In celebration of National Women’s Day in Tunisia and South Africa
THE ROLE OF SCIENCE DIPLOMACY IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: TUNISIAN-SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025
Time: 09:30 to 14.30
Address: Residence of Tunisia, 202 Bootes Street, Waterkloof, Pretoria, South Africa
Every August, South Africa and Tunisia celebrate their respective National Women’s Days – on the 9th and 13th. These commemorations provide an important opportunity in both countries to reflect not only on the progress made, but also on the ongoing challenges that hinder the achievement of full gender equality. They also serve as a time to strengthen and expand initiatives aimed at empowering women.
These initiatives can be strengthened through bilateral, regional, and international collaboration, particularly by making use of diplomacy. In this context, science diplomacy, which brings together science, technology and international relations, has emerged as a powerful tool for promoting global cooperation on gender equality, both in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and in broader socio-economic development. Science diplomacy can play a key role in supporting efforts to empower women through:
- Capacity building and education: Collaborative research programmes, scholarships, and training initiatives enhance women’s participation in STEM.
- Policy influence: Bilateral agreements can promote gender-responsive policies in science and technology.
- Networking and leadership: International platforms enable women scientists to engage in decision-making processes.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship: Joint ventures in tech and research foster women-led startups and economic independence.
The event is organised in partnership between the Embassy of the Republic of Tunisia in South Africa and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.