Zara Randriamanakoto, one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in 2021 is a postdoctoral researcher at the South African Astronomical Observatory. She also cofounded the Ikala STEM non-profit organisation that rallies about 300 women scientists across four continents to inspire mainly girls and women to consider a career in STEM.
Through Ikala STEM, she coordinates the OAD funded project, LAMPS, which showcases the relevance of STEM subjects through Astronomy and science-based activities in Madagascar.
Zara was also awarded the 2020 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women In Science Sub-Saharan Africa Young Talent Award.