Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe is set to host the Women in Science, Technology and Innovation (WiSTI) Conference 2025, aimed at accelerating the participation of women in STEM fields.
Running from March 19 to 21, 2025 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), the conference is expected to bring together policymakers, academics, industry leaders and aspiring young women in science and technology.
Themed “Accelerate Action: Women Driving Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development,” the conference seeks to empower women to leverage their expertise to tackle pressing global challenges while promoting gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.
In a statement, secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Fanuel Tagwira said the initiative is important.
“This conference is a powerful platform aimed at empowering women in science and technology fields to leverage their expertise and innovative capabilities to tackle the pressing challenges of our time,” he said.
The conference comes at a crucial time as Zimbabwe continues to align its national goals with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), both of which emphasise industrialisation, innovation and inclusivity.
Government has been implementing policies to bridge the gender gap in STEM, ensuring that women have equal access to education, leadership and research funding.
Prof Tagwira reaffirmed Government’s commitment to gender equality in STEM under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
“The President’s visionary leadership has laid the foundation for policies that are making it increasingly possible for women to enter, thrive, and lead in the realm of science, technology and innovation,” he said.
He said the WiSTI Conference was not just about celebrating achievements but also about inspiring the next generation of female leaders in STEM.
“The role of women in driving innovation and sustainable development cannot be overstated,” he said.
“Women have the power to transform their communities, industries and nations through their contributions to science and technology.”
The event coincides with Women’s Month, a period dedicated to recognising and celebrating the contributions of women across various sectors.
The conference will feature panel discussions, mentorship sessions, keynote addresses and exhibitions, providing a robust platform for collaboration between women in academia, industry and policymaking.
With Zimbabwe’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), the WiSTI Conference aims to create actionable strategies that will empower women in STEM to drive innovation and economic growth.
As Zimbabwe moves toward a knowledge-based economy, the WiSTI Conference 2025 is expected to be a turning point in fostering female leadership in science and technology, thereby ensuring that women are not just participants but key drivers of the country’s development agenda.
