In South Africa, despite gains achieved for women, engineering roles in numerous organisations are still predominantly occupied by men. To encourage more young girls to study towards science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) qualifications, the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) kicked off its Femmengineering initiative in 2015.
This year from 9 to 13 August, over 200 learners attended the successful annual event that was once again held virtually due to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations.
The jam-packed programme included presentations from NWU students, alumni, academics, lecturers and industry partners.
Sabine Dall’Omo, chief executive officer of Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa, kicked off the event with the keynote address on 9 August. On 10 August Corneels Schabbort, senior lecturer at the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, Joani Bijzet, an NWU alumna who currently works at Anglo America, and Caitlin van der Merwe, a master’s student, discussed all things related to chemical engineering.
On day three Prof Johann Holm, an electronic engineer, Annemarie van Coller, an electrical and electronic engineer, and Ian Thomson, a master’s student in computer and electronic engineering, talked about computer, electrical, electronic and mechatronic engineering.
Mia Mangaroo-Pillay, an industrial engineer helped the young girls understand the industrial engineering industry, and Lize Pieters, an NWU alumna and employee at Deloitte, also inspired the participants on day four.
On the fifth and final day of Femmengineering 2021, Dr Marina du Toit, lecturer at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Marne Jordaan, an NWU mechanical engineering graduate, and Karin Schutte, a third-year mechanical engineering student, shared information about the School of Mechanical Engineering.
“This workshop has been really helpful. I hadn’t considered the NWU before, but I will definitely be applying here next year,” said Kiara Vallabh, a Grade 11 learner who attended the Femmengineering initiative.
“I am seriously considering computer engineering. It seemed like too big of a dream before, but seeing the amazing work females can achieve in the world of engineering has motivated me so much. I love the initiative of empowering women - I can definitely say I felt empowered throughout this week.”
Prof Leenta Grobler, the director for business development and stakeholder engagement in the Faculty of Engineering, thanked all the speakers and organisers who availed themselves for this great initiative.
“We also thank the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA for their generous sponsorship that allowed us to make the event free for all the learners to attend. We look forward to hosting an even bigger event next year that will reach learners across Southern Africa,” she added.
