Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) Engineering and Physics Department was recently awarded a grant of €7 000 (seven thousand €uros) from the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) to host the Women in Physics in Zimbabwe (WiPZ) Conference from 24 – 26 July 2024.
The event aims to inspire young women to join the field of Physics and is expected to attract more than 200 attendees from institutions of higher learning, industry and high school, providing a unique opportunity for networking and brand exposure.
BUSE Engineering and Physics Department chairperson Dr Chipo Shonhiwa said the funds will be used for accommodation, food, transport and other logistics for the participants including air tickets for the guest speaker.
“Organizing the first conference on Women in Physics in Zimbabwe gives Bindura University of Science Education a unique opportunity to launch Women in Physics in Zimbabwe and also further Zimbabwe’s commitment to the cause of promoting women in physics,” said Dr Shonhiwa.
She said in addition to other initiatives by the University and the country at large to support gender equity, the conference will serve as an illustrative example for other developing countries dealing with women’s under-representation in Physics and other STEM disciplines.
