As women’s month draws to a close, a biotechnology graduate wants all girls to know that if they want a career in science they should pursue it and never give up.
STEM industries have traditionally been male-dominated and recent studies reveal that many female students drop out in the first year of tertiary studies.
However, Boitumelo Sebesebe from Limpopo says that although she had her doubts, she always persevered and encourages others to do the same.
“I have always believed that it was possible to work in this field. Although I had moments of doubt because of representation and how STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) have always been known as male sectors.”
“My passion for science pushed me to believe that it was possible to work in this field.”
The 26-year-old adds that having a female role model is crucial.
“I had a great Physical Science teacher who had a Master’s Degree in Physics and happened to be a woman. Having her in my life proved to me that it was possible for me to be in science.”
The young woman says that “lack of representation” can prevent girls from pursuing STEM careers: “Girls see few women going into science, technology, engineering, and maths fields. The lack of female role models in STEM occupations means that girls have less people to look up to, and often won’t end up pursuing this field because of it.”
“Historically STEM fields have been dominated by men.”
Boitumelo shared with B & M Scientific, that as a woman you can feel like you have to work twice as hard to prove that you deserve a place in science.
“It is so hard to be a woman of colour in STEM. You have to work harder to be seen. You are required to prove yourself twice as hard as your counterparts. You get defined before you can even define yourself.”
The young woman adds that peer pressure, lack of role models, and support structures are among the many reasons why female students drop out of university.
“Many drop out because of the gender imbalance, gender discrimination, and the stereotypes about STEM. These stereotypes directly affect women’s motivation and emotional state and as a result, many drop out. Even though we are encouraged to be assertive as women in STEM, the reality is that there is only much we can do when power systems and structures are set up against us.”
Despite the challenges, Boitumelo believes this should never hold women back, as they have too much to offer the science world.
“STEM fields are some of the fastest growing fields with so many opportunities. Women deserve a chance at these opportunities too.
“I want us (women) to break the stereotypes about STEM. The more women pursuing careers in STEM, the greater chance of us achieving gender equality and catalyzing economic growth and productivity.
Boitumelo is inspired by Professor Tebello Nyokong, a professor of medical chemistry and Nanotechnology, and the late Ndoni Mchunu, a climate scientist. She says she has always felt drawn to the industry.
“My first science interest was piqued when I was about seven years old after my grandfather was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The word “tuberculosis “caught my attention and I wanted to know more about it as I witnessed the burden that the disease had on an individual’s quality of life.
“It was sheer curiosity. I’ve always wanted to understand how things work,” says the 26-year-old.
The young woman is currently a quality controller in a food production company, runs a small business, and is a Black Women in Science fellow and says she is living her dream because she reminds herself to wake up and work towards her goals.
“Don’t let lack of funds hold you back from achieving your goal. Apply for scholarships external bursaries and student loans.”
The inspirational woman adds: “I felt more in love with science after I peered into a microscope for the first time and glimpsed into a world that was hidden from my naked eyes. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to be in this world every day.
Boitumelo tells B & M Scientific that she hopes more girls join her in the scientific world of endless possibility.
She adds: “Just keep on knocking and eventually a door will open.”
