The Department of Industrial Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a high tea event at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel on Thursday, 01 August 2024, to celebrate and empower women in the field of Industrial Engineering.
This event served as a dynamic platform for discussions on tools, strategies and ideas necessary for empowering women in engineering and achieving leadership goals. Women professionals from various engineering industries, along with Grade 9 female learners studying Maths and Science, were actively engaged in the event, focusing on advancing women already in the field and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Delivering the welcome speech was the Acting Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT, Professor Sudesh Rathilal. He welcomed all the attendees and thanked them for gracing the event. Prof Rathilal stated that the reason for coming together was to celebrate the achievement of women, reflect on challenges that persist and to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in engineering.
“For decades, women have been making significant contributions in engineering often in the face of diversity from pioneers to modern day trailblazers. Women have been in the forefront of innovation and progress. However, despite these remarkable achievements, women in engineering continue to face numerous challenges including, gender biases, lack of representation, limited access to resources and opportunities are just a few hurdles that women in engineering must overcome,” he said.
Prof Rathilal further stated that the event was not only about celebrating the achievements of women in Industrial Engineering, but it was also about recognising the work that still needed to be done and taking action to ensure that there will be a brighter, more inclusive future.
“Let us use this event as a platform to inspire change, to support one another and to build a community where every aspiring engineer regardless of gender can succeed. Together we can create a future where diversity and innovation go hand in hand leading to a better and more equitable world for all,” concluded Prof Rathilal.
Engineering lecturer, Matshidiso Moso, shared her experience as a postgraduate and an experienced industrial engineer. Moso who is a DUT graduate shared how things were changing as women were now involved in what used to be a male dominated field. She then added one of the challenges faced by women which she identified as gender bias.
“Women in engineering often encounter stereotypes that question their capabilities and dedication. Another challenge I experienced was a finding balance between work and life. Most of the time there is a lot on your plate, and it is one of the reasons why you cannot further your studies,” she said.
The Department of Industrial Engineering hopes to empower women who are already in the field of engineering. The department is also hoping to be impactful to the young females in Maths and Science by encouraging them to join the different fields in Engineering, which will result to an increase of female engineers.
Pictured: DUT staff at the celebration of the women in Industrial Engineering.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Patience Makhaye
