International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), an annual event that celebrates the contributions of women engineers worldwide, marked its 11th anniversary on 23 June under the theme of #EnhancedByEngineering. This year, INWED celebrates women engineers who have enhanced lives and livelihoods through their work. These remarkable individuals contribute to building a brighter future for all of us.
Through its collaboration with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), RS South Africa champions women in engineering by funding various student projects and hosting career readiness workshops.
One such initiative is the Women in Engineering Leadership Association (WELA) NMU, which provides professional and academic workshops designed to support and inspire women in engineering. RS South Africa plans to integrate its Education initiatives into the WELA programme, further equipping these young women with the tools and confidence to succeed in their careers.
Narrowing the gap
Dr. Marshall Sheldon, Executive Dean of NMU’s Faculty of Engineering, epitomises the leadership driving these efforts. With over 25 years of experience in higher education and a solid background in chemical engineering, Dr. Sheldon passionately advocates for narrowing the gender gap in STEM fields. She highlights the transformative impact of engineering and underscores the pivotal role women play in advancing the discipline.
“By breaking down gender stereotypes and encouraging more women to enter and thrive in engineering, we can enrich the industry with unique problem-solving approaches and different leadership styles. In addition, women engineers can serve as role models, inspiring the next generation of female engineers to pursue STEM careers, thus fostering a more balanced and dynamic engineering landscape,” concludes Dr. Sheldon.
Mechatronics
Karli Oosthuizen, a final-year BEng Mechatronics student at NMU, embodies the spirit of innovation and determination. With a passion for sustainable engineering and a commitment to diversity, Karli is a role model for aspiring engineers. She actively participates in outreach efforts, encouraging young people from all backgrounds to pursue engineering.
“All engineers should strive to enhance life through engineering. Women in our field should focus on enhancing and improving areas where women struggle most, things only we would know,” says Karli.
Her message to young girls considering engineering is clear and empowering: “If you work hard and have faith, the right doors will open, and you will be successful. You are more than capable, and nothing anyone says will change that.”
