Three outstanding CPUT women academics have been named as finalists in the prestigious 2024 HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Awards.

The awards recognise the achievements of South African women in Higher Education who lead, inspire, and motivate those in and outside their institutions to be more and do more. It is aimed to inspire and attract new leadership talent to the sector, thus creating role models, advancing gender transformation, and creating visibility for higher education women leaders in South Africa.

The three CPUT finalists are:

Prof Kareemah Najaar, senior lecturer in the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, who was nominated in the Women in STEM category. She is the leader of a community project that supports Life Science matric learners from selected disadvantaged schools in preparation for their final exams.

The project has been running for six years and has become a Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences service-learning project as well as an inter-institutional endeavour with the University of the Western Cape’s, Medical Biosciences Department.

Dr Gunjan Gupta, senior lecturer in the Department of Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering and F’Sati, who has been nominated for the Emerging Young Women Leaders (academic) Award. Gupta has published numerous technical papers in accredited journals, peer-reviewed conference proceedings, and book chapters. Her research focuses on LoRa Networks (Reliability and accuracy), LPWAN Technologies, LoRa-based Air quality IoT devices, LoRa WAN in satellite communication (CubeSats), and Satellite systems mission and design. Her current research activities include the Integration of LoRaWAN and 5G for IoT, LoRa Direct-to-Satellites, and IoT ground stations.

Dr Ekaterina Rzyankina, lecturer in the Department of Maritime Studies, who was also nominated for the Emerging Young Women Leaders (academic) Award. Rzyankina’s research area focuses on the education of STEM subjects in engineering. Rzyankina aims to support students by utilising digital technology to enhance their understanding. Her theoretical framework is rooted in Cultural Historical Activity Theory, which she uses to analyse and improve educational practices.

The winners will be announced during the Awards Gala Dinner, which will be held at the Two Oceans Aquarium on 29 August.

*Profiles of the three finalists will be published later this month.

Written by CPUT News
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A passion for her work, combined with a desire to empower the next generation, has earned Prof Kareemah Najaar a finalist spot in the prestigious 2024 HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Awards.

Najaar, a senior lecturer in the Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, is a top five finalist in the category Women in STEM.

She is the leader of a community project that supports matric Life Science learners from selected disadvantaged schools in preparation for their final exams.

The project has been running for six years and has become a Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences service-learning project as well as an inter-institutional endeavour with the University of the Western Cape’s, Medical Biosciences Department.

“In addition, in the past three years we have included a project that supports the National Sanitary Dignity programme that is aimed at empowering women. The co-project leaders are both professional women at CPUT and creating opportunities for the development of women in Higher Education is part of what I am being recognised for too,” said Najaar.

She said her heart skipped a beat upon learning that she was one of the finalists.

“Being acknowledged on this level is very humbling and leaves me emotional because it’s a reflection of my passion and my dreams for STEM in South Africa. It shows that the selection committee understands and appreciates the critical role that higher institutions play in driving and supporting STEM in the community, particularly at disadvantaged high schools.”

Her passion for science started at a young age.

“I have always been drawn to science and was very fascinated by the functioning of the human body and the mechanisms that make it possible. To be honest, I always knew I wanted to pursue this path and am grateful for the opportunities that I was granted to achieve my goals. The discovery that teaching is my passion was a bonus to an already gratifying path. I could not have wished for a better combination!”

She enjoys witnessing the application of theoretical knowledge by her students, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

“In other words, when theory is translated into practice, to improve the quality of human life. Watching my students grow and develop into self-sufficient and kind human beings and then being humbled by their unselfish natures when they volunteer and pay it forward to their communities, this is what makes my work very enjoyable.”

Her advice to young women hoping to pursue a career in STEM is: “If you feel it calling to you, pursue it! South Africa needs more women to join in the STEM field. It is one of the few disciplines that has significant potential to drive our country’s economy. Our country’s future literally depends on supporting and driving campaigns that encourage young women and girls to achieve their dreams of becoming successful within the STEM field.

The Awards Gala Dinner will be held at the Two Oceans Aquarium on 29 August.

Written by Ilse Fredericks

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