This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka sits down with Professor Beatrice Opeolu, a pioneering scientist in environmental toxicology whose work is shaping the future of environmental research and policy. From a reluctant student in a newly introduced field to becoming the first African woman to lead a global environmental toxicology organization – Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Professor Opeolu’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

A Path Not Chosen, But Destined

Professor Opeolu never set out to become an environmental scientist. She had her heart set on chemistry but was redirected into environmental management and toxicology due to curriculum restrictions. Initially resistant, she was encouraged by a mentor who assured her that the environment was the future – a prophecy that has proven true today. Her passion for the field was sparked through real-world exposure to environmental challenges, such as landfill sites and conservation areas.

She emphasizes the reality and impact of climate change, highlighting that the environmental warnings from decades ago are now becoming reality (e.g., rising sea levels, extreme weather events).

Fast forward to today, she has authored over 120 scientific papers, mentored countless young scientists, and led major research projects on emerging contaminants, microplastics, and sustainable agriculture. But beyond her academic achievements, Professor Opeolu is a fierce advocate for women in science, breaking barriers and ensuring that the next generation has an easier path than she did.

The Silent Threats in Our Water

One of her most recent and eye-opening projects focused on microplastics in South African water systems. Most of us drink a glass of water without a second thought, but Professor Opeolu’s research discovered levels of microplastics in wastewater, drinking water, and natural reservoirs, raising urgent questions about how these pollutants affect human health and the environment. This research isn’t just about numbers on a page—it has real-world implications for industry regulations, policy decisions, and how consumers understand environmental risks.

A Woman in Science – The Struggles and Triumphs

Despite her groundbreaking work, being a woman in science has not been easy. From the beginning of her career, she faced barriers that some women will recognize:

• 
  
• Lack of mentorship – Many senior women hoarded opportunities rather than passing them down.
  
• Doubts and expectations – As a woman, she constantly had to “prove” her expertise.
  
• Invisible labour – She recalls how women in academia were often automatically expected to take on secretarial roles in committees, regardless of their seniority.
  

But rather than becoming bitter, she became the mentor she wished she had. Through initiatives like EmpowerHerNg and EmpowerHerSA, she is actively changing the landscape for young women in science. And she doesn’t just mentor – she champions the need for sponsorship, where senior figures don’t just advise but actively open doors and advocate for the careers of younger professionals.

She stresses the importance of being authentic, maintaining one’s identity, and not conforming to societal or professional pressures.

Climate Change, Africa, and the Gender Divide

One of the most sobering parts of the conversation comes when Professor Opeolu connects climate change to gender inequality.

• 
  
• Women in rural Africa bear the brunt of water shortages, walking longer distances to find clean water.
  
• Gender-based violence increases in extreme temperatures, as studies suggest that rising heat correlates with male aggression.
  
• Girls are more likely to drop out of school in climate-affected regions as families prioritize educating boys when financial resources are stretched.
  

She warns that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing far less to global pollution. She urges interdisciplinary collaboration to find solutions that don’t just work for high-income countries but are realistic for African economies and societies.

Lessons in Success – Words to Live By

So, what has driven Professor Opeolu to keep pushing boundaries despite the challenges? She credits three key factors:

1. 
   
2. Her mother’s resilience – A hospital cleaner who later pursued her studies as a grandmother, proving that learning has no age limit.
   
3. The power of education – She saw firsthand how even a small amount of schooling drastically improved economic opportunities for her family. Education for a person that comes from a poor family is the shortest key out of poverty.
   
4. Faith and authenticity – She is unapologetically herself, embracing her identity as an African woman, a scientist, and a leader.
   

Her message to young women is simple: “Refuse to be boxed in. Not by yourself, not by society.” Whether it’s leaving academia to start her own business or speaking up in rooms where she’s the only woman, she believes that staying true to yourself is the key to unlocking your full potential – be self-authentic.

This episode isn’t just about environmental science—it’s about breaking barriers, advocating for change, and standing firm in your convictions. Professor Beatrice Opeolu’s story is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and fearless authenticity.