Tag: WomeninScience

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Jennifer Veitch a physical oceanographer at the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON) who heads up the SOMISANA (A Sustainable Ocean Modelling Initiative: a South African Approach) Initiative. This conversation spans the scientific, societal, and personal dimensions of oceanography: exploring the crucial role of women in science, the challenges of climate change, and the importance of inclusive, co-designed environmental solutions. This episode of Womanity coincides with World Oceans Day, which is celebrated on 8 June. "Wonder: Sustaining what sustains us" is the theme for World Oceans Day 2025. Understanding the Ocean Through Models At the heart of Dr. Veitch’s work is the use of sophisticated ocean models, computational tools that simulate the behaviour of the sea in ways that satellites and in-situ instruments alone cannot capture. These models serve dual purposes: they offer both operational forecasts (such as five-day predictions of ocean conditions to support maritime stakeholders) and long-term projections that help track historical and future changes in ocean currents, ecosystems, and climate. This information is pivotal in scenarios like oil spill response, marine resource management, search-and-rescue missions, and safeguarding endangered species such as seabirds in Algoa Bay. Real-World Impact: From Oil Spills to Policy Dr. Veitch unpacks how ocean forecasting was crucial in identifying the probable source of an unknown oil slick discovered on South Africa’s West Coast, illustrating the high-impact, real-world applications of her team’s work. These capabilities not only aid emergency responses but also help strengthen marine environmental governance and accountability. Bridging Science and Society A major theme in the interview is the essential interplay between science and society. Dr. Veitch speaks candidly about the need to improve science communication, particularly with non-specialist audiences like policymakers and coastal communities. She emphasizes the importance of integrating local and indigenous knowledge systems into formal scientific frameworks, arguing that such approaches are not only more equitable but also more effective. Through ongoing community engagement along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, SOMI researchers are working to align local lived experiences of climate change with scientific predictions, though she acknowledges that building trust in historically marginalized communities, especially fishing communities impacted by regulatory constraints, remains a challenge. Raising the Global South’s Voice in Global Science Dr. Veitch also reflects on her global scientific leadership roles, including her involvement with CLIVAR (Climate and Ocean: Variability, Predictability and Change) and the UN-endorsed Ocean Prediction Decade Collaborative Centre. These platforms amplify African voices and foster cross-hemisphere collaboration, data sharing, and interoperability in ocean modelling. She stresses the critical importance of representation from the Global South in these forums—so that science reflects diverse geographies, economic contexts, and environmental vulnerabilities. Nurturing the Next Generation of Ocean Scientists On a more personal note, Dr. Veitch shares her commitment to mentorship and capacity development, highlighting her pride in mentoring Dr. Mahasbo Ragoasha. Dr. Ragoasha’s journey, from rural mountain origins in Limpopo to scientific excellence and leadership at the University of Cape Town, is a moving testament to resilience, opportunity, and representation in science. Confronting Gender Bias and Breaking Barriers The discussion doesn’t shy away from the gendered challenges that women in oceanography still face. Dr. Veitch recounts early career experiences where her voice was ignored in meetings and how she was undermined as merely an "employment equity hire." These moments of exclusion only fueled her determination to prove her value through excellence. Today, she sees her mission as not only scientific but also transformational: to create space for more women and underrepresented scientists to rise and thrive in her field. Balancing a Demanding Career with Personal Well-being Balancing a high-pressure scientific career with personal well-being is another dimension Dr. Veitch unpacks with honesty. She speaks about the difficulty of switching off mentally, even after physically closing the laptop. Nature, yoga, and time with her children are some of the tools she uses to maintain equilibrium and clarity. Physical activity and mindfulness are, for her, essential strategies to manage stress and maintain a sense of inner calm. Passion for the Ocean and the Story of Earth Throughout the interview, Dr. Veitch’s passion for the ocean is palpable, rooted in a lifelong awe of the interconnected systems of the planet, from tides driven by the moon to the shifting currents that shape coastal life. This love for Earth’s stories, coupled with her desire to secure a better environmental future for her children, fuels her drive to be impactful, rigorous, and visionary. Words of Encouragement: Step into Discomfort In closing, Dr. Veitch encourages women and girls to step beyond their comfort zones, especially when it’s frightening; because that’s where real growth and transformation happen. Her story is one of curiosity, courage, and contribution: a profound reminder that the ocean, like science, is a space of opportunity, stewardship, and shared human destiny. Tune in for more…

