Cerene Rathilal

Dr Cerene Rathilal is a South African mathematician, lecturer, and community engagement leader. She holds a PhD in Pure Mathematics and is a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Her research focuses on pointfree topology, and she is dedicated to promoting mathematics education, particularly for women and girls.

Quotes

• Gender representation is vital - not just in mathematics but in every discipline. It is common knowledge that the sum of the parts equals the whole. Suppose we view the whole as our society. Who was contributing to the sum of the parts in mathematical discoveries? In the past, it was male representation. Imagine what could have happened if we had female representation in the past and if females had equal opportunities to contribute to mathematical discoveries.

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• I hope that I am able to dispel the idea that mathematics is “hard” or difficult, by sharing my love and the numerous applications of the subject and its undeniable beauty.

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• everyone deserves the right to learn.

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• The lack of female role models in mathematics was one of my earliest challenges, and it often meant battling feelings of isolation in my field

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• Through mentorship, these young women not only excelled academically but also gained confidence and inspiration to pursue their dreams

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• This initiative matters to me because I have lived the challenges it seeks to address. As a young woman in mathematics, I was often the only female in my classes, with few role models to turn to. I know first-hand how isolation, lack of guidance, and absence of representation can deter talented girls from pursuing their STEM dreams.

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