In male-dominated STEM-fields, Women’s Day highlights the societal and systemic barriers women have faced throughout history. It commemorates the 9 August 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against legislation aimed at tightening the apartheid government’s control over the movement of black women. While women still face inequalities globally, forward-thinking organisations are answering the call to arms, dedicating considerable resources to empowering more women in professional fields and leadership positions.
According to United Nations Statistics:
- Women are typically given smaller research grants than their male colleagues, and while they represent 33.3% of all researchers, only 12% of members of national science academies are women.
- In cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, only one in five professionals (22%) is a woman.
- Despite a shortage of skills in most technological fields driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution, women still account for only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of computer science and informatics graduates.
- Female researchers tend to have shorter, less well-paid careers. Their work is underrepresented in high-profile journals, and they are often passed over for promotion.”
Automotive lubricants industries
In the largely male-dominated industrial and automotive lubricants industries, the growing presence of women leaders may come as a surprise. But for African Group Lubricants (AGLubricants), a marketer and distributor of lubricants and services in South Africa, a growing complement of professional women are shattering outmoded stereotypes, fuelled by an enabling, open environment that rejects gender bias.
Thando Khumalo – Mechanical Engineering in-service trainee
“Never give up because there will always be problems that require a solution. Whether you are male or female, nothing is impossible if you persevere.” – Thando Khumalo
Thando Khumalo – Mechanical Engineering in-service trainee. All images supplied by AGLubricants
Despite facing challenges securing work opportunities, Thando Khumalo proactively engaged in a community skills workshop in Sebokeng, focusing on carpentry and electrical skills. Her proactive approach and dedication stood out to the AG Lubricants leadership team, and she was enlisted as the first female member of AG Lubricant’s maintenance department.
Khumalo is under the mentorship of the maintenance manager, and her growth trajectory has been integrated into AG Lubricant’s organisational strategy, including plans for additional training at SAJ – an artisans’ training school – with permanent employment on the cards when she completes the qualification.
Yolanda Ntanda – quality technologist
“Sharing personal stories of resilience and triumph cannot only change the face of science but also inspire future generations of young women to follow in the same footsteps because they will be inspired that other women have overcome the same challenges they are going through.” – Yolanda Ntanda.
Yolanda Ntanda – quality technologist.
Another trailblazing woman at AG Lubricants, Yolanda Ntanda, has overcome gender bias by proving her capabilities and thinking skills were on par with the most accomplished men in the industry. Ntanda says, “I had to grow a thick skin and challenge this bias by excelling in my work and proving my abilities as a young woman.” She joined AG Lubricants as a lab intern with a BTech in Analytical Chemistry. Having demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, she soon progressed to laboratory technician and steadily advanced to the position of quality technologist in 2023. Ntanda believes in the power of personal stories to inspire future generations of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), emphasising the need for role models and advocates for equality.
Nomfundo Mdlhuli – non-conformance controller
“Young women should embrace their challenges and see them as opportunities for growth. They should also surround themselves with people who can empower and mentor them.” – Nomfundo Mdlhuli
Nomfundo Mdlhuli – non-conformance controller.
Nomfundo Mdlhuli holds an Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering. She began her journey as a laboratory in-service trainee, and through hard work and commitment to continuous improvement, she rapidly climbed the corporate ladder to quality officer, eventually becoming a non-conformance controller. Completing a Six Sigma Green Belt and ISO training highlights her dedication to professional growth.
Tumisang Mapoti – laboratory intern
“Sharing stories can break stereotypes and biases that exist in the workspace. They can also make other women feel more accessible and relatable, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.” – Tumisang Mapoti
Tumisang Mapoti – laboratory intern.
Tumisang Mapoti is a laboratory intern with an Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. She embraces the mentorship available to her and continues adding significant value to the laboratory.
Navigating a male-dominated field had its challenges for Mapoti. Still, she believes the experience made her more resilient and determined to put her best foot forward and appreciate and value diversity. She harnessed her experiences by allowing herself to speak out, embrace her uniqueness and value how much she has achieved.
In the spirit of celebrating the top women achievers on Women’s Day, Zandi Sigabi, HR manager at AG Lubricants concludes, “On Women’s Day and every day of every year, if we continue to champion the advancement of women in leadership positions, we will see a shift in the global consciousness and experience a new paradigm.
“We can make this happen in the immediate future – not as a distant pipe dream.”
In case you missed – A celebration of African women in STEM breaking gender bias (Part 2), click here.