Gina calls for stronger support for women in research leadership

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Nomalungelo Gina has called for stronger support to help women progress from participating in research to leading research institutions, driving innovation and establishing enterprises.

Speaking at the launch of the Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation (WRIGHT) at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in Durban, Gina said South Africa had made progress in increasing women's participation in research, but representation alone was not enough.

She said greater focus was needed on removing institutional barriers that prevent women from advancing into senior positions, influencing research priorities and commercialising their research.

According to the 2023/2024 National Survey of Research and Experimental Development, women account for 47.7% of South Africa's research workforce, 52% of the academic workforce and 62.6% of university enrolments.

National Research Foundation data also show that the proportion of women among its funded researchers increased from 17% in 1999 to 47% in 2025. Over the same period, the proportion of black South Africans among funded researchers grew from 15% to 57%.

Government has continued to invest in developing the country's research capacity. During the 2025/26 financial year, 6,246 postgraduate students received support, including 1,644 emerging researchers and 708 black women.

As of April 2026, women held 104 of the 198 research chairs under the South African Research Chairs Initiative.

Gina welcomed MUT's commitment of R2 million towards research initiatives, particularly those supporting young researchers in developing sustainable careers and accessing opportunities within the country's science, technology and innovation sector.

The WRIGHT initiative aims to increase the visibility, participation, development and impact of women across the university's research ecosystem. It will also promote collaboration, mentorship and access to research funding, professional networks and innovation opportunities.

Gina said progress should be measured not only by the number of women entering research, but also by their career advancement and the impact of their work.

She called on universities, science councils, industry, professional bodies and research communities to create environments in which women could lead multidisciplinary research and take their innovations into industry, government and communities.

"When a girl in a rural classroom looks at a woman in science, she should be able to say: this life is possible for me too," Gina said.

MUT interim vice-chancellor Professor Rushiella Songca said WRIGHT was intended to build a supportive community for women researchers.

"When women researchers thrive, our universities, research and society benefit," Songca said.

She said more women at MUT should be earning doctorates, publishing impactful research, securing grants, leading projects, developing innovations and progressing into senior leadership positions.

Professor Kogie Naidoo, deputy director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), shared lessons from her research career, including work that has helped inform policies, clinical guidelines and treatment approaches internationally.

Naidoo participated in early South African studies examining HIV treatment in pregnant women. The studies found that one in three pregnant women transmitted HIV to their babies, findings that motivated her to contribute to efforts to address the problem.

She stressed the importance of researchers developing a clear research identity and pursuing questions capable of advancing society.

"Senior researchers should lead growth by design, by being role models for excellence, integrity, and commitment and dedication to the field," Naidoo said.

Registered patent attorney Omphile Netshiozwi, who specialises in intellectual property, commercial and corporate law, discussed how research could be translated into commercially viable innovations that create jobs and support economic growth.

MUT senior lecturer and researcher Dr Kavita Behara also highlighted the importance of institutional support in advancing women's research and encouraging innovation.

The launch concluded with the announcement of the WRIGHT steering committee, which will guide the initiative's work to help women enter research, progress into leadership and develop solutions that benefit society and the economy.