Technology is ever evolving, and society is coming to terms on how technology hugely impacts our lives. For a long time now, the tech industry and the STEM industry as a whole has been a male dominated field. But women are now working to build a stronger presence in the STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) industry, so as to champion for gender equality.
Today, we are seeing a lot of women working and heading large tech companies. Women are leading technological innovations and working tirelessly to encourage more women to pursue a career in tech.
In the recently concluded African Women In Tech Conference (AWIT) 2019, I got the opportunity to sit down with Naomi Wangari, a mechanical technician at KenGen. Below is how our conversation went; I hope you’ll be inspired as a woman to shutter those glass ceilings that have for a very long time been hanging over you.
What’s your name and could you please share a little about what you do as a woman in STEM?
My name is Naomi Wangari a born again Christian. I work as a mechanical technician at KenGen Kenya. Basically, my day to day job entails maintenance of machines to ensure effective power generation. I work with a team where we do planned maintenance works and also attend to emergency breakdowns.
Did you always know that you would end up in this field? What motivated you?
Yes I did. Right from childhood I used to tell myself I would become an engineer (this is where am headed). By then I didn’t understand much about it, but as I matured up and did more research I knew that was my line.
What motivated me is the idea of how a machine can be dismantled and assembled back and function. I used to watch car mechanics a lot.
How has the experience been and what kind of milestones have you achieved so far?
I would say it has been an exciting journey so far and I believe by the grace of God I will soar higher.
I would say being able to do various inspection works and attending to various machine defects to the point of seeing them in good condition again is a major achievement. Though still I yearn to do more.
Is there a time where you have been treated differently for being a woman in STEM? How did you handle it?
Yes there are several times that I have been treated differently. But one case that stands out is when men think you should make tea for them just because you are a woman. I however countered it with ease by letting them understand that we are all employees with defined job titles and mine was not a chef. This somehow created a rift since most African men believe if a woman is present she should do house duties as well. But with time, having stood my ground and doing my job well it made them respect that decision.
What do you think is the major factor contributing to the low representation of Women in STEM?
Fear. Yes I say fear because most women to begin with don’t believe in their capabilities. Deep within they feel they can do it but fear keeps them away. Secondly the view that most technical job is dirty and strenuous. Dirt is good
What advice would you give to a girl or woman considering a career in the STEM industry?
If you have what it takes just go for it. Let your confidence level rise to bring out the inner ability in you. If others have made it you too can too. Above all trusting in God will keep one focused and make them achieve their goals.
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