An expedition composed of 124 women from 24 countries, including South Africa, will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, next Tuesday (January 28), to gain first-hand experience of the Antarctic. The women are all drawn from science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical (STEMM) disciplines. The expedition has been organised by the non-profit global initiative for women and non-binary leaders in the realms of STEMM, Homeward Bound.

“The world needs more bold women leaders in decision-making roles to drive smart, sustainable solutions,” affirmed Homeward Bound CEO Sarah Derry. “Leaders with STEMM backgrounds hold the key to a sustainable future, which is why we are bringing this extraordinary group of women and non-binary leaders to Antarctica to reflect, connect, and take bold action for a sustainable future.”

In addition to gaining experience in the Antarctic, the women will use their expertise to help a range of research and sustainability initiatives there. Among the expedition’s members are a geochemist, an immunologist, a marine biologist and a mathematician. But a wide range of disciplines are represented. Thus, the South African representative on the expedition, Aaniyah Martin, is a conservationist.

“The journey represents a unique opportunity to amplify the voices of women leaders with backgrounds in STEMM,” highlighted Martin. “I’m excited to collaborate with like-minded women from around the world to drive change for our planet.”

The expedition is being supported by US-based international management consultancy Human Synergistics and by Spanish-based renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure company Acciona. Human Synergistics is providing leadership development tools, such as its Life Styles Inventory, to aid discussions among the wide range of women professionals on the mission. Acciona has been a key support partner for Homeward Bound since 2018.

This will be Homeward Bound’s last Antarctica expedition for a while. The initiative will implement a new experiential element to its programmes in the Serengeti region of Tanzania, which is intended to broaden its programme of facilitating global collaboration between women in STEMM or with STEMM backgrounds.