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June 5, 2025

Dr. Jennifer Veitch – Physical Oceanographer at SAEON – Walk Your Talk

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Jennifer Veitch a physical oceanographer at the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON) who heads up the SOMISANA (A Sustainable Ocean Mod...

In this episode of  Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof. Alisha Wade - Director of Research in the Unit of Metabolism and Endocrinology at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Reader and Clinician Scientist in the Department of Internal Medicine in the School of Clinical Medicine at the same institution. Prof. Wade discusses her unique path in medicine, the critical gaps in women’s health research, and how investing in people’s health and education can transform nations. Professor Wade’s journey spans Barbados, Jamaica, the UK, the United States, and South Africa. Her global academic and clinical journey offers listeners a front-row seat into how culture, geography, economics, and identity shape medicine, scientific inquiry, and social impact. From an early age, Prof. Wade was immersed in an environment where medicine was viewed as both a noble calling and a vehicle for social mobility. She shares personal insights into how growing up in a family of male doctors influenced her early ambitions, and how her mother’s suggestion to consider law (fearing medicine might bore her) ironically led her to carve a unique path that combines intellectual curiosity with compassionate clinical care. As a clinician scientist, Prof. Wade explains the dual nature of her role: treating patients while conducting cutting-edge research. Her scientific inquiries focus on how endocrine diseases manifest in African and African-ancestry populations. One of her standout studies – published in The Lancet Global Health – showed that diabetes prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa nearly doubled in just six years. This shocking statistic reflects not only shifting lifestyle patterns but also systemic challenges in healthcare delivery and diagnosis. Beyond the numbers, Prof. Wade outlines the broader public health implications. She argues that healthcare systems in Africa, largely designed to tackle infectious diseases like HIV and TB, are ill-equipped to manage the chronic care demands of diabetes. Even when people are diagnosed and treated, half fail to reach treatment targets – a failure rooted in late diagnoses, poor access to care, and under-resourced systems. The conversation pivots to explore gendered dimensions of health and medicine. Prof. Wade highlights that women often access healthcare more frequently than men, especially during reproductive years, but are paradoxically underrepresented in research – especially for conditions like menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Despite their high prevalence, these conditions are vastly under-studied in South Africa and across the continent. Prof. Wade calls for greater investment in gender-specific research, noting that lived experience, leadership representation, and policy advocacy all play vital roles in driving change. She also reflects on the structural barriers facing women who choose to specialise in fields like endocrinology. Long training timelines, limited specialist posts, and the reproductive realities of childbearing intersect in ways that often disadvantage women. Speaking candidly, she shares how few women are warned about these trade-offs early in their careers, and how more transparency and mentorship could empower women to make informed choices about training, family, and career advancement. Prof. Wade also opens up about the importance of role modelling and mentorship, revealing her commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists and clinicians – especially women. Drawing from her own experience with strong female role models in her family, particularly her mother and grandmother, she talks about mentoring not as a prescriptive act, but as an empathetic and respectful partnership in the words of an uncle: “My job is not to give advice,” she says, “but to help people delineate their options.” On a personal note, Prof. Wade speaks about raising her children while managing an international career and how she’s developed boundaries to protect family time. She underscores that having agency over her schedule is a form of privilege that came with seniority – and one she uses to model better work-life integration for those she mentors. “I write emails at 11 p.m.,” she quips, “but I only send them at 8 a.m.” The episode closes with timeless advice for young women: define your own success, stay grounded in your values, and never lose sight of your long-term goals. “Life will bring more disappointments than wins,” she warns, “but your failures are not a reflection of your worth – they’re part of the process.” Tune in for more.

