Tag: WomeninSTEM

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Chrisna Steyn, lecturer and researcher in plant sciences at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Dr Steyn’s pioneering research focuses on soil-borne pathogens such as rust and sclerotinia, with a particular emphasis on breeding disease-resistant soybean cultivars; this work plays a vital role in safeguarding South Africa’s agriculture and strengthening food security across the continent. Dr Steyn takes us on her journey from growing up on a farm to becoming a scientist whose work directly impacts farmers, communities, and the broader agricultural sector. She explains plant pathology in simple terms, highlights the devastating effects of pathogens like sclerotinia on crops, and shares how her research contributes to breeding solutions that can sustain livelihoods. Beyond the laboratory, Dr Steyn is passionate about community upliftment. She actively supports small-scale farmers through research on legumes and orphan crops and participates in school and community garden projects that empower people to grow their own food sustainably. Her approach blends academic excellence with grassroots impact, ensuring that knowledge translates into real-world benefits. We also explore her experiences as a woman in STEM. From being the only woman in a male-dominated undergraduate class to now working alongside female leaders in agricultural sciences, Dr Steyn reflects on the importance of mentorship, supportive institutional policies, and the balance between career progression and family life. She shares candid insights on resilience, independence, and how setbacks can redirect us toward greater opportunities. Dr Steyn shares her perspective on the evolving role of women in agriculture, as participants, as leaders and drivers of innovation. With stories of women running farms, leading research programs, and scaling small enterprises into thriving businesses, Dr Steyn underscores the transformative power of women’s leadership. Closing the conversation, she offers motivational advice to young women pursuing science: believe in your power, embrace curiosity, and remember that every small step builds the foundation for a bigger tomorrow. This conversation is both a celebration of science and a testament to women’s ability to cultivate change, whether in the lab, the classroom, the farm, or the community. Tune in for more…

View Post

September 25, 2025

Dr. Chrisna Steyn – Plant Sciences – University of the Free State – Resilience

In this episode of Womanity-Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka  speaks with Dr Chrisna Steyn, lecturer and researcher in plant sciences at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Dr Steyn’s pioneering r...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong, a leading molecular plant breeder and the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of the Free State. With over 16 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and crop science, Professor Minnaar-Ontong shares how her journey into plant breeding was sparked by an unexpected aptitude test that redirected her from medicine to agriculture; an industry she has since transformed through science and leadership. Professor Minnaar-Ontong demystifies the world of molecular breeding, explaining how it differs from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and how it accelerates the development of resilient, disease-resistant crops. Her research is a critical response to South Africa’s rising food insecurity, and her efforts contribute to lower production costs, healthier soils, and more sustainable food systems. She discusses the role of universities in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and promoting food sovereignty. More than scientific breakthroughs, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong is proudest of her impact on people. She shares stories of former students now working globally in agriculture, emphasizing the transformative power of mentorship. For her, the true legacy of academia lies in building confident, capable scientists who can solve real-world problems. Prof. Minnaar-Ontong opens up about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, confronting stereotypes in the field, sometimes literally, like being mistaken for a secretary on a research visit—and how she used those moments to prove her expertise. She emphasises  the importance of mentorship, resilience, and speaking up with confidence. She reflects on the power of inclusive academic platforms like WISE (Women Influencing Scholarship and Education) that supports other women to rise, balance careers and family life, and step confidently into leadership roles. As the mother of two daughters and a mentor to many, Prof. Minnaar-Ontong’s vision for African women in science is clear: leadership, visibility, and empowerment. Her closing message is filled with encouragement: "You don’t need magic to change the world; you are already equipped with all the power need within yourself." Tune in for more...

