As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month – a time dedicated to honouring female leadership and championing equality – the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Marking the occasion with transformative action, the University officially welcomed 10 exceptional Grade 11 female learners into its 2026 STEM MentHER cohort during a celebratory induction ceremony.
The event brought together mentees, parents, guardians, and academic mentors to launch a year-long journey designed to bridge the gender gap in historically male-dominated fields. Founded in 2022 by Dr Cerene Rathilal of UKZN’s Discipline of Mathematics, STEM MentHER has expanded from a localised initiative into a powerhouse national network spanning nine universities. By pairing promising young schoolgirls with experienced female professionals, the programme equips the next generation with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to excel.
The 2026 UKZN leadership team – featuring Professor Nishani Harinarain (UKZN Manager), Dr Naimah Ebrahim Khan (Mentee Co-ordinator), and Dr Rathilal (UKZN Co-ordinator) – outlined a comprehensive roadmap for the new mentees. Each learner will engage in monthly one-on-one mentor sessions, discipline-specific workplace shadowing, group check-ins, and holistic workshops focusing on academic excellence, leadership development, and emotional well-being.
Addressing the new cohort, Rathilal emphasised how Women’s Month serves as an ideal backdrop to highlight the necessity of structured female support systems. “Every year we welcome another group of remarkable young women with the curiosity, determination, and potential to become future leaders in STEM,” Rathilal noted. “STEM MentHER is about far more than mentorship; it is about creating a community of support, opening doors to opportunities, and giving learners the confidence to believe in their abilities.”
The strength of this female-led community is reflected in its track record: previous STEM MentHER cohorts achieved a remarkable 100% university placement rate. Proof of this enduring impact is alumnus, Ms Akeesha Maharaj, now in her third-year of a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at UKZN and preparing for Honours in Statistics.
Reflecting on her journey, Maharaj shared how the initiative reshaped her self-belief: “Being part of STEM MentHER was one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences of my academic journey. It gave me a community of inspiring women who believed in me and reminded me that I belonged in STEM, even during moments when I doubted myself. That experience ignited a passion within me to empower other young girls, showing them that they are capable of achieving anything.”
In alignment with Women’s Month’s emphasis on sustainable development, the ceremony also celebrated the launch of STEM MentHER’s sister initiative, MaSSter Mentor. Developed in partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (CoE-MaSS), this new flagship programme extends mentorship to PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows.
Together, these dual initiatives reflect UKZN’s holistic vision: nurturing female talent from high school classrooms all the way to advanced academic research. By actively breaking down barriers and fostering spaces where women can lead, innovate, and thrive, UKZN continues to turn the spirit of Women’s Month into a lasting reality for South Africa’s future scientific leaders.
*Visit our YouTube channel to watch our Women’s Month stories of inspiration and excellence.
Words: Sally Frost
Photographs: Supplied