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May 22, 2025

Prof. Alisha Wade – Director, Research in Metabolism and Endocrinology – WITS – Invest in People

In this episode of  Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Prof. Alisha Wade - Director, Research in Metabolism and Endocrinology at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Reader and Clinician Scientist in th...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Associate Professor Mathabatha Evodia Setati, Co-Director of the African Microbiome Institute and a leading researcher at the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute at Stellenbosch University. Professor Setati opens a window into the invisible universe of microbes—organisms we can’t see, but which shape nearly every aspect of life on Earth. From fermentation in winemaking to soil health and human digestion, her research explores the delicate microbial ecosystems that underpin our food systems, health, and the environment. She explains how viticulture, biotechnology, and microbiology intersect, and how her work contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices and a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with nature. But this is also a story of personal evolution. Raised in Seshego township in Limpopo, Prof. Setati grew up watching her mother—who had been denied educational opportunities as a child—study tirelessly to earn her qualifications as a teacher. This maternal example of grit and academic determination planted the seeds of a lifelong pursuit of excellence. As the eldest daughter, she internalised the belief that education was not only a tool for empowerment, but also a legacy to uphold and surpass. Her journey took her across South Africa and the globe, from the University of Limpopo to Stellenbosch and onwards to Sweden, Austria, and Brazil. Yet her early academic path wasn’t always clear—she originally aspired to study medicine, only discovering microbiology through a university course. Once she looked through the microscope, however, she never looked back. Prof. Setati candidly discusses the challenges of being “the only Black woman in the room” throughout much of her academic career—and how that very isolation became a motivator to break barriers and set an example for others. Her fierce commitment to hard work, independence, and high standards led her to excel not only for herself but as a standard-bearer for those who would follow. A passionate advocate for science education and inclusion, she shares her views on the urgent need to expose young girls—especially in under-resourced communities—to the diverse career paths within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She explains how simple exposure to career possibilities, practical research demonstrations, and school outreach programs can spark imagination and inspire confidence. “Kids don’t dream of careers they’ve never seen,” she says. She also challenges systemic issues, such as how education policy and the promotion of subjects like mathematics literacy can inadvertently limit children's futures, especially when universities require more rigorous academic foundations for STEM-related studies. In her closing words, Prof. Setati encourages girls and young women to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams unapologetically, and not be afraid to ask for support. “Don’t wait for others to validate your success,” she says. “Own your ambitions. Work hard. Trust your instincts. And remember—you are enough.” This episode is a powerful celebration of science, storytelling, and self-belief—a portrait of a woman who has harnessed the microscopic world to make a massive impact. Tune in for more.

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April 16, 2025

Prof. Mathabatha Evodia Setati (SAGWRI) – Stellenbosch University – Unseen Worlds

