By Fezile Mkhatshwa
The Minister of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, in collaboration with several partners, have launched a national mentorship programme aimed at empowering young women and girls in STEM.
The launch took place on 7 April 2025 during the National Day for Women and Girls in STEM, celebrated at the Happy Valley Hotel.
Maziya delivered a keynote address that challenged existing norms and called for collective action. She stressed the importance of mentorship not only as a transfer of knowledge but as a critical act of empowerment.
“Let us look at the issue of mentoring as ensuring that we are learning and teaching while raising half of the sky,” Maziya said. “When we talk about STEM, we talk about 80% of the careers of the future. This is a golden opportunity for women to lead in creating solutions for Eswatini, the continent, and the world. The sky is not the limit.”
Minister Maziya committed to mentoring 300 young women herself and encouraged all stakeholders in attendance, including leaders in fintech, banking, and engineering, to each commit to mentoring at least one young woman in their field.
The call to action received an overwhelmingly positive response from women leaders across various sectors.
United Nations Resident Coordinator George Wachira applauded the initiative, stating that it aligned well with the UN’s global goals of promoting gender equity and sustainable development.
“One of the things I appreciate in this conversation is how we, particularly in Africa, are beginning to see ourselves not just as consumers of technology but as co-creators and lead innovators,” Wachira said. “Empowering the girl child in STEM is a bold and necessary step that will yield long-term benefits for our society.”
Dr. Ncamsile Motsa of the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) highlighted the alarming disparity between the number of girls who enrol in STEM subjects and those who advance to STEM careers.
Citing findings from the 2019 National Labour Market Skills Project (NLMSP), she revealed that only 28% of women reach management levels in STEM-related fields.
“To close this gap, we must implement targeted interventions—such as scholarships, mentorship, and inclusive curricula that reflect girls’ interests,” Dr. Motsa said. “We also need to address stereotypes, collaborate with industry for internships, improve infrastructure in schools, and offer professional development for teachers.”
The event also celebrated trailblazers in STEM, including Minister Maziya and nine women STEM professionals, in recognition of their contributions to the launch and future success of the mentorship programme. Innovators in beauty and medicinal product development were also certified, adding a broader recognition of women’s contributions to scientific innovation.
High school learners in attendance expressed enthusiasm for the programme, hopeful that it would inspire more young women to dream big and pursue STEM careers.