Media Advisory
GENDER SUMMIT AFRICA KICKS OFF ON 28 – 30 APRIL 2015 IN CAPE TOWN
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the co-host of the fourth Gender Summit, is proud to announce that the Department of Science and Technology is one of the main sponsors of the Gender Summit Africa 2015 (GSA).
Other key sponsors are Portia-UK and Elsevier of the GSA, which is taking place from 28 – 30 April 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
The Summit’s theme is: “Poverty alleviation and economic empowerment through scientific research & innovation: Better Knowledge From and For Africa.”
Outgoing CEO of the HSRC, Dr Olive Shisana indicated that: “The Gender Summit in Africa is going to stimulate meaningful conversations that will ensure that the research agenda is strengthened and also it will help us to reflect on how science, technology, infrastructure, capital and skills could lead to material benefits also for women. The Gender Summit-Africa will be able to take a fresh look at gender issues in knowledge making based on science. It will also strengthen research collaboration with all stakeholders from around the world. Furthermore, it will accelerate a shared responsibility of promoting gender sensitive science. And finally, it will promote research that impacts on public policy.”
Co- host of the GSA and director of Portia, UK, Dr Elizabeth Pollitzer, said that: “The Gender Summit-Africa sets a new standard for science-led development measures by introducing important gender knowledge into the understanding of the need of the local populations to achieve sustainable economic and societal advancement. It also demonstrates the capacity of women scientists in Africa to take a leading role in research and innovation. Lastly, it applies the mission of the gender summits in other regions to improve science knowledge making by paying equal attention to the needs of women, and of men and of the importance of scientific inclusion and diversity, as a matter of quality and efficacy of research outcomes for all.”
Several of the sponsors of the Summit indicated their willingness and eagerness to develop the next generation of core scientists and researchers, managers, leaders and mentors in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) that would propel Africa forward.
This forum, known as the ‘Gender Summit’ is a platform that was instituted in 2011, with the objective of using science to better advance societies. It has developed a world-wide community over time, since its foundation in Europe. From its inception the underlying mission was to focus on actions based on research evidence and agreed-on through consensus. Taken together, the four previous events involved a total of 1900 participants from 800 institutions, located in more than 40 countries. It is anticipated that by the end of 2015, the size of the Gender Summit Community will double and the scope of the Gender Summit platform will develop further through the expansion to Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Thus, it is important that leaders, experts and practitioners in all regions can be connected and supported in the joint mission to make science and its impact on society better by addressing sex-gender issues in research and innovation process and ensure that women are the centre of scientific endeavours.
The Summit has several media partners such as Mail & Guardian Africa and International Innovation who will cover the various deliberations over the duration of the Summit.
To look at the programme and speakers, go to:
Date: 28-30 April 2015
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
For more information on the following items:
1. Media Enquiries: Julian Jacobs on jjacobs@hsrc.ac.za
2. Registration: Merlin Osborne on merlin.osborne@mrc.ac.za
3. Sponsorships: Wiseman Sadomba on 072 044 5043