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Associate Professor Mathabatha Evodia Setati, Co-Director of the African Microbiome Institute and a leading researcher at the South African G...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, we explore the fascinating world of oceanography with Dr. Tammy Morris, a physical oceanographer with extensive in-field experience in the Southwest Indian and South Atlantic Oceans. She serves as the Ocean and Polar Coordinator at the SAEON Egagasini Node and is a member of several international oceanographic committees, including the Argo Steering Team and the Ship of Opportunity Implementation Panel. Understanding Physical Oceanography Dr. Morris introduces listeners to the field of physical oceanography, explaining how it differs from biological and geological oceanography. She highlights its critical role in understanding ocean currents, temperature fluctuations, and salinity variations, which, in turn, influence global climate patterns, marine ecosystems, and even human societies. The Dynamics of Ocean Currents She explains how ocean currents move across the globe, sometimes driven by monsoons, wind patterns, or internal ocean dynamics. Large currents such as those along South Africa’s east and west coasts play a key role in marine biodiversity, particularly fisheries, as well as shipping traffic. She notes the dynamics of the warm Agulhas Current on the east coast, in comparison to the cold northward flowing Benguela Current on the west coast that contributes to nutrient rich water, which in drives the fisheries. The Benguela Current also plays an important role in shaping the fynbos biome and its unique ecosystem. However, she emphasizes that smaller-scale oceanic movements, such as eddies, have significant, often underappreciated, impacts on marine ecosystems. Dr Morris is also part of a global initiative that deploys Argo floats into the ocean. These floats profile the ocean basin measuring various factors like temperature and salinity. They are a unique way to collect a global heartbeat of the ocean and improve our understand the ocean. Why the Ocean Matters to Humanity Dr. Morris underscores how the ocean is deeply interconnected with human life. It influences weather patterns, sustains fisheries, and affects local economies. She addresses the common misconception that oceanographic studies are distant from everyday concerns, explaining how the Southern Ocean and other large-scale marine phenomena shape everything from rainfall patterns to food security. A Personal Journey into Oceanography Dr. Morris shares her personal story of growing up on South Africa’s West Coast, where she developed an early love for the ocean. Childhood experiences exploring rock pools and watching her father and grandfather dive for rock lobster sparked a lifelong curiosity that eventually led her to study oceanography despite initial encouragement to pursue engineering. Dr. Morris’s career path demonstrates resilience and determination. She did not attain a matric exemption to enter university immediately after secondary school and started in her discipline as a field technician, eventually attaining her PhD. She emphasises that there are many possibilities to acheive your dreams. Looking Ahead In closing, Dr. Morris discusses ongoing and future research efforts in physical oceanography, including the importance of continuous monitoring of oceanic changes due to climate change. She encourages young women interested in STEM fields to follow their passion and highlights the rewarding aspects of working in oceanography. Exciting learning programs, such as SEAmester, introduces marine science as an applied and cross-disciplinary field to students, encompassing an annual training cruise of approximately ten days for post graduate students from a range of disciplines. This episode celebrates the role of women in science and highlights the vital work being done to understand and protect the world’s oceans. Dr. Morris’s insights remind us that while the ocean may seem vast and distant, it plays an integral role in our daily lives. Tune in for more…

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March 27, 2025

Dr. Tamaryn Morris – SAEON Physical Oceanographer – Interconnecting Oceans & Climate

