12 May 2025

Women Evolve BW recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking the milestone with an event themed: Women Evolve in STEM. 

One of the most compelling segments of the event was the session by Keleadile Ruda, an energy engineer who shared her journey of working in a male-dominated sector. Ruda spoke about how she and six other women founded a network to foster gender inclusivity after realising the lack of mentorship when they graduated. 

“We wanted to create a support system for women who would otherwise feel isolated in the energy field,” Ruda said, emphasising that building a community of passionate, talented women was essential to ensuring future generations would have role models and mentors.

Another inspiring story came from Phatsimo Matshidiso, popularly known as Miss Moringa, who spoke about merging her scientific background with entrepreneurship. She shared how during the  COVID-19 pandemic, she realised the health benefits of Moringa and began promoting it as a superfood.

“Moringa is rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C, making it an essential part of a balanced diet,” she explained. 

Matshidiso shared that her journey to entrepreneurship was driven by the need to address health challenges during COVID-19, blending scientific knowledge with practical applications. 

Zandile Mkwanazi from South Africa, who has a background in computational and applied mathematics, shared her passion for making tech accessible to young girls. She said that after noticing that the people building technology did not look like her, she founded Girl Code to empower young girls through coding and technology innovation.

“Seeing women succeed in tech can inspire young girls to pursue careers in the field,” she emphasised. 

Speakers at the event addressed misconceptions and challenges that women in STEM continued to face. They agreed that representation was crucial, as it gave young girls the confidence to enter fields traditionally dominated by men. They also discussed the importance of building supportive networks and challenging societal stereotypes that labelled confident women as too bold or loud.

Speaking in an interview, the founder and Managing Director of Women Evolve BW, Boineelo Palai explained that the theme was inspired by the desire to merge two seemingly different worlds; STEM and fashion. 

“It’s about showing that women can lead in science and technology while embracing elegance and style,” she said. 

Palai emphasised that the theme encouraged women to confidently bring their full selves into every space, whether it be a lab, a boardroom, or a runway. Reflecting on the journey of Women Evolve BW, Palai said that the event had grown tremendously since its inception. 

“Over the past five years, we have evolved from a small, intimate gathering to a nationally recognised platform that empowers hundreds of women annually,” she said. 

Palai highlighted that the event had consistently expanded its programming to include international speakers, mentorship initiatives, and capacity-building opportunities. She noted that the event had shifted its focus from financial literacy to STEM and was now exploring fashion and innovation. 

Highlighting the lineup of speakers and special guests, event organisers expressed excitement about featuring Dr. Wedu Somolekae, a leader in Aesthetic Medicine, and Phatsimo Matshidiso, a scientist making significant strides in Botswana’s innovation space. Nicolette Mashile also made a return to explore Fintech and the potential for women in digital economies. 

Additionally, the event featured the Women Evolve Lounge Experience and exhibitions by local entrepreneurs and innovators, offering attendees the chance to explore new ideas and connect with like-minded individuals. ENDS