Empowering the Next Generation: UCT Hosts SheSTEAM Summit 2025
The University of Cape Town (UCT) proudly hosted the 2025 SheSTEAM Summit on Saturday, 25 January, in partnership with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) and the US-based African Research Collaborative. With strong support from UCT’s Faculty of Science’s Transformation portfolio, this inspiring event aimed to empower young female learners from disadvantaged backgrounds by exposing them to exciting opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
The summit brought together 300 female Grade 10–12 learners from underprivileged schools across the Western Cape, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in hands-on learning, interactive workshops, and mentorship sessions led by professionals from a wide range of STEAM fields. The event kicked off with a powerful welcome address by Dr. Nompumelelo Obokoh, CEO of SACNASP, and Professor Elelwani Ramugondo, UCT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Transformation, Student Affairs, and Social Responsiveness. UCT’s Dean of Science, Prof. Hussein Suleman, and Prof. Sarah Fawcett, Deputy Dean of Transformation, were also present, underscoring the university’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in STEAM careers.
The UCT Department of Chemistry participated in the event with Laa-iqa Rylands and Dr. Samantha Douman leading a chemistry exhibition table that captivated the learners. The booth offered hands-on scientific demonstrations, where learners could engage with chemistry experiments, ask questions about the field, and explore potential career paths in chemistry. The interactive nature of the exhibition inspired curiosity and enthusiasm, providing young learners with a unique opportunity to see chemistry beyond the classroom.
The SheSTEAM Summit 2025 was an inspiring and impactful event, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthwhile initiative. The support of UCT’s science postgraduate students, who volunteered throughout the day, was invaluable. Their contributions in assisting with logistics and mentoring learners played a key role in the event’s smooth operation and positive impact. The collaborative efforts of SACNASP and exhibitors including WCED, CHIETA, UCT admissions, UCT Chemistry, NRF, Ithemba Labs, ARC, SAPRI, UVU-BIO, Cars4Mars, CodeTelligence, City of Cape Town, and all involved were vital in making the summit a success. We look forward to supporting future outreach events that empower young women to explore careers in STEAM and encourage their passion for science and technology.