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, we explore the fascinating world of oceanography with Dr. Tammy Morris, a physical oceanographer with extensive in-field experience in the Southwest Indian and South Atlantic Oce...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with marine scientist Dr. Lara Atkinson from the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON), Egagasini Node. She shares her journey into marine science, her role in deep-sea exploration, and her mission to promote ocean conservation and capacity-building in Africa. The Path to Marine Science Dr. Atkinson recounts how her fascination with marine life began with watching documentaries as a child, despite growing up in Johannesburg, far from the ocean. A book she discovered on a family holiday—The Living Shores by George and Margot Branch—cemented her ambition to become a marine biologist, which outlined what subjects were required to pursue marine science. She methodically pursued her goal, ensuring she took the necessary subjects in school (mathematics, physics, biology, and geography) to gain entry into a Bachelor of Science program, which led to postgraduate studies culminating in a PhD. She emphasizes that careers in marine science are not limited to academic research, highlighting the technical and technological fields that support the discipline, including mapping, artificial intelligence, software development, and outreach education. She also underscores the increasing participation of women in these areas. The Ocean Quest Around Africa Expedition A major focus of the conversation is Dr. Atkinson’s role in the Ocean Quest Around Africa Expedition, an initiative endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade Framework. She served as the lead African scientist, coordinating research efforts and assembling a diverse team of marine scientists from Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Comoros, and South Africa. The expedition, a partnership between Ocean X (a media and ocean exploration organization) and Ocean Quest (a nonprofit initiative focused on deep-sea research), aimed to explore Africa’s rich marine biodiversity, particularly seamounts—underwater mountains that serve as biodiversity hotspots but are threatened by climate change and human activity. During the first science leg of the expedition, the team sailed from Comoros through the Mozambique Channel, past Madagascar, and into South African waters, mapping the ocean floor and studying deep-sea ecosystems. The next phases of the expedition involve further exploration in Namibia, Cape Verde Islands, and Canary Islands before culminating at the UN Ocean Congress in France. Deep-Sea Exploration & Key Discoveries Dr. Atkinson describes her first-hand experience descending 500 meters below the ocean’s surface in a submersible, an acrylic-glass vessel used for deep-sea research. She recounts the awe-inspiring sight of previously unseen ecosystems, as well as evidence of human impact—notably, how Walter’s Shoal, a seamount once heavily fished, has yet to fully recover, despite conservation efforts. She emphasizes the slow growth rates of deep-sea species, explaining that full ecosystem restoration could take decades. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Marine Science A major challenge of deep-sea research is the massive volume of data collected, including 8+ hours of footage per dive from remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Dr. Atkinson highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is being leveraged to analyze video footage more efficiently, with AI models trained to identify marine species automatically. She and her team are contributing to this initiative, helping Ocean X refine AI tools to accelerate data processing. Empowering Africa Through Marine Science Beyond research, Dr. Atkinson is deeply committed to education, capacity-building, and fostering the next generation of African marine scientists. She highlights the new marine science curriculum in South African high schools, which allows students—even those in landlocked areas like Johannesburg—to engage with ocean studies. She also stresses the importance of international collaborations, mentorship, and creating employment opportunities in a field that, while vital, remains underfunded. Inspiring the Next Generation In closing, Dr. Atkinson delivers a powerful message to young women: marine science needs you. She encourages them to pursue their passion, seek opportunities, and contribute to ocean conservation. She believes that a woman’s perspective, dedication, and care are crucial for the future of marine research. Her final words echo the essence of her mission: “Follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up. The ocean needs guardians, and Africa’s young scientists have a critical role to play.” Tune in for more.

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March 21, 2025

Dr. Lara Atkinson – Marine Scientist: SAEON – Explorer

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with marine scientist Dr. Lara Atkinson from the South African Environmental Observational Network (SAEON), Egagasini Node. She shares her jour...

