Despite significant advancements in recent decades, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields across South Africa and globally. The StemMentHER Programme was created to address this imbalance by providing young women with the guidance, support, and role models they need to overcome barriers and thrive in these traditionally male-dominated disciplines.
The StemMentHER Programme is a transformative mentorship initiative connecting experienced women professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields with young female grade 12 students aspiring to build careers in these disciplines.
The programme pairs established women leaders with ambitious young mentees, creating powerful learning relationships that support the growth, encouragement and development of the mentees. By connecting mentees with successful women in STEM, the programme helps build confidence, develop technical and soft skills, expand professional networks, and ultimately increase female representation in these critical fields. Every year, about 10 students are inducted into the program at each university that has a STEMMentHER Division.
The STEMMentHER programme is active in the following Universities:
- University of Johannesburg (Established in 2022)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (Established in 2023)
- Stellenbosch University (Established in 2023)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Established in 2024)
- University of Cape Town (Established in 2024)
- North-West University (Established in 2025)
- University of the Western Cape (Established in 2025)
The StemMentHER Programme operates through a carefully designed framework that includes:
- A rigorous mentor-mentee matching process that considers academic interests, career goals, and personal compatibility
- Regular one-on-one mentoring sessions where mentees receive personalized guidance and support
- Group workshops covering essential technical and professional skills
- Networking events with industry professionals and academic leaders
- Access to resources, internship opportunities, and potential career pathways
- Community building activities that foster a sense of belonging and mutual support
The 2025 mentee induction ceremony took place this week (April 4th, 2025), serving as the formal commencement of this year’s mentorship programme. This significant event brought together mentors, mentees, programme administrators, and special guests to celebrate the beginning of new mentoring relationships and the continued growth of the StemMentHER community.
The induction ceremony was held at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Madibeng Chambers in the Madibeng Building, a fitting venue that symbolises academic excellence and innovation in South Africa. The university’s support of the StemMentHER Programme demonstrated its commitment to advancing gender equality in STEM education and careers.
This year, 20 new mentees joined the WITS and UJ programme. The induction event was an important part of the onboarding process into the STEM MentHER programme. It represented the first time that mentees got to meet their mentors face-to-face, marking the beginning of what often becomes a transformative relationship. This year, the programme proudly inducted 10 learners into the UJ division and 10 into the WITS division, expanding its reach across multiple institutions.
Prof Tebogo Mashifana, senior lecturer and award-winning researcher from the Department of Chemical Engineering gave the day’s keynote address. Prof Mashifana emphasised that pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI) is about solving real problems in our communities and driving impactful change. She further encouraged the young mentees and reiterated that; “Your background does not define your future; with resilience and excellence in your studies, you can break barriers and help reshape the narrative for women in STEMI”.
The event brought together not just mentees and mentors, but also teachers, parents, and supporters of the programme, creating a comprehensive support network for each young woman entering the STEM MentHER community. This holistic approach ensured that mentees had backing from all aspects of their lives as they pursue their STEM aspirations.
The programme’s success is demonstrated by last year’s cohort, where 10 learners were inducted into the UJ programme. All these mentees are now studying degrees in STEM at institutions across South Africa, including UJ, showcasing the programme’s effectiveness in supporting young women’s transition into higher education STEM pathways.
Dr. Farhahna Allie, lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and STEM MEntHER UJ Division manager, shared that the success of the programme is driven largely by the personal connection between mentors and mentees.
“These young women represent so much untapped potential. When a young woman sees someone who looks like her succeeding in a field, she’s passionate about, it changes from abstract possibilities into concrete aspirations. The induction ceremony is where these meaningful and life-changing relationships begin”.
Rand Park High School student and programme mentee, Keabetswe Mapasha, shared that being a part of the programme has opened her world to exciting opportunities.
“Being in the STEM MentHER programme brings me the exciting opportunity to be able to learn more about how it is for women in STEM. I’m surrounded by such strong, inspiring and hard-working women who will help me fight through the challenges and develop personal growth,” she said.
Founder and chair of the STEM MentHER programme, Dr. Cerene Rathilal, shared that its more than just a mentorship programme; “It is a programme that supports, uplifts, and forms a springboard for mentees to achieve their dream careers in STEM. STEM MentHER evolved from running at one institution in 2022 to now being active at seven public universities in South Africa. Our goal is to run at all 26 public universities/institutions in SA”.
