As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, the Womandla Foundation returns with the 6th Annual Women in STEAM Awards, highlighting the growing influence of women across science, technology, engineering, energy, AI, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and the industries shaping the country’s future.
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Shifts in SA’s innovation landscape
This year’s Awards reveal encouraging shifts in South Africa’s innovation landscape. Applications in the Artificial Intelligence category have increased five-fold since the Awards were last held, while manufacturing has emerged as a significant category for the first time, reflecting the growing number of women leading in industrial, engineering and production environments.
“What we’re seeing in this year’s applications isn’t incremental—it’s a surge,” said Sam Gqomo, Founder and Director of the Womandla Foundation. “More women are stepping into industries where they’ve historically been underrepresented. The Awards not only recognise their achievements but also create the visibility, credibility and networks that help accelerate their careers and businesses.”
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Innovation, economic growth and social impact
Taking place on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at Avianto Wedding Venue & Events in Muldersdrift under the theme ‘From Her Hands to Yours’, the Awards celebrate women whose work is driving innovation, economic growth and social impact across South Africa.
More than an awards ceremony, the event serves as a fundraising platform for the Womandla Foundation, a leading South African non-profit organisation advancing women and girls through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion.
Proceeds from the event will directly support the Foundation’s Womandla Reskilling Revolution Africa (WRRA) Programme, which equips women and young people with future-ready digital, AI and employability skills, alongside STEAM Boot Camps, mentorship initiatives and career exposure programmes that introduce girls from underserved communities to careers in science and technology.
The Awards are made possible through the support of organisations committed to expanding opportunities for women in STEAM, and will bring together corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, educators and changemakers to celebrate excellence while investing in South Africa’s future talent pipeline.
Businesses and individuals are invited to purchase tickets, host corporate tables or partner with the Foundation in celebrating and supporting the next generation of women innovators.
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