In this special episode of Womanity for International Women's Day, Judge Jacqueline Henriques, alongside Prof. Beatrice Opeolu and Dr. Lara Atkinson, emphasize education, leadership, policy change, and advocacy as essential tools for creating a more equitable future. Their powerful insights remind us that progress requires collective action, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice and empowerment for all women and girls. Judge Jacqueline Henriques – Women’s Rights, Justice & Legal Empowerment Judge Jacqueline Henriques, a permanent judge of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, discusses the global regression in women’s rights, the role of the judiciary in gender equality, and the importance of legal awareness and access to justice. She reflects on International Women’s Day as a time to assess progress and reinvigorate efforts to protect women’s rights globally. Judge Henriques expresses concern over the backsliding of gender rights worldwide, citing examples such as the Taliban’s restrictions on women in Afghanistan and the curtailment of abortion rights in the United States. While acknowledging that some countries, including Bolivia, Moldova, Ecuador, Slovenia, South Korea, and Zambia, have made strides in strengthening democracy and human rights, she stresses the need to maintain momentum in the fight for gender equality. She highlights the critical role of the judiciary in advancing women’s rights, referencing landmark court cases in South Africa that have strengthened gender equality, such as: 1. Legal recognition of female traditional leaders, breaking patriarchal barriers in cultural leadership. 2. Judicial recognition of Muslim marriages, ensuring that women in these unions receive legal protection. However, she emphasizes that having strong laws is not enough—women must know their rights and have the means to enforce them. She identifies a major gap in public awareness, particularly among women in rural communities, who often lack access to legal resources and support. Judge Henriques stresses that NGOs and community organizations play a vital role in bridging this gap by educating women about their legal protections and ensuring that justice is accessible to all. She also highlights the importance of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, which are being successfully implemented in rural communities, where trained female mediators help resolve disputes locally. She calls for greater inclusivity in legal reforms, urging governments to engage with researchers and grassroots organizations to shape policies that truly address the needs of marginalized women, including those with disabilities. She also advocates for practical improvements, such as ensuring buildings are wheelchair-accessible, to make justice more inclusive. Her final message to women: We must not lose momentum. Women must be informed, empowered, and supported to claim their rights. True justice means ensuring that no woman is left behind. Prof. Beatrice Opeolu – Environmental Toxicology & Gender Equality in Sustainability Prof. Beatrice Opeolu, an environmental toxicologist, explores the interconnection between environmental justice and gender equality. She highlights how environmental degradation disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly in developing countries, and stresses the need for policy changes that prioritize gender-sensitive sustainability efforts. She outlines three critical areas for transformation: 1. Changing societal norms – From childhood, girls are often assigned domestic roles while boys are not taught self-sufficiency. She urges families to raise boys and girls equally to break ingrained gender biases. 2. Education reform – Formal and informal education systems must be restructured to contextually reflect African realities and improve awareness about environmental sustainability. 3. Political will & leadership – Governments must be intentional about advancing gender equality by creating opportunities for women in science, policy-making, and sustainability efforts. Prof. Opeolu also addresses women’s underrepresentation in environmental science and leadership, emphasizing that many women lack confidence despite being highly qualified. She advocates for strong mentorship networks, intentional leadership training, and support systems that uplift women in STEM fields. She also promotes the upcoming Women Leaders in Higher Education Summit in Johannesburg, an initiative to bring together female leaders globally. Her closing message: Every woman is enough, capable, and valuable. Women in leadership must uplift others, and mentorship should be a two-way relationship that empowers future generations. Dr. Lara Atkinson – Women in Marine Science & Ocean Conservation Dr. Lara Atkinson, a marine scientist, shares her perspectives on gender equality in ocean research, reflecting on her experience in scientific expeditions with diverse, multicultural teams of women. She describes International Women’s Day as a moment to celebrate progress, reflect on challenges, and push forward towards greater gender parity. Dr. Atkinson emphasizes that representation matters—seeing diverse women in science encourages young girls to pursue careers in STEM. She shares her involvement in education outreach programs for underprivileged schools in South Africa, where she actively mentors young women and ensures they see role models in marine science. She acknowledges progress in gender equality within marine science, noting an increase in female researchers and leaders. However, she also points out that old-fashioned perceptions persist, and more work is needed to dismantle biases that suggest certain scientific fields are “male-dominated.” Addressing the economic importance of oceans, Dr. Atkinson discusses how marine conservation efforts impact women’s livelihoods—especially those working in coastal economies reliant on fishing and marine resources. She underscores the need for sustainable resource management to ensure job security for women in these industries. Her final message to young women: “It’s up to us to change outdated perceptions. With passion, dedication, and confidence, women can succeed in any career they choose. Never give up on your dreams.” Tune in for more.

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March 13, 2025

International Women’s Day 2025 – Judge Jacqueline Henriques, Prof. Beatrice Opeolu and Dr. Lara Atkinson

In this special episode of Womanity for International Women's Day, Judge Jacqueline Henriques, alongside Prof. Beatrice Opeolu and Dr. Lara Atkinson, emphasize education, leadership, policy change, and advocacy as essent...

