For a long time, girls and women did not grow up believing they could pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  In fact, when a woman expressed interest in a STEM field, she was often met with scepticism or ridicule, questioning not only her ability to complete her studies but also her chances of succeeding in the profession.

During a recent conversation with women in engineering, Catherine Nyambala, an electrical engineer with Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship (WISEe), reflected on her student journey in university twenty-five years ago.

She recalled how boys dominated the practical engineering sessions. At the time, women rarely had the chance to handle or tinker with the equipment. The fewer than five female students would remain at the back as the men took over the sessions.

Later, when she got employed, and she had to work at the power stations, she often had to ask the driver to take her to the nearest petrol station to use the ladies’ facilities, as none were available on site. She also witnessed the barriers faced by women who are primary caregivers, as many had to slow down their careers or give them up altogether to raise a family. Clearly, the challenges women face are not technical.

Fast forward to the recent past, Eng. Nyambala fondly recalls attending her first all-women training at the Strathmore Energy Research Centre—and realising that things could be done differently.

Women are natural collaborators, and therefore, teamwork is easier. She noted that by the end of the training, every woman had a chance to handle the cables, wire up the circuit, and test it. Prof. Franca Hoffman, a lecturer at the University of Cambridge, echoed similar sentiments. When she first became a professor, she intended to take her time to build research groups before taking on any students for supervision. However, within four months, women pursuing their PhDs began gravitating towards her and joined her research groups. During the same period, five women approached her to supervise their doctoral studies.

Cynthia Mkabane, a tutorial fellow at the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences, never imagined she would one day be teaching in STEM. Her role has given her the opportunity to mentor students, often reminding them of the importance of getting their beautifully manicured hands dirty and doing the work, despite the conveniences brought about by automation in the industry.

My mentees today participate in numerous innovation challenges advertised by both local and international universities — something that was unheard of in the past. Female students are stepping out of their cocoons and into the field, which brings me great joy as their mentor.

Knowing your worth is a critical component of navigating the STEM world. Women and men are known to negotiate their worth differently. Dr. Hoffman has, over the years, observed how men and women approach the negotiating table during their initial interviews or when seeking a promotion. She urges women to believe in their own worth and to be paid for it. Research shows that the pay gap is real, and, in her interactions, she has noted that men quote a higher salary scale while in interviews, allowing the hiring panel to negotiate lower.

On the contrary, women tend to view selection as a favour and are less likely to negotiate for better pay. As a result, two new staff members with identical skill sets and expertise can start the same job at different salary scales, purely based on their ability to negotiate. Isn’t it surprising that women confidently haggle in markets without hesitation, yet at the corporate table, we tend to cower? These conversations prompted each of us, as women, to reflect on our own journeys. As a woman working alongside engineers, I could relate to many of the questions raised by the students.

Some of the questions raised by students and professionals alike revolved around how to find mentors to guide them through their professional journey. How to confidently take a seat at the table, not as a token of gender representation, but as a professional recognized for their technical expertise, and how to navigate inappropriate flirtation in the workplace.

I remember looking at my colleague as we murmured, reflecting on our experiences in a male-dominated field. Many a time, we would be out in the field and would always be outnumbered by our male counterparts.

It is true that working in a flirtatious environment can be dishonoring and uncomfortable, but Eng. Nyambala reminded us all of the importance of starting off well. In her career, she frequently found herself in a double-cabin vehicle with a male colleague and the driver. She learned early on to dress in a manner that maintained a modest silhouette, ensuring her clothing provided full coverage. While this did not entirely deter unwanted attention, she found that most of her male colleagues respected her and regarded her as a fellow professional.

Men have had the better part of 2,000 years, both before and after Christ, to dominate various fields. Only recently have women begun to gain a foothold. As a result, it is easy for some to assume that a woman is present merely to fulfil a gender quota. To navigate such perceptions, women were encouraged to study diligently, stay informed, and remain up to date in their respective fields. They must always bring their A-game so that, when they speak, the conversation is naturally guided by competence and mutual respect.

Finally, we were charged with one truth, which is that there will always be someone smarter, better, and more successful than you. Human beings struggle with not being good enough and are trapped in comparing themselves to others. One could be in the best university and organization and still second-guess themselves. Rather than comparing oneself to others, use that energy to invest in your growth. Look at your journey and see what you have done over the past year. That my sisters should be your measuring stick. Further, get yourself an academic, professional and personal mentor and watch as your life transforms in front of your eyes if you put in the work.

The evening ended with each one of us realizing that these conversations are necessary to help women thrive in the workplace. Although the cocktail event ended, the conversation remains fresh in our minds. I would like to recommend a book to my fellow sisters: How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen. In future, it could form the basis of discussion during the next series of Conversations and Cocktails with Women in Engineering.

These conversations were part of the Moving 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (Moving IMPACT) project exploring how mini-grids with electric charging for small vehicles can transform agricultural communities in Africa.

Awarded by the UK EPSRC (Ref: UKRI314) on January 31,  2025, this initiative brings together leading institutions: Strathmore University through Strathmore Energy Research Centre, Imperial College London, University of Leeds, University of Rwanda, African Institute of Mathematical Sciences Rwanda, Kigali Collaboration Research Centre and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (Ghana)

Article written by Anne Njoroge, Communications Officer, Strathmore Energy Research Centre