The marginalisation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field is a widely documented fact. The establishment of Women in Physics in South Africa (WiPiSA) in 2005 under the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) was a response to this very challenge.  

The aim was to address issues that lead to the under- representation of Women in Physics and its related industries in South Africa.  

The 2020 UNICEF report titled ‘Towards an equal future: Reimagining girls’ education through STEM’, states that girl children in developing countries are deeply affected by the learning crisis and run the risk of being further marginalized in STEM.  

Gender inequality has widened with the emergence of the Covid 19 pandemic. For WiPiSA members, most of whom are based at universities, this meant an inability to participate in crucial face-to-face activities. Over the years, WiPiSA has taken a bold step in supporting the global campaign towards transformation.

The organisation recognizes that physicists do not operate in isolation of the societal issues that lead to the exclusion of women in economic participation. Agendas 4 and 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) encourage us to push towards a more inclusive society with regards to education and gender equality.  

WiPiSA has led the way in stimulating and increasing interest in physics among girls and women through outreach programmes, seminars, mentorship programmes, participation at industry events, public relations, and stakeholders’ engagements.