11/02/2026
On the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the women shaping the future of STEM, redefining how science serves both people and the planet.
At Sappi Southern Africa, science drives innovation in a sector where ecology meets engineering, where understanding forests and ecosystems combines with technology to design sustainable solutions. Where the hidden chemistry of trees unlocks uses far beyond paper, from renewable textiles and pharmaceuticals to foodstuffs and packaging. It is a sector that shows how natural science and applied engineering can work together to create climate-resilient landscapes and everyday products with global impact.
Science thrives on diversity, and women bring resilience, precision, innovation, and empathy to the table. These qualities ensure that STEM careers aren’t only about equations, they’re about shaping a future where communities and nature flourish together.
As Dr. Bev Sukhdeo, VP Manufacturing and Engineering for Sappi SA says: “In our industry, science offers young women pathways that are both practical and profound - the opportunity to build local resilience while contributing to global goals.”