As the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) is urging schools, teachers and parents not to lose sight of a fundamental truth: mathematics remains one of the most powerful tools young people can be given — especially girls.
Despite steady progress in science and technology fields, many girls still disengage from mathematics early in their school careers. According to education experts, this often happens not because of ability, but because of perception — the belief that mathematics is “too hard” or “not for them”.
Two leading South African mathematicians say this belief needs to be challenged decisively.
Eunice Gogo Mphako-Banda, Professor of Mathematics at the University of the Witwatersrand and a Director of the SAMF, says mathematics opened doors precisely because so few women pursue it.
“Mathematics gave me confidence, opportunity and long-term career security,” she says. “The shortage of women in the field meant that strong mathematical training became a real advantage.”
Her interest in mathematics was sparked early, watching her father work as a civil engineer and wanting to understand the calculations he did at home. Encouragement from a first-year university lecturer later played a critical role in helping her pursue mathematics as a career.
She says one of the biggest challenges she faced was the lack of female role models in STEM — something she hopes is now changing.
“Mathematics has no gender,” she says. “Negative ideas block learning, not ability. With a positive mindset, every brain can do mathematics.”
Karin-Therese Howell, Executive Director of AIMS South Africa, adds that mathematics equips learners with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
“Mathematics teaches people how to work with complexity and uncertainty,” Howell says. “Those skills are essential for leadership and decision-making in a fast-changing world.”
Although she did not initially plan a career in mathematics, Howell says her path changed when she began tutoring and discovered how much she enjoyed helping others understand complex ideas.
“Struggle is part of learning,” she says. “Curiosity and persistence matter far more than being ‘naturally good’ at maths.”
SAMF says one of the most practical ways to keep girls engaged is through structured national participation, particularly via the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) and the South African Mathematics Challenge (SAMC).
These competitions are written in schools under normal classroom conditions and are designed to reward thinking rather than speed. They cater for learners at different ability levels and often serve as a first gateway into future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Importantly, schools are encouraged to enter all learners, not only top performers. Participation helps build confidence, curiosity and resilience — qualities that are especially important for girls who may still doubt their abilities.
Key dates:
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Registration closes: 20 February
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First round: mid-March
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, SAMF is calling on schools, teachers and parents to act.
“The next generation of women in mathematics is already in our classrooms,” says Mphako-Banda. “They are waiting for the opportunity.”