View Post

July 31, 2025

Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong – Head of Plant Sciences – University of the Free State – Sustainability

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Adre Minnaar-Ontong, a leading molecular plant breeder and the Head of the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of the Free State. With ov...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Susan Akinyi Otieno, a geneticist and plant breeder at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).  As the head of the potato breeding program Dr. Otieno brings over two decades of experience as a pioneer in clean potato seed production and a passionate advocate for food security, sustainable agriculture, and smallholder empowerment. Dr. Otieno's dedication to potato breeding stems from her passion for addressing food security issues in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Kenya where the potato is the second most important crop after maize, supporting over 1.3 million farmers. She highlights the potato's role as a short-season crop, enabling multiple harvests annually and significantly contributing to food security and economic stability for smallholder farmers. Dr. Otieno shares impactful stories of her work with women farmers, particularly in developing disease-resistant potato varieties that reduce the need for costly and hazardous fungicide spraying, thereby saving time and resources for women. She also highlights varieties with short cooking times, which conserve energy and time for resource-poor farmers who often rely on firewood. She explains the rigorous, multi-year process of potato breeding, which can take up to twelve years for conventional methods, and how farmer feedback is crucial in selecting desirable traits like disease tolerance, high yield, and quick cooking time. The interview delves into Dr. Otieno's diverse academic journey, spanning institutions in Kenya, Germany, and the United States, where she earned her PhD in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology from Michigan State University. She candidly discusses the challenges faced by women in academia, including navigating pregnancy and family responsibilities while pursuing higher education. Dr. Otieno emphasizes the crucial role of her supportive husband and family in enabling her to balance her career and family life, underscoring the sacrifices women often make for professional growth. As a female leader in STEM, Dr. Otieno offers valuable advice to young African women aspiring to enter agricultural research. She debunks the misconception that agriculture is solely manual labour, highlighting the diverse career paths available within STEM fields, such as biology, entomology, pathology, horticulture, and molecular biology. She stresses the importance of science education for developing sustainable agricultural practices, increasing productivity, and adapting to climate change. Dr. Otieno strongly advocates for women's empowerment, asserting that an empowered woman can break the cycle of poverty by providing resources for her children's education and improving the entire community. She acknowledges Kenya is progressively making strides towards gender equality, citing legislative affirmative action and an increasing number of women in leadership positions within institutions like KALRO. She pays tribute to trailblazing Kenyan women who have inspired her, specifically mentioning the late Professor Wangari Maathai for her courageous environmental activism and Justice Njoki Ndungu for her relentless advocacy for gender equality, including paid maternity and paternity leave and political participation for women. Concluding the interview, Dr. Otieno attributes her success to determination, hard work, discipline, perseverance, and faith. She credits her late mother for instilling in her the belief that education and hard work are the keys to a better life, sharing that if you work hard enough, “Your credentials will talk on your behalf”. Her words of wisdom for women emphasize consistency, discipline, perseverance, and passion as essential elements for achieving any set goal. Tune in for more…

View Post

July 3, 2025

Dr. Susan Otieno – Geneticist – Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization – Diligence

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Dr. Susan Akinyi Otieno, a geneticist and plant breeder at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).  As the head of the potato b...

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Nomali Ngobese from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Northwest University, an agricultural botanist specializing in crop physiology, agronomy, and sustainable food systems. She shares her journey and drive for social impact into South Africa’s agricultural sector. Prof. Ngobese's research includes optimizing post-harvest processes for both staple and underutilized crops, aiming to enhance food security and support climate-resilient agriculture. Her path into agricultural botany was not predetermined; she initially pursued biological sciences driven by a curiosity about plant cells and their manipulation. Her pivot from biological sciences into agricultural science was motivated by South Africa's agricultural transformation and the opportunities for economic growth, where she sought to contribute her knowledge of biodiversity to the sector. Her work has since expanded to include agro-processing and extending the shelf life of crops. More recently, she has focused on building food sovereignty within South Africa, defining it simply as "owning what we eat, how it's produced, prepared, sold, and marketed". She views her work not just as academic but as a philosophical approach to addressing social challenges like food insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. Prof. Ngobese emphasizes that each day is an opportunity to learn and make an impact. As an academic, she believes in a two-way learning process, engaging with students and communities to improve her teaching and societal contributions. Addressing the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated agricultural field, Prof. Ngobese highlighted historical limitations due to traditional and cultural roles, leading to exclusion, underestimation, and a perceived lack of skills or exposure. To dismantle these negative stereotypes, she proposes interventions focused on young women and girls. These include changing narratives about women's roles, showcasing diverse successful women, providing mentorship, offering financial support, and facilitating exposure through internships and workplace visits. Building safe and supportive spaces for women already in professional settings is also crucial for their persistence and success. Northwest University engages in various outreach programs, such as an annual open day organized by the Vice Chancellor, which travels to rural communities to provide information about university programs and careers, bridging the gap for those with limited resources or access to information. Prof. Ngobese integrates community outreach into her teaching and research by conducting practicals and research projects on small-scale farming sites, fostering a mutual learning environment between students, farmers, and researchers. Her research into indigenous plants, like monkey oranges and wild mangoes, stems from her earlier work in plant conservation and a recognition of South Africa's rich, yet undercapitalized, biodiversity. She aims to create value chains for these indigenous species by scientifically proving their nutritional contribution, thereby challenging the perception of them as "food for the poor" and encouraging commercialization in the food industry. One of her most surprising discoveries has been the wide range of uses rural communities have for these plants, often as effective traditional remedies. Prof. Ngobese attributes her success to resilience born out of necessity, having grown up in poverty and learning discipline and hard work from her grandmother, who provided for them through agricultural means. Education, she states, has been central to her transformation from someone struggling to make ends meet to an impactful contributor to society who empowers others. Prof. Ngobese’s closing message to girls across the continent is, "Your voice matters, your story matters, and your presence in science matters... when you go on and pursue your dreams know that it's not a favour, it's a necessity. You are not just the future, you are the now, as you are going through life. And your journey, you're actually creating history". Tune in for more...

