Universities only admitted women in the early 1800 towards an engineering degree.  In 1876, Elizabeth Bragg became the first female recipient of an engineering degree in civil engineering from the University of Berkeley, paving the way for thousands of women of the 19th century who followed her lead. Also remember, it was a woman, Ada Lovelace, who collaborated with Charles Babbage to design the first computer program in the world. 

The organisers of the Women in Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation conference, Pinpoint Stewards, will promote dialogue during the two-day conference towards raising the profile of women who are changing the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - one project, degree, invention and step at a time. The conference will take place at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West on February 22 and 23, 2023.

As dialogue continues towards encouraging government and the private sector to join forces in introducing more programmes for women to enter the field of STEM, it is clear that talk needs to lead to action. 

Pinpoint Stewards co-owner Ankia Roux says: “It’s DUE – Develop, Unite and Empower is the theme of our women empowerment conferences.  The conference will urge women to relook their approach towards leadership and how they can personally take control of their career path by taking action and stepping up to the opportunities available.“

 “Although we have seen the field of STEM take centre stage and young women are slowly entering into these careers, more can be done to ensure women engage, do business, build networks and realise the opportunities available,” she adds.

The 14 industry leaders speaking across Government and Private Sector will do exactly that: show women where opportunities lie and share their journey towards leadership.  Women are encouraged to step away from their day-to-day roles, invest in their career, network with peers to not only build a better South Africa but also inroads for women in STEM.  

Organisations have booked their women leaders and aspiring leaders in droves and the conference will unearth critical topics in both the present and future around Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation. Pinpoint Stewards will be sponsoring five young professionals to attend the conference for free and ask that they email ankia@pinpointstewards.co.za with details. 

It’s not all work no play, however. Women will also enjoy a wine tasting, facilitated by De Grendel Wines at the Lord Charles Hotel, with enough time to explore their surroundings after each day of the conference.  Each delegate will also receive a Spa hamper by local manufacturer Ngcura.

Pinpoint Stewards have over 20 years’ experience in training and conferencing and is a 100% women owned and Level 2 B-BBEE company. It’s DUE and we hope to see you soon! Contact us today to reserve your seat info@pinpointstewards.co.za

Partners include Engineering News and WiMSA