Author: Francois Schulz

The past year was one of firsts for the WiM division.

The first historic meeting of the Women in Maths (WiM Division) took place virtually on the 18th of August 2023. Present were the first committee members, Prof Karin-Therese Howell (convenor), Dr Thama Duba, Dr Belinda Huntley, Dr Linke Potgieter, Prof Eunice Mphako-Banda, Prof Paran Pillay and Dr Cerene Rathilal. During subsequent meetings and discussions, the committee drafted a constitution and set goals for the Division.

The WiM Division hosted its first event, a networking lunch at the SAMS Congress in December 2023. Prof Eunice Mphaka-Banda opened the event and the SAMS Council President, Prof Zurab Janelidze, welcomed everyone present. Prof Mphaka-Banda emphasised in her speech that the focus for the Division should be to function as a team. In her words, “A team is not a group of people who work together, a team is a group of people who trust each other. As a division, our successful journey will begin the moment we realize that we do not have to prove anything to anyone, but we build trust and have honest discussions among ourselves, the moment we realize that our potential means nothing without taking action and the moment we start building a strong support system among members. We need to learn or relearn to cheer for each other in any small victories. Do not think that you are too small to make a difference or to be noticed in WiM. Be a mosquito! Make the noise!”