Professor Lieketseng Ned of Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences? (FMHS) has been named the Distinguished Young Women Researcher in Humanities and Social Sciences at the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).
The annual SAWiSA event, organised by the National Department of Science and Innovation, celebrates women excelling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year's ceremony, held in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, focused on the theme "Transition towards an Innovation Economy: The Role of Women Leaders in STEM."
Ned, a researcher in the FMHS' Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, expressed her gratitude for the recognition. "I'm thrilled and grateful for the award – and proud of myself and my team," she said. The accolade considers research outputs, previous awards, impact, mentoring, and community engagement.
A champion for disability inclusion
Hailing from Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape, Ned has rapidly established herself as a leading voice in disability studies. In 2018, she became the youngest person in her division to complete a PhD. The following year, she was featured in the Mail & Guardian's "200 Young South Africans to Watch."
Ned's research focuses on disability-inclusive health systems, addressing the disparity between the global distribution of disabled populations and the concentration of disability studies. "Most of the world's disabled populations live in the global south, yet disability studies are still dominated by thought from the north," she explained.
Her current project, in collaboration with Special Olympics International, involves a system-level assessment of the South African health system's inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). "This new assessment approach can help prioritize activities for policy makers, including Ministries of Health," Ned stated. "We hope to work closely with the South African government in making our systems inclusive."
The research team is finalising their first report, which will contribute to a global report highlighting best practices and necessary actions for creating inclusive health systems.
Inspiring the next generation
The SAWiSA awards aim to profile women scientists and researchers as role models for younger women, encouraging those starting their careers in STEM-related fields. Ned described the ceremony as an "amazing, empowering" experience, emphasizing the importance of supporting women and girls in science.
"Being at an event with women who are excelling in STEM was inspiring in itself," she remarked. "It was amazing to learn about the different projects that people are busy with and to network."
Looking ahead, she aims to become an NRF-rated scholar and a full professor. Her achievements have drawn praise from colleagues, including Prof Taryn Young, Executive Head of the Department of Global Health. "This prestigious award is an acknowledgment of the great work Prof Ned is leading and of the impact this is having nationally, regionally, and internationally," Young commented.
The recognition of Ned's work underscores the importance of disability inclusion in health systems and highlights the valuable contributions of women researchers in addressing critical societal issues. As she continues her research and advocacy, Ned serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists and a champion for disability rights in South Africa and beyond.
?
