UCT has many policies and published values that prioritise access by under-represented groups, including women/ girls.

UCT’s Inclusivity Policy (Sexual orientation / Anti-discrimination / Non-discrimination)

UCT has an Inclusivity Policy for Sexual Orientation which aims to create a campus free from discrimination in teaching, language, staff/student relationships. This is about inclusive treatment, showing UCT’s commitment to inclusive practices that extend into recruitment and admissions behavior.

UCT’s institutional values / transformation and inclusion discourse

The Office of Inclusivity and Change (OIC) provides institutional responses and guidance to transformation, sexual and gender-based violence, disability and cultural change within UCT. In the work of the OIC, inclusivity is generated through a multipronged approach that focuses on curriculum, disability services, institutional cultural change, sexual and gender-based violence prevention policy and research.

Though not an explicit recruitment outreach policy, the institutional orientation toward gender & inclusion provides rhetorical / strategic support for targeted outreach such as recruiting high school girls for study at UCT.

STEM MentHER

UCT established its own STEM MentHER division in 2024. This programme pairs Grade 12 female learners from schools with female academics and postgraduate students at UCT as mentors. This gives mentees guidance about STEM study choices, career pathways, and transitions from school to university. Mentorship helps reduce barriers by providing role models, advice, confidence, and information. It helps girls see themselves in STEM fields they might not otherwise consider.

Soapbox Science Cape Town

UCT hosted the third edition of Soapbox Science at V&A Waterfront’s Pierhead on 3 October 2024. This is a public event where women scientists present their research in an informal public setting (on the “soapbox”) to engage the public and raise the visibility of women in science. Soapbox Science is an initiative that aims to promote the visibility and boost career prospects of female and non-binary scientists through the establishment of grassroots, annual public engagement of science events. In addition, the women scientists endeavor to make an active contribution to changing academic cultures, social norms and public perception of science careers. Events like this help increase visibility of women scientists by showcasing their work publicly. The event shows young women that science is something women can do and offers inspiration to young girls and change perceptions more generally about who belongs in STEM.

The Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering (SA WISE)

The Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering (SA WISE), hosted by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, is a dynamic association for all those who support the idea of strengthening the role of women in science and engineering in South Africa.

SA WISE aims to strengthen this role by inter alia:

• raising the profile of women scientists and engineers
• highlighting and addressing problems faced specifically by women in these fields
• lobbying for the advancement of women in science and engineering
• providing leadership and role models for young people wishing to enter the fields of science and engineering

An important function of SA WISE is to improve communication among women scientists and engineers, with e-mail being the preferred medium of communication. Members are encouraged to send ideas and information to SA WISE. SA WISE also maintains contact with other associations of women in science and engineering world-wide.