Online Reporter
Mashudu Mambo
AS the world celebrates the international women’s month, we celebrate Barbara Ngwenya (50) from Bulawayo, a phenomenal woman who is running a successful business in the renewable energy sector.
The theme of the International Women’s month is “Accelerate Action” which emphasises on the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.
The goal of the celebration is to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (2021) 22 percent of women work in the energy sector.
Ngwenya is a mother and director of Sacubana Solar and Gas Solutions Private Limited.
“The company specialises in renewable services and focuses on the installation, maintenance and supply of solar products. We have been in the business since 2023 and we have recorded a number of success stories
“We have repaired, supplied top quality solar products and solarised a number of boreholes. Over the years, we have managed to deliver exceptional service in rural areas and we have installed over six community boreholes in Tsholotsho,” she said.
Ngwenya highlighted that she has faced a number of challenges in working in a male dominated industry.
“The journey in a male-dominated industry has not been easy, it has been both challenging and rewarding. There were some doubts on my capabilities but l have learnt to leverage my expertise and passion for renewable energy. I did this by building a solid reputation through reliable services and this has helped me gain some respect in the industry,” she said.
She stated that there are a number of stereotypes that a woman in a male-dominated field faces as a result of her gender.
“There are a number of stereotypes that are there about women in this sector and one of the most challenging issues is that there are some fellow women who do not believe in your capabilities.
“There is a confidence gap, there are some instances where you end up doubting your own capabilities and feeling like you do not belong in the particular field. We have people who are not scared to tell you that you are doing a man’s job.
“I faced situations where my knowledge was questioned and overlooked, this also made it hard to network and establish some connections with peers in the industry. There are times where I almost quit,” she said.
Ngwenya urged women who aspire to thrive in male dominated industries to believe in themselves and establish a strong support network.
“My encouragement to women who aspire to thrive in a male-dominated industry is that they need to believe in themselves and seek some mentorship from their role models.
“There is no need to be afraid to take risks and air your views because breaking barriers begins with each and every one of us,” she said.
