The Physics discipline at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted a luncheon for female students from the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses, providing an opportunity for aspiring women scientists to engage with academics, receive career guidance, and build professional networks.
Organised by Physics lecturer Dr Wendy Mdlalose, the event brought together undergraduate, honours, and master’s students from various specialisations, including Computational Physics, Space and Astrophysics, and Physics in Biomedicine.
Mdlalose highlighted the importance of creating spaces where young women can connect with role models and feel supported as they pursue careers in science. “Events such as this are extremely important for young women who may still feel that Physics is a male-dominated field. They help students realise that they are not alone and that there is a strong community of women succeeding in science. We are grateful for the support of Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA) and the School of Agriculture and Sciences for sponsoring this gathering,” she said.
Physics Discipline Head, Professor Kingsley Obodo, highlighted the wide-ranging applications of physics across science, technology, healthcare, industry, and research, noting expanded opportunities for women in the field. He urged female physicists to ask bold questions, make abstract concepts visible, and combine modelling, measurement, and experimentation to address Africa’s needs while leading transformative technological discoveries.
Students also benefited from engaging discussions with distinguished academics from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, including Professor Zama Katamzi-Joseph, Dr Judy Stephenson, Dr Ursula Pillay, and Dr Seipati Mokhosi, who shared insights into their academic journeys and professional experiences.
The event concluded with a presentation on postgraduate funding opportunities by Professor Katamzi-Joseph.
The luncheon underscored the importance of mentorship, representation, and community-building in supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and inspired participants to pursue their academic and professional aspirations with confidence. Mdlalose added that the organisers hope to expand the initiative in future by inviting female Physics learners from surrounding schools to participate and gain early exposure to opportunities in the discipline.
Words: NdabaOnline
Photograph: Supplied