelo?
“If I had to choose three words to describe it, I would say: supportive, flexible and cost-effective.”
