There is a misconception that a woman in engineering has to be an engineer; this is misleading and untrue. While the term "women in engineering" typically refers to women who are actively working or studying in the field of engineering, it can also encompass a broader range of roles and activities within the engineering domain. Here are a few examples that make up the ecosystem:
Engineers: Women who are trained and employed as engineers, designing, developing, and implementing various technologies and solutions. Researchers: Women who engage in engineering research, contributing to advancements in knowledge and technology without necessarily working directly in industry roles. Educators: Women who teach engineering subjects at schools, colleges, and universities, helping to educate the next generation of engineers. Managers and Leaders: Women who hold managerial or leadership positions in engineering companies or departments, overseeing projects, teams, and operations. Advocates and Activists: Women who work to promote diversity and inclusion in engineering, address gender disparities, and support the professional development of women in the field. Entrepreneurs: Women who establish their own engineering-related businesses, such as startups focused on innovative technologies or solutions. Consultants: Women who provide expert advice and services in engineering-related areas, contributing their specialized knowledge to various projects. Technical Writers and Communicators: Women who excel in explaining complex engineering concepts through writing, communication, and media. Policy Makers and Regulators: Women who contribute to shaping engineering policies, standards, and regulations at governmental or organizational levels. STEM Advocates: Women who encourage and inspire young girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing, and mining (STEM) fields. In essence, "women in engineering" is a broad term that recognizes the various ways women can contribute to and impact the field of engineering, whether through hands-on technical work, research, education, leadership, advocacy, or other roles. We reached out to some of the founders who were on our Sasol Women In Engineering Incubator programme and asked the following: 1 As a woman with an engineering (or engineering adjacent) business, why is it important to have support in the supply chain? “Support in any supply chain is incredibly important. As a woman, support in the supply chain means equal opportunity. By supporting women in the supply chain, we create a level playing field that allows women-owned businesses equal opportunity to access resources, contracts, and partnerships. Thus, allowing diverse perspectives where women-owned businesses can offer unique insights and creative solutions that benefit the industry as a whole.” Meghan Rugg, Founder of Fawkes Thermal Manufacturing “The support helps to break the stereotypes and bias, and this should not only be with supply chain, but the whole organization.” Ndilisa Didiza, Founder of Kgothatso Innovations “Support in the supply chain is essential for a woman-owned engineering business. Such support, which is often lacking, goes beyond just teaching women how to grow their businesses. It ensures access to resources, leading to timely deliveries, high-quality materials, and ultimately resulting in smoother operations and improved customer satisfaction. This backing is particularly crucial due to the industry's gender imbalance, as it encourages a more balanced sector and challenges existing stereotypes.” Noxolo Fani, Founder of Phenomenal Light Construction “The supply chain is important for our services and products to be able to enter various market segments. It enables businesses to have competitive advantage which leads to an increase of sales. Sales is the core of every business therefore it is crucial to have support from the supply chain system. To be giving an opportunity to provide your products and services to potential clients that might also have suppliers providing a similar products and services.” Nomagugu Mvelase, Founder of Lizwile Engineering Pty Ltd Key Takeaway: Support in the supply chain is crucial in breaking barries, promoting access to markets, upskilling through capacity building initiatives, building relationships, collaborations and partnerships through key networking opportunities, funding opportunities through connections to investors, knowledge and experience sharing among entrepreneurs, having female role models in STEM which promotes equal representation and diversity. It is clear that supply chain support that addresses socioeconomic inequalities and provides tailored assistance can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. 2 What does it mean to be a woman in engineering? “Being a women in engineering means creating space at a table for anyone who was not invited and allowing them to bring their own innovations and unique skills. I am also a firm believer in Representations Matters. This for me gives me the opportunity to become a role model that I did not have as a child. My story allows young girls to believe that they can become whatever they want to and not have to be concerned with whether they are the wrong gender.” Meghan Rugg, Founder of Fawkes Thermal Manufacturing “It means I have a valuable contribution to make to the industry and that I am capable and knowledgeable as my male peers.” Ndilisa Didiza, Founder of Kgothatso Innovations “Being a woman in engineering entails shattering stereotypes, offering diverse viewpoints, and conquering obstacles within a historically male-dominated sector. It involves making valuable strides in technological progress while also dedicating time to inspire and support young girls and women venturing into traditionally male-dominated industries. This facet holds personal significance to me; it embodies a sense of purpose that I've cherished even before entering the industry or establishing my business. I strive to be the guiding figure I wished for during my own youth, providing mentorship, inspiration, and encouragement to empower them with confidence, self-love, and the resilience to flourish despite outdated societal norms.” Noxolo Fani, Founder of Phenomenal Light Construction “I am aware that I have a responsibility to encourage and demonstrate that it possible for women lead successful engineering business.It means that I must share my journey with other women and assist them to believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Nomagugu Mvelase, Founder of Lizwile Engineering Pty Ltd Key Takeaway: Being a woman in engineering involves navigating both challenges such as gender stereotypes, underrepresentation, workplace dynamics, cultural & societal norms, work-lef balance, and opportunities like diversity benefits, advocacy & support, changing landscape, educational initiatives and government policies. While there are obstacles to overcome, there is also a growing recognition of the value of diversity in the field, leading to efforts aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women pursuing careers in engineering. 3 From your experience on the Sasol Women In Engineering programme, does one have to be an engineer to be on the programme? “Not at all. The Sasol Women in Engineering programme was more focused on upskilling you with business skills. Yes, was tailored for Engineering businesses but more along the lines of how to market your product, how to overcome struggles of your business, creating a firm foundation to grow your business from, etc.” Meghan Rugg, Founder of Fawkes Thermal Manufacturing “No, I am not an engineer and I was selected. I bring in the science to help Engineers focus on what they do.” Ndilisa Didiza, Founder of Kgothatso Innovations “My university studies were in multimedia, with a focus on animation, rather than engineering. After a few years at an advertising firm, I realized it wasn't the right fit. When an opportunity arose in the construction industry, I spent years learning hands-on and receiving mentorship before establishing my engineering business. Initiatives like the Sasol Women In Engineering program welcome both female engineers who run engineering businesses and non-engineer females leading such businesses. Their goal is to empower and assist women in leadership roles within the engineering sector and further integrate these businesses into their supply chain.” Noxolo Fani, Founder of Phenomenal Light Construction “Sasol Women Engineering has provided an opportunity to enhance my business skills, access to international market and offered support to build a business that is anchored on financial excellence.” Nomagugu Mvelase, Founder of Lizwile Engineering Pty Ltd Key Takeaway: You do not have to be an engineer to be a woman in engineering! LinkedIn & websites:
Application Link: Sasol Women in Engineering Incubator 2023 - WomHub Deadline: 13 August 2023
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