Bridging Societal Barriers and Breaking New Grounds For Zimbabwe Women In Engineering

By Leeroy Mupariri

ZIMBABWE is set to make history this month by hosting the very first Women in Engineering Conference and Awards in Harare, perfectly timed with the International Day of Women in Engineering.

Due to several empowerment initiatives by the Government, more and more women are fast venturing into the usually male dominated fields which are economically beneficial and reduces cases of domestic violence.

Zimbabwe Institute of Engineers’ Women in Engineering Chapter Chairperson, Eng. Beverley Nyakutsikwa said women should not hesitate to venture into engineering work.

“If men are doing it hence everyone can do it. We want more and more women to take up challenging carriers and continue climbing the ladders. With the power of AI life has been made easy to study anything you want hence the sky is the limit,” she said.

She said, it important for women to venture into engineering because it brings diversity into the workplace that also reflects the diverse construct present in society.

“Women also bring a different perspective and innovative ideas in their respective fields’ thus also driving development where they can get involved.
A lot of work and progress has been made and achieved with women in engineering but some challenges still persist. The burden of stereotypes is still experienced in some workplaces. Imposter syndrome also holds some women back while issues of lower pay compared to male counterparts are also seen in some fields,”

“I believe one of the reasons I have made it thus far in engineering besides the technical competence is the presence of a support network, mentors, and #HeforShe champions. There are people who’ve spoken about me in rooms I wasn’t in, and they’ve enabled doors to be opened, thus opportunities arise where I could then pursue to them to execution. The support is also vital because I’ve needed that extra push or energy to keep going and thrive in the male dominated field,” she said

Eng. Nyakutsikwa has 15 years Postgraduate experience and my areas of specialization are civil engineering, water and wastewater engineering, project management and capacity building and training.

She said this ground-breaking event, organized in partnership with Kunthom Media Solutions, the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers and Women in Engineering Zimbabwe, will feature 12 esteemed speakers who will celebrate the vital contributions of women in the nation’s engineering sector.

The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers is fully backing this initiative, with Chief Executive Officer Dr Sanzan Diarra highlighting its historic importance.

“The initiative is a first of its kind, and as an Institution we are very proud to support our colleague’s ladies in the profession. If women are empowered they can empower generations to come and cases of domestic violence are lowered,” Dr Diarra said.

The timing is particularly strategic, as activities in Zimbabwe’s mining industry have surged to unprecedented levels.

“This is a time when voices of wisdom need to be heard in order to preserve our nature and environment,” she said.

Among the speakers, Dr Mary Chikuruwo from the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre brings with her over 20 years of experience.

Her journey from apprentice to leading the Production Engineering Institute is a testament to the power of perseverance.

Eng. Mollin Siwella, who heads IMPACT’s Planet GOLD project, will share her insights on sustainable mining practices, while Eng. Dorothy Madziya, who is Director Engineering Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, will discuss work-life integration and breaking down barriers in engineering leadership.

Dr Diarra’s vision aligns with broader national development goals.

“The impact of women engineering professionals is immeasurable. They attract more girls to the profession by their gentle approach. Their mere presence proves that engineering is no longer the preserve of men only,” Dr Diarra said.

He points out that engineering is changing: “It’s no longer purely about toughness but the subtle intellect and mind for sustainability and providing for future generations.”

The extensive programme runs from the morning, featuring keynote speeches by Transport and Infrastructural Development Permanent Secretary Eng. Joy Makumbe on “Engineering the Future: Women Leading Zimbabwe’s Industrial Growth,” along with panel discussions and valuable networking opportunities.

Other notable speakers include Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers President Dr Farai Mavhiya, ZIE senior Vice President Dr Tammy Stevenson, Women in Engineering Chairperson Eng. Beverley Nyakutsikwa, Eng Irene Kamutero of Masimba Holdings, Eng Wendy Mawere, Sankar Construction CEO Ms Sandy Bare and Engineering Iron and Steel Association of Zimbabwe President Mrs Chiedza Chigombe.

This conference serves as a vital step in Zimbabwe’s human capital development strategy, playing a key role in the country’s broader industrialisation goals