View Post

June 19, 2025

Prof Nomali Ngobese – Agricultural Botanist: Northwest University – Social Impact

This week on Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Nomali Ngobese from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Northwest University, an agricultural botanist specializing in crop physiology...

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Sara Grobbelaar from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Industrial Engineering. She is also a research associate at the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST). Professor Grobbelaar has an unmistakable sense of purpose and shares her multi-faceted journey through the world of engineering—charting an inspiring path that blends technical expertise with human-centered innovation. From her early academic roots in electronic and computer engineering, her career has traversed a diverse landscape - including engineering management, technology policy at Cambridge, academic research, and consulting. What emerges from her story is not a straight path, but a tapestry of learning and transformation. Prof. Grobbelaar candidly reflects on the uncertainties and pivots of her journey, reminding listeners that career fulfillment often comes through exploration, not a single defining decision. Each experience, she emphasizes, contributed to her growth and shaped her current focus: applying systems engineering to solve complex, real-world problems in society. Prof. Grobbelaar discusses the versatility and future-forward nature of industrial engineering, a discipline she believes is uniquely positioned to unlock efficiency, drive innovation, and foster inclusive solutions across sectors, from healthcare and education to logistics and social development. With enthusiasm, she highlights the rising number of women entering the field and advocates for broader inclusion in STEM, noting that over 50% of students in her programme are women a testament to the discipline’s accessibility and wide-reaching application. Prof. Grobbelaar’s research is rooted in purpose. Through partnerships with organizations like FoodForward SA, MIT, and international development agencies, she is actively involved in transformative projects, such as vaccine distribution in Africa and frugal innovation to food security, education access, and health system strengthening. These initiatives demonstrate her belief in engineering as a tool not just for productivity, but for equity and systemic change. She speaks passionately about using data and modelling scenarios in tandem with community engagement and policy influence. Prof. Grobbelaar also reflects deeply on mentorship, leadership, and the structural challenges faced by young women in research and STEM fields. Having supervised over 30 Masters and PhD students, she understands the pressures and pitfalls of academic research and is committed to building a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment. She stresses the importance of structure, community, and real-world relevance in keeping students engaged in the research process. In one of the most poignant parts of the conversation, Prof. Grobbelaar opens up about balancing career, motherhood, and leadership. She speaks honestly about the importance of choosing the right life partner, the necessity of support networks, and the reality that success is never achieved alone. Her personal story becomes a beacon for young women wondering whether it is possible to “have it all.” Drawing from her own life, she offers powerful advice: never let anyone deter you from studying further or  tell you that you are overqualified, embrace the unknown, take up space, and dream big—then work hard. Her words are grounded in lived experience and shine with the clarity of someone who has walked the talk. Tune in for more.

View Post

May 15, 2025

Prof. Sara Grobbelaar – Faculty of Engineering – Stellenbosch University – Upskill & Scale Up

In this episode of Womanity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Professor Sara Grobbelaar from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Industrial Engineering. She is also a research associate at the Centre for Resear...

1 2

Type and hit enter