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with Professor Beatrice Opeolu, a pioneering scientist in environmental toxicology whose work is shaping the future of environmental research and policy. From a reluctant student in a newly introduced field to becoming the first African woman to lead a global environmental toxicology organization - Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Professor Opeolu’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. A Path Not Chosen, But Destined Professor Opeolu never set out to become an environmental scientist. She had her heart set on chemistry but was redirected into environmental management and toxicology due to curriculum restrictions. Initially resistant, she was encouraged by a mentor who assured her that the environment was the future - a prophecy that has proven true today. Her passion for the field was sparked through real-world exposure to environmental challenges, such as landfill sites and conservation areas. She emphasizes the reality and impact of climate change, highlighting that the environmental warnings from decades ago are now becoming reality (e.g., rising sea levels, extreme weather events). Fast forward to today, she has authored over 120 scientific papers, mentored countless young scientists, and led major research projects on emerging contaminants, microplastics, and sustainable agriculture. But beyond her academic achievements, Professor Opeolu is a fierce advocate for women in science, breaking barriers and ensuring that the next generation has an easier path than she did. The Silent Threats in Our Water One of her most recent and eye-opening projects focused on microplastics in South African water systems. Most of us drink a glass of water without a second thought, but Professor Opeolu’s research discovered levels of microplastics in wastewater, drinking water, and natural reservoirs, raising urgent questions about how these pollutants affect human health and the environment. This research isn’t just about numbers on a page—it has real-world implications for industry regulations, policy decisions, and how consumers understand environmental risks. A Woman in Science – The Struggles and Triumphs Despite her groundbreaking work, being a woman in science has not been easy. From the beginning of her career, she faced barriers that some women will recognize: Lack of mentorship – Many senior women hoarded opportunities rather than passing them down. Doubts and expectations – As a woman, she constantly had to “prove” her expertise. Invisible labour – She recalls how women in academia were often automatically expected to take on secretarial roles in committees, regardless of their seniority. But rather than becoming bitter, she became the mentor she wished she had. Through initiatives like EmpowerHerNg and EmpowerHerSA, she is actively changing the landscape for young women in science. And she doesn’t just mentor - she champions the need for sponsorship, where senior figures don’t just advise but actively open doors and advocate for the careers of younger professionals. She stresses the importance of being authentic, maintaining one's identity, and not conforming to societal or professional pressures. Climate Change, Africa, and the Gender Divide One of the most sobering parts of the conversation comes when Professor Opeolu connects climate change to gender inequality. Women in rural Africa bear the brunt of water shortages, walking longer distances to find clean water. Gender-based violence increases in extreme temperatures, as studies suggest that rising heat correlates with male aggression. Girls are more likely to drop out of school in climate-affected regions as families prioritize educating boys when financial resources are stretched. She warns that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing far less to global pollution. She urges interdisciplinary collaboration to find solutions that don’t just work for high-income countries but are realistic for African economies and societies. Lessons in Success – Words to Live By So, what has driven Professor Opeolu to keep pushing boundaries despite the challenges? She credits three key factors: Her mother’s resilience – A hospital cleaner who later pursued her studies as a grandmother, proving that learning has no age limit. The power of education – She saw firsthand how even a small amount of schooling drastically improved economic opportunities for her family. Education for a person that comes from a poor family is the shortest key out of poverty. Faith and authenticity – She is unapologetically herself, embracing her identity as an African woman, a scientist, and a leader. Her message to young women is simple: “Refuse to be boxed in. Not by yourself, not by society.” Whether it’s leaving academia to start her own business or speaking up in rooms where she’s the only woman, she believes that staying true to yourself is the key to unlocking your full potential – be self-authentic. This episode isn’t just about environmental science—it’s about breaking barriers, advocating for change, and standing firm in your convictions. Professor Beatrice Opeolu’s story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and fearless authenticity.

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March 7, 2025

Prof Beatrice Olutoyin Opeolu – Environmental Toxicology – Self-Authenticity

This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with Professor Beatrice Opeolu, a pioneering scientist in environmental toxicology whose work is shaping the future of environmental research a...

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