Distinguished Women in Science — Social Sciences and Humanities
Winner: Prof. Aimee Vivienne Stewart
Prof. Aimee Vivienne Stewart completed her PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2003, with her research work focusing on the role of the family in supporting lifestyle changes in chronically ill patients. She is an Associate Professor responsible for the development of postgraduate research in the Department of Physiotherapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand.
Prof. Stewart is internationally recognised, having served as the Africa representative on the International Scientific Committee of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy, and as a regular adviser and examiner to the Kigali Health Institute of Rwanda. Much of her work in Kigali has been focused on the development, establishment and review of their four-year physiotherapy degree programme.
Prof. Stewart was awarded an exceptional service medal by the Faculty of Health Sciences in 2007. She has over 70 publications in local and international journals, and has presented her work at many local and international conferences. She is an NRF C3-rated researcher and leads the NRF research niche area on the management of chronic disease and disability, including HIV/AIDS.
First Runner-Up: Prof. Wilma Viviers
Prof. Wilma Viviers completed her PhD in 2003. She is currently Professor of Economics and Director of the School of Economics, North West University, Potchefstroom Campus. Her work and contributions to research, policy and practice aimed at improving/promoting South Africa’s exports are internationally recognised and acknowledged.
Prof. Viviers has an illustrious publication record in the fields of competitive intelligence and export promotion inmore than 40 peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and national policy reports. A wide range of stakeholders hold her research in high regard, and she has been appointed to several editorial boards and national and international committees. She is an NRF C2-rated researcher.
Second Runner-Up: Prof. Deevia Bhana
Prof. Deevia Bhana completed her PhD at the former University of Natal in 2002. She is currently a Professor and Deputy Dean in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research interests comprise gender, childhood sexualities, AIDS and schooling. She is a co-author of a book entitled ”Towards Equality? Gender in South African schools during the HIV/AIDS pandemic” (UKZN Press, 2009) and a co-editor of the book ”Babies and/or Books: Pregnancy and young parents at school” (HSRC, in press).
Prof. Bhana has made a committed and active contribution to highlighting the importance of childhood sexualities, gender and HIV/AIDS education in South Africa in relation to diverse global cultures. Prof. Bhana has published 40 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, two books and 17 book chapters. She has an excellent record of research grants and involvement nationally and internationally in the field of children, gender and sexualities. She is regarded as a pioneer in the field of South African schooling and childhood sexualities and is an NRF C1-rated researcher.
This article originally appeared in the Mail & Guardian newspaper as an advertorial supplement