The United Nations declared 11 February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This is the UN’s attempt at challenging the gender stereotypes and biases surrounding women and young girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
Ford South Africa is in full support of this day, will be hosting an annual career day in Silverton, Pretoria where Grade 11 learners will be taught the various facets of the motor industry. According to Ford “The aim of the career day is to expose the learners to the many career options that are available in the automotive industry, where each department fits into the business, and what kind of qualifications and skills are needed for various roles.”
The career day is part of their attempt at expanding the children’s frame of reference and encouraging the upliftment of women and girls in our societies. Nosisa Nkwali, Electronics Technician at Ford’s Struandale plant in Port Elizabeth said that as a kid, she enjoyed fixing broken things and that ultimately led to her to discover a passion for mathematics and science. She joined Ford SA after obtaining her National Diploma in Electrical Engineering at the Nelson Mandela University in PE. Her mindset and determination paved the way for her to now be an integral part of Ford’s Struandale plant.
“It can be challenging to be one of only a few females in a predominantly male working environment but as time goes on, you get used to the challenge. You just have to work extra hard to prove yourself and eventually, you become part of the team,” said Nkwali. She concluded that if you have a passion for Maths and Science, the right attitude and willingness to be patient when the going gets tough, you will succeed in any industry.”
