Women astronomers share their achievements

Distinguished women astronomers and scientists shared their journeys and achievements at the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) 32nd General Assembly in Cape Town.

As South Africa commemorated Women’s Day yesterday, women working in astronomy made use of the opportunity to discuss challenges, opportunities and strategies for success in their respective fields.

The IAU’s General Assembly is being held for the first time on the African continent.

Over 2 000 astronomers from more than 80 countries will participate in the gathering.

Inspirational talks from women working in astronomy aimed at motivating the next generation of scientists and highlighting the pivotal role women play in advancing scientific knowledge.

South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SAROA), Head of Engineering and Technology Development, Keitumetse Molamu says despite progress made to have more women in the industry, the numbers are still low compared to that of men.

“I think a lot of women have been told that it’s not a female skill to have or these aren’t skills that women are strong in, so you already walk into a classroom facing a subject where you feel that you are not going to be good at this. So, I think that perception needs to change education-wise. It’s really important to have a good foundation with these subjects.”

Professor Kristine Spekkens from the Faculty of Astronomy at Queen’s University in Canada says there is still some work to do to improve the representation of women working in astronomy.

“I think now we need not only to empower the women but really look at the system change to make it look easy for them to succeed.”

Dr. Jacinta Delhaize, lecturer at the Department of Astronomy at UCT says women working in astronomy can also play a key role, in promoting Astronomy around the world.

Celebrating #WomensDay we chat to Siphokazi Vuso, Editor @AfriScienceStar at the IAU General Assembly 2024 and she lets us in how their publication contributes to science? #IAUGA2024 #WomenInAstronomy #WomenInScience #WomensDay2024 #WomensMonth2024 #SouthAfrica #DSI #Itspossible pic.twitter.com/Ul8ZFlHtXU

— DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & INNOVATION (@dsigovza) August 9, 2024

Women’s Month | Distinguished women in astronomy gather in Cape Town