As we celebrate South Africa’s Women’s Month, we had the pleasure of speaking to Dr Claire Chagwiza-Marufu, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow under the African Science and Technology Futures Challenge Domain at Future Africa at the University of Pretoria.

Dr Chagwiza-Marufu's work looks at advancing science to address challenges that are indigenous to Africa and to promote the voice of African scientists on a global science landscape.

What inspires you to be a part of Future Africa? 

The fact that it is a pan-African research platform where transdisciplinary research collaborations are happening is the greatest inspiration. Future Africa is a place of great opportunities and networks that can take you places, and the environment pushes you to desire to do your part in addressing societal challenges. Additionally, the architecture of the whole campus, featuring eco-friendly green buildings that resonate with the global climate movement to reduce carbon emissions seals it all.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders?

Know what you want and go for it, do not be apologetic for the great and strong person you are. Go out there and be willing to learn new constructive things and grow. Celebrate every achievement you make, no matter how small it may seem. This is the same advice I always give to my daughter.

How do you personally define the essence of being a woman?

It's phenomenal and I feel one cannot sufficiently define it. Well for me, that is somebody who has self-respect, is self-confident, knows their self-worth, and is humanitarian. Someone who can balance their work and personal life and be resilient to whatever the world throws at them.

Why is it important to celebrate the achievements of women around the world?

Women around the world deserve to be celebrated, from childbirth to juggling the injustices within the households and in workplaces. In some cases, having to validate everything that you do to prove your self-worth. So, our achievements (big or small) should be, without fail, celebrated. Reflecting on my journey to motherhood and balancing that with my career, I feel I have to go out there and celebrate.

How can men better support gender equality and inclusion?

It’s the simple things like assisting with child care so that women can have time and space to attend events and pursue opportunities that help to foster progress in their career paths. Being afforded such support can make a huge difference in every woman`s (career) life.

Dr Chagwiza-Marufu recently wrote an expert opinion piece on making science work in an inequitable society.