L’Oréal South Africa, in partnership with UNESCO, recently hosted the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, recognising outstanding female scientists whose groundbreaking research addresses Africa’s most urgent challenges, from cancer care and infectious diseases to clean water, sustainable energy, and environmental conservation.
“With this year’s eight remarkable awardees, the programme celebrates a total of 50 female scientists, a significant milestone reflecting an investment of approximately R5 million,” said Serge Sacre, CEO of L’Oréal South Africa.
He emphasised that investing in women in STEM goes beyond fairness; it is a strategic imperative for South Africa’s future. “When women scientists are empowered, their innovations ripple through communities, economies, and ecosystems. These awards not only honour their achievements but ensure their voices and research continue to inspire long after the spotlight moves on,” Sacre noted.
On keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Dr Nomalungelo Gina, emphasised that recognising women’s achievements must never be limited to August alone, but throughout the year, to inspire young girls. “Our responsibility is to transform the raw potential of many young women from rural areas into productive capacity in the STEM profession. We need to empower African women in STEM, ensuring their inclusion drives equitable growth and scientific excellence," she said.
The Head of the Science Unit at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, Martiale Zebaze Kana, noted the transformative power of inclusivity in science. “Science needs women, their perspectives, innovations, and their leadership. They are proof that when women are given the opportunity to thrive in science, they change not only their fields of research but the future of our societies,” he said.
The Deputy Minister lauded the DSTI partnership with L'Oréal South Africa in promoting women in science, saying the relationship was a demonstration of the power of public-private partnerships and the material benefits that it creates if nurtured well.
“As a government, we are here not as gap fillers but catalysts for transformation. We have a mammoth task to continue to inspire future generations of young women to pursue careers in science,” she concluded congratulating all the 2025 winners while inspiring girl learners to look up to aspire to such greatness.
Spotlight on the 2025 for Women in Science awardee:
- Dr Bambesiwe May (Stellenbosch University, Postdoctoral) – Developing sustainable frameworks for managing mining waste (tailings) that reduce environmental risks while recovering valuable resources like gold and manganese. Together, these awardees illustrate the vast diversity and excellence of South African science—from medicine and energy to water and wildlife—proving that investing in women scientists generates far reaching impacts that transcend laboratories, shaping stronger communities and a sustainable future for all.
