Women in Science Africa

Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Women In Science Logo
  • Subscribe Newsletter
  • Scientists Directory
Women in science logo
The African Scientists Directory
Menu
  • Woman of Impact
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Perspective
  • Jobs and Careers
  • Podcast
  • Youth
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

Taking on male dominance in the engineering industry

Thabo Mohlala by Thabo Mohlala
June 3, 2022
in Analysis
Taking on male dominance in the engineering industry
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsApp

Small but significant strides are being made to increase the representation and participation of women in the engineering profession in South Africa, according to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Despite the progress achieved so far, the council calls for more accelerated transformation in the engineering industry. Currently, only 1 in 5 engineers in the country are women and continue to earn significantly less than their male counterparts.

Gender equality

Observers of the sector say lack of transformation in the engineering sector has the impact of deterring young women from entering the industry and pursuing careers in the STEM field. Unless this is changed, the under-representation of female engineers in top and leadership positions would remain disappointingly insignificant. Gender equality is not only a developmental and a gender imperative but it also lies at the heart of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Pushing the envelope

Nana Mzila is one of the few young women who are working hard to change the face of the profession by setting up their own companies. She believes that while the ECSA leadership should continue to lobby for policies to drive change, young women should also push the boundaries. And so it was that in 2017, Mzila founded ISU Engineering & Projects Co. Ltd – a 100% black women-owned entity, of which she is the managing director. The Pietermaritzburg based company offerings include general consultation, project planning and project completion. In addition, the company focuses on other engineering services such as:

  • water resources development
  • property development
  • municipal infrastructure
  • building and structures
  • transportation infrastructure and
  • environmental solutions

Right qualifications

Mzila’s success is backed by enviable strings of academic qualifications. She holds a National Diploma in construction management & quantity surveying from Mangosuthu University of Technology, Bachelor of Technology (BTech) and Master of Technology (MTech) in construction management from Durban University of Technology, Master of Business Administration – MBA in project management from Texila American University Consortium.

Building a model company

Mzila says forming her engineering company was not easy as she had to use her provident fund payment as seed capital. She says this was followed by sheer selflessness and a focused mind to ensure the company is not only sustainable but also serves as model for other women. She also embarked on a vigorous marketing strategy to build the company’s profile and by networking with potential clients such as government departments and the private sector.

Challenging male dominance

The success of Mzila’s company in a predominantly male dominated industry is a huge motivational step to most young women who want to follow in her footsteps. She says what drives her is the desire to make a difference in the world and to meaningfully impact lives of communities through credible build projects.

Mzila says her future plans include identifying new opportunities beyond the KwaZulu-Natal province and exploring overseas markets. Her advice to other young female engineers who want to start their own businesses is that they should have passion in what they do, be honest with themselves and customers or clients and network with other women-owned successful businesses.

Tags: Engineeringscience and technologySTEMwomen in science

Related Posts

Researching the effects of high fructose consumption on memory and learning capabilities
Woman of Impact

Researching the effects of high fructose consumption on memory and learning capabilities

October 7, 2024
TechnoGirl Trust: Empowering Women in STEM for Societal Development
News

TechnoGirl Trust: Empowering Women in STEM for Societal Development

October 4, 2024
South African women at higher risk of perinatal depression
Analysis

South African women at higher risk of perinatal depression

October 4, 2024
Next Post
Ground-breaking study holds promise for improved diabetes diagnosis

Ground-breaking study holds promise for improved diabetes diagnosis

Categories

Search

No Result
View All Result
Women in science logo

Women in Science is the continent’s premier platform for women scientists. A space for Africa’s growing community of female scientists to find support, networks and a home for their ideas and achievements to take root and grow. Published by Media Torque and Events PTY Ltd ……….. Read more

SECTIONS

  • Women of Impact
  • Analysis
  • Podcast
  • News
  • Perspective
  • Youth
  • Jobs and Careers
Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin

MORE ON WOMEN IN SCIENCE

  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Publications
  • Collaboration Opportunities

SUBSCRIBE

game changing science from women in science
  • African Scientists Directory

Copyright: Women In Science Africa 2024

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & conditions
  • Advertise with Us
No Result
View All Result

© 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.