Welcome to the August issue of Dataweek. Peter Howells is still on leave, so I am back for this issue. I hope you enjoy the content and find value in it.
August is Women’s Month in South Africa, providing an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women across all sectors of society. In the electronics and engineering industries, this is particularly significant as women continue to make remarkable contributions at all levels of the industry.
Today, the electronics sector is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advances in automation, artificial intelligence, connectivity and smart manufacturing, and women are an important part of this equation. Across the electronics value chain, women are contributing in a wide range of roles. They design integrated circuits, develop communications technologies, manage manufacturing facilities, lead research projects, and oversee large-scale engineering operations. Their expertise extends from production floors and test laboratories to executive boardrooms and strategic planning sessions.
Around the world, many efforts are underway to encourage female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. However, UNESCO reports that women account for only 35% of STEM graduates globally, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade (https://tinyurl.com/w7twwxud). The Society of Women Engineers cites World Economic Forum data showing that women comprise just 28,2% of the global STEM workforce.
Industry plays a critical role in supporting women in technology. Around the world, numerous engineering associations and networking groups are dedicated to encouraging female participation in STEM disciplines. These organisations provide training, mentorship, scholarships and professional development opportunities designed to help women navigate their careers and build valuable industry networks. In South Africa, organisations such as WomEng (www.womeng.org) are active in this regard.
Wider gap in South Africa
While recognising the achievements of women is important, the industry’s future also depends on inspiring the next generation. Young people today are growing up in a digital world surrounded by connected devices, smart systems and ‘cool’ technologies. This creates an opportunity to attract them to careers in electronic engineering and technology.
However, awareness remains a key challenge. Many students are familiar with the technologies they use every day, but may not understand the career opportunities behind their development. Schools, universities and industry stakeholders all have a role to play in building interest in what happens ‘behind the screen’.
Sadly, in South Africa, the government talks a good talk, but does little to support or advance public education, which simply widens the gap in STEM skills, not only for women, but for young people in general. In particular, kids without the means to attend private schools are unlikely to succeed in this field, no matter their aptitude.
What government can’t do, for whatever reason, must be handled by the private sector. Technology training programmes, robotics competitions, coding initiatives, and engineering outreach projects are creative and fun, and they introduce young people to STEM careers. By providing practical, hands-on experiences, these programmes help students discover how technology works and demonstrate the real-world impact engineers can have on society. They also cultivate critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across the modern economy.
The electronics industry itself must become increasingly involved in developing future talent. Partnerships between businesses and educational institutions can also provide internships, apprenticeships and workplace exposure that help students gain practical experience. Such initiatives not only strengthen the talent pipeline, but also ensure that future engineers are equipped with skills industry really needs.
For men and women alike, mentorship remains one of the most powerful tools for success. Experienced professionals can provide guidance, share lessons learned and help younger engineers overcome challenges that may otherwise discourage them.
This is where public, private and non-profit organisations can cooperate to create a vibrant industry for emerging engineers across the country and the continent. Encouraging more women into engineering careers and creating pathways for young people to enter the industry are not separate objectives. They are part of the same mission to build a stronger, more innovative and more sustainable electronics sector.
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