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ACCORDING to engineeringclicks.com apprehension about working in a male-dominated workplace is impacting gender equality in the mechanical engineering sector. The mechanical engineering industry is missing out on the input of qualified women. While mechanical engineering is often male-dominated there is an army of women more than capable of holding their own.
In addition, there is no place for sexism in the modern-day workplace but the stigma of a male-dominated industry still hangs over the mechanical engineering sector. However, mechanicsforafrica.com says, “Women are increasingly stepping forward to pursue a career in mechanics.
While the number may be small, their contributions remain significant. Mechanics for Africa is one such institution that is changing the narrative, breaking through the barriers of poverty and eradicating stereotypes.”
While the world celebrated Women’s Month last month, what came out was that there has been an increase in the number of women who have taken up influential spaces that were traditionally occupied by men.
Many women in the country have turned to farming, mechanics, engineering, and medicine, among other “hard hat areas”, which is good, as it gives young women the chance to confidently follow their dreams, just like their male counterparts. Last week, we carried a profile on Andy Chitanje, a 40-year-old boiler maker in Bulawayo. According to Prime World, the percentage of female welders is growing.
In 2010, there were 6,7 percent female welders, and in 2022 the percentage increased by 7,7 percent. This increase is owed to a number of women who have decided to break barriers and thrive in male-dominated industries. Chitanje is a qualified welder who is working towards attaining her green card.
“I am a mother and growing up l have always been someone who liked being unique, although I never imagined myself working in a male-dominated industry. I did office work for 10 years and decided to find a side hustle that l could do for extra income. I took up boiler making because l could incorporate it with my décor business but little did l know that l would fall in love with arc welding,” she said.
She highlighted the challenges that she encountered as a welder and indicated the importance of dedication in taking up challenging crafts.“The journey has not been easy because welding requires dedication, manpower, and patience. I started in 2021 and I was the only female in my class and even at work.
This is what made me constantly remind myself of why l started because of the number of criticisms that one gets in being a male-dominated industry. The challenge that l faced and continue facing is the need to constantly prove myself in everything that I do. This is because men tend to feel intimidated and at times feel that if one is a woman they are not able to cut using a grinder and let alone lift the different tools.
Women are usually viewed as weak and men tend to want to offer help but I always make sure that l complete the assigned tasks and avoid using short-cuts to get things done,” said Chitanje.We salute women like Chitanje, and urge young women not to be afraid to follow their dreams, no matter the industry.
Online Reporter