South African women are increasingly entering the field of engineering, with female engineers breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and making significant strides.

But although the landscape is changing, more needs to be done to ensure women understand the valuable contribution they can make in the field of engineering, while greater access to this field of study must become the norm, says Siyavuya Makubalo of Oxbridge Academy.

In particular, women need to know their options in terms of entry into the field, and understand that there are more pathways than full-time university study.

“South African women in engineering are challenging traditional gender norms by venturing into fields historically dominated by men. With determination and resilience, they are proving engineering prowess knows no gender boundaries. This shift is gradually reshaping the perception of women in the industry and encouraging more girls to consider engineering as a viable and rewarding career option,” she says.

She says in addition to ensuring continued gender transformation in the field, it is also necessary to ensure greater diversity in the sector.

“Women from various walks of life in South Africa bring unique insights, perspectives, experiences, and problem-solving approaches, says Makubalo.

“This diversity of thought fosters innovation and creativity within the industry, while companies benefit from a diverse workforce, enhancing their ability to tackle complex challenges and devise groundbreaking solutions.”

Unfortunately, while there is progress, women in engineering still face challenges related to stereotypes, unconscious bias, and workplace dynamics.

“However, the determination of the women already in the field to overcome these obstacles, is a testament to their commitment to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the field. Still, more initiatives supporting female engineers’ advancement are essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable engineering landscape.”

Makubalo says there are many more pathways into the field of engineering today than in the past, and that prospective students should familiarise themselves with the options available to them. A 3-year university degree is no longer the only way to get a foot in the door in this sector, and there are various other pathways, including starting from an N1 level with just a Grade 10 qualification that includes Maths and Physical Science. From there, students can progress to N3 and even decide to pursue further studies at the N4 level up to the N6 diploma level, including in the fields of Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering.

“South Africa can truly celebrate how far we have come in improving access to women and women of colour in the field of engineering, but more must be done to recognise their contributions and foster an empowering environment to ensure we create an equitable engineering landscape that reflects our nation’s true potential.”