PROF JOCELYN WEBSTERAfricaBio

Women in Science

South African NGO Case Study

Maize Stalk Borer

GM Maize in South Africa(Results from independent study Un. Reading UK)

Conventional Conventional MaizeMaize Bt MaizeBt Maize Herbicide Herbicide

Tolerant MaizeTolerant Maize

Yield (kg/ha)Yield (kg/ha) 518518 620620 750750

Length of Length of Storage Storage (months)(months)

55 99 66

QualityQuality AverageAverage Better QualityBetter Quality AverageAverage

Comparison of Yield from Bt and Non Bt Maize Plots at Pankop (June 2006)

My estimated profit was as follows:Item Non-Bt Maize Bt Maize

Cost of seed per hectare R345.00 R693.00

Estimated yield per hectare (whole cobs)

14 400 kg 19 300 kg

Estimated yield per hectare (grain) 7 200 kg 9 650 kg

Gross profit R9 735.00 R12 817.00

Advantage of Bt over non-Bt maize R3 082 per hectare

The above estimates are based on the following:•An average grain price of R1 400 per ton.•A ratio of 50 : 50 regarding weight of grain : weight of the bare cob.

Neighbouring farmers came to see my Bt maize

We held an Information Day

Even visitors from Kenya and Malawi came to see my maize

HISTORY

South Africa’s previous government marginalised the majority of the population. However, woman of all races were marginalised in particular those from rural areas.

South African woman are historically compromised

Considering the historical disadvantage for women substantial progress has been made

Change has taken place in academia and NGO’s more rapidly than business

Old Boy’s Club – Does it Still Exist?

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?QUOTES BY FEMALE SCIENTISTS

Professor Brenda Wingfield “Juggling a professional career and a family – if one is excelling the other one is suffering- no time for yourself”

Mrs Maureen Kirkman “Are you here to make the tea girlie? No I’m here to run the meeting”

ContinuedMrs Remi Akanbi “Does not have

enough time to do all that is required of her”

Mrs Wadzi Mandivenyi “Being accepted as an equal by conservative / old school males”

Continued…..Professor Lucia Anelich “Balance

a science career while trying to achieve what males can when you have all the responsibility of a household

Mrs Kobie De Ronde “Hard to travel with a family and often the only woman in a room full of men”

Continued…

LEARNINGEducation for all at secondary school

level on social and gender equalityInvolvement in policy developmentCreate woman friendly environmentCrèche and doctor on siteTax deduction for hiring home help for

woman in the work place with children Networks for womenMentoring programmes

LEARNING Flexible hours Option for working from home Special awards for women

REFERENCESReview of the South Africa’s Innovation Policy (OECD, 2007)

- The South African National System of Innovation: Structures, Policies and Performance (NACI, 2006)

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