USS Girls Inspired at Women in STEM Empowerment Event

Durban North, 15 August 2025 – Ten Grade 11 girls from Ullovu Secondary School attended the Women in STEM Empowerment Event, hosted by the Capitec Foundation at the Bell Inn, Durban North. The programme was designed to inspire and empower young women by exposing them to real-life stories and career journeys of leading women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Through engaging talks, interactive discussions, networking opportunities, and hands-on coding activities, the learners were encouraged to pursue their passions with confidence and to consider careers in STEM-related fields.

For Owami Khoza, one of the participants, the highlight was listening to accomplished women share their personal journeys. “It showed me that even though the field can be challenging and male-dominated, with passion and persistence you can succeed. It made me feel like I could be in their shoes one day,” she said. Owami also discovered the diversity of STEM opportunities, from coding to engineering and even careers that link STEM with music, banking, and marketing.

Zekhethelo Ngidi found deep inspiration in the story of Mrs. Abigail Motau. “Her story shows that girls can do anything. No matter where you come from, something of higher potential is waiting for you. It gave me a burning desire to be part of groundbreaking history in technology and AI,” she reflected. Zekhethelo was also surprised to learn that women still make up only 30% of the STEM workforce, despite decades of progress toward gender equality.

The event was not only about listening but also doing. Learners participated in a coding challenge, which many described as both difficult and exciting, underscoring the importance of persistence and collaboration in STEM learning.

Principal Mrs. Gcabashe praised the event’s impact on Ullovu learners: “We are eternally grateful to the Capitec Foundation for their great vision of bringing this experience to young women at a time when they have to make important and informed career choices. Their interaction with women in STEM careers was definitely impactful, and I am grateful to witness how they are now committed to sharing their passion with other learners at school to make a positive impact themselves.”

Ten Grade 11 girls attended the event.

The learners who represented Ullovu at the event were: Snothile Khuzwayo, Zamakhoza Ngcobo, Zekhethelo Ngidi, Anele Zangwa, Refiloe Ngcobo, Noluthando Mhlongo, Ayabonga Zulu, Anele Mdladla, Owami Khoza, and Nokwazi Khanyase.

The Women in STEM Empowerment Event left Ullovu’s young women with renewed determination to break barriers, pursue innovation, and build futures where their voices and contributions can shape the world.