PAST ACTIVITIES

Empower HeR

The group focuses at reaching out to rural areas and locations through webinars and on the ground programs to teach girls between grade 8-11 about the importance of being actively involved in physics and science, through practical exercises and experiments.

Through this project they aim to promote physics and coding to both primary and high school girls in rural schools in the Eastern Part of the Eastern Cape Province. They will be incorporating coding in their activities for many reasons. Coding is a basic literacy in the digital age, and it is important for kids to understand and be able to work with and understand the technology around them. Having children learn coding at a young age prepares them for the future.

Project Leader: Dr. Onesimo Mtintsilana

Astronomy in Colour

The Astronomy in colour group was started at the beginning of 2020 and aims to address issues facing women of colour in astronomy and astrophysics. The members include those working at the MSc level and above from universities all over the country with astronomy programs.  The aim of their project is to host a speaker series highlighting women who will not only inspire them, but also give useful advice and insights on navigating this journey at the intersection of both race and gender.

Project Leader: Dr. Shazrene S. Mohamed

Call for Proposals

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the WiPiSA Exco launched the Call for Proposals initiative. This initiative aimed to encourage the physics community to find innovative ways to advocate for women in physics while adhering to lockdown regulations.

The call was open to projects with funding of up to R10,000 that would contribute to WiPiSA’s objectives. Proposals were required to meet the following criteria:

  • Alignment with WiPiSA goals: The project’s specific aims should correspond to those of WiPiSA.

  • Team qualifications: A clear indication of the project team members, their relevant knowledge and experience, and attached abbreviated CVs.

  • Target beneficiaries: Identification of the intended beneficiaries or target group.

  • Evaluation of success: A plan for measuring the project’s effectiveness.

  • Project plan: A detailed project plan outlining programs, locations, dates, and a comprehensive budget.