For centuries, the world of science was a boys’ club, with men dominating the labs and lecture halls. Gradually, women have been quietly shattering glass ceilings, making groundbreaking discoveries, and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
Today, they’re not just participating – they’re leading the charge, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation of scientists through remarkable work.
L’Oréal South Africa, in partnership with UNESCO, proudly hosted the 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, recognising outstanding female scientists whose groundbreaking research addresses Africa’s most urgent challenges, from cancer care and infectious diseases to clean water, sustainable energy, and environmental conservation.
“With this year’s eight remarkable awardees, the programme celebrates a total of 50 female scientists, a significant milestone reflecting an investment of approximately R5 million,” said Serge Sacre, CEO of L’Oréal South Africa. He emphasised that investing in women in STEM goes beyond fairness; it is a strategic imperative for South Africa’s future.
“When women scientists are empowered, their innovations ripple through communities, economies, and ecosystems. These awards not only honour their achievements but ensure their voices and research continue to inspire long after the spotlight moves on,” Sacre noted.
On keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Dr Nomalungelo Gina, emphasised that recognising women’s achievements must never be limited to August alone, but throughout the year, to inspire young girls.
“Our responsibility is to transform the raw potential of many young women from rural areas into productive capacity in the STEM profession. We need to empower African women in STEM, ensuring their inclusion drives equitable growth and scientific excellence,” she said.
The Head of the Science Unit at UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, Martiale Zebaze Kana, noted the transformative power of inclusivity in science.
“Science needs women, their perspectives, innovations, and their leadership. They are proof that when women are given the opportunity to thrive in science, they change not only their fields of research but the future of our societies,” he said.
The 2025 For Women in Science awardees were each honoured for their hard work, brilliance and innovation achieved through their research.
One of the awardeees, Veronique De Jager from the University of Cape Town, is focused on uncovering immune responses to central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB), the deadliest form of TB, with the goal of developing new treatments and diagnostic markers to save lives.
”TB in South Africa is such a massive problem. I myself have had TB and so it kind of became a personal journey for me to find better ways to treat it for the people who are suffering,” she said.
For Dr Nonhlakanipho Sangweni, a postdoctoral fellow based at the South African Medical Research Council, her journey in science and the recognition she has received serve as a warm hug to her inner child.
“It’s my background that drives me. My parents passed away when I was very young, but I had a very close relationship with my mom and we always dreamt of me one day becoming a scientist. That dream which I shared as a young girl with her has kept me going”.
Her research is focused on exploring molecular hydrogen as a safe, effective therapy to protect cancer patients’ hearts from damage caused by chemotherapy.
Having fallen in love with science from a very young age, the Durban University of Technology’s Dr Riona Indhur has taken on research that focuses on innovative magnetic powders and photocatalytic systems to remove and break down microplastics from drinking water and wastewater, achieving removal rates as high as 96%.
“I’d like young women to know that their voice matters. Science needs their perspective and their curiosity. Although young women were previously underrepresented, I need them to know that they belong in science too”, shared Keletso Monareng from the University of Limpopo.
Through her research, she uses machine learning to accelerate the discovery of sodium-ion battery materials as a cheaper, greener alternative to lithium-ion batteries, advancing Africa’s renewable energy future.
The list of awardees also includes Babalwa Yekelo, Samantha Loggenberg, Dr Bambesiwe May and Rune van der Merwe.
Together, the awardees illustrate the vast diversity and excellence of South African science—from medicine and energy to water and wildlife—proving that investing in women scientists generates far-reaching impacts that transcend laboratories, shaping stronger communities and a sustainable future for all.
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