“Shattering Barriers: Maritime EmpowerHer Takes Center Stage at SFSA 2024 to Inspire Women in
Science Technology and Innovation”
Maritime EmpowerHer (M.EHer) and Move Beyond Consulting (PTY) Ltd (MBC) will be featured at the
Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) 2024 which will run from 4-6 December at the CSIR International
Convention Center. SFSA is co-hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the
Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA) and gathers over 4,500 leaders in science, technology,
and innovation (STI) for discussions, exhibitions, and outreach.
On 5 December, M.EHer and MBC will lead a session, “Empowering Women in Science, Technology,
and Innovation,” from 15H30 to 17H00. This session will showcase women’s impact in fields like
agriculture, green energy, ICT, and maritime, with leaders from South Africa and abroad, as well as
local innovators discussing mentorship, collaboration, and empowerment.
Founded in 2024 by maritime advocate Mpho Monyane, M.EHer aims to uplift women in the maritime
sector. Monyane was awarded the Imbokodo in Maritime Award for Community Impact. M.EHer’s
partner, MBC, offers STI training in Earth Observation, agriculture, data science, and AI, empowering
over 50 individuals—many women—toward careers in ICT, entrepreneurship, and advanced studies.
Supported by DSI, SANSA, GIZ, and DCDT, MBC and M.EHer emphasize the value of shared resources
in creating sustainable career paths. Alumni from these programs will be amongst the delegates.
M.EHer and MBC will also host booth #F8, showcasing mentorship initiatives and technology displays
by startups. Delegates can engage on women-led projects, strategies to overcome gender barriers,
and public-private partnerships for green initiatives.
This session aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063, promoting a future of inclusivity and opportunity for
women. It also supports the National Development Plan (NDP) by addressing unemployment,
inequality, and poverty, with alumni sharing how STI can tackle these challenges.
To attend SFSA, register at https://www.sfsa.co.za/registration/. To join the special session, email
info@maritimeempowerher.co.za. Registration for 30 STI alumni is sponsored by DSI.