The T-Systems Age of Innovation and Sustainability Awards has introduced a new category to reward the "Most Outstanding Innovation for Women".
The organisers say there are several entries in the new category, which was created after the National Department of Science and Technology contracted the Da Vinci Institute to manage this new category on its behalf.
Dr Shaidah Asmall, director of the Science, Gender and Disability Unit within the department, points out that women make up 52% of the population, but that the traditional, unisex approach to product and service design often neglects women`s needs.
"Every day women perch on chairs built to accommodate a man`s body. Public buildings and car park access are often not designed to keep secluded and potentially dangerous zones to a minimum, nor do they always make access easy for parents accompanied by small children."
Asmall cites cases in which entrepreneurs and manufacturers have successfully altered unisex products with women in mind. For example, a New York-based woman has launched a company, Barbara K Tools, which manufactures and sells DIY tools adapted for women. These tools are lighter than usual, with softer grips.
"There are countless smaller and more everyday inventions that have revolutionised women`s lives and work. The first automated dishwasher, the ironing board, the pedal bin and disposable nappies have lightened the load for thousands of women - and were incidentally all invented by women," she says.
The T-Systems Age of Innovation and Sustainability Awards is staged annually to identify and recognise those South Africans whose initiatives, undertakings, projects and products outdo their peers both in innovation excellence and long-term sustainability. The awards event will take place on 31 August.
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