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Zimbabwe encourages women’s participation in engineering sector

October 15, 2015

Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) Women in Engineering members at the division launch during the Africa Engineering Week in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on 14 to 19 September, 2015. Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) Women in Engineering members at the division launch during the Africa Engineering Week in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on 14 to 19 September, 2015.[/caption] Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) is spearheading an initiative in Zimbabwe to enhance the active participation of women and the girl child in the engineering sector, according to Engineer Farai Mavhiya-Bhiza, ZIE Vice President and Women In Engineering (WIE) division Chairperson for the institution. Mavhiya-Bhiza revealed at the recent Africa Engineering Week hosted by Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls resort with support from UNESCO that the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers Women in Engineering division encourages women in all engineering disciplines to participate in the activities of the profession. The women in engineering division of the institution was set up to make Zimbabwe and the world at large aware of the existence and professional participation of women in the engineering sector in Zimbabwe. Mavhiya-Bhiza said that traditionally women are expected to be at home, church or doing charity work, but the current initiative seeks to change the norm. “As women in engineering, we are here to work hand in hand with fellow male engineers to participate in socio-economic issues affecting the country,” she said. The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers vision which is supported by the women in engineering division is to be recognized as a credible institution whose members are leading players in wealth creation and sustainable growth in Zimbabwe. Women who enter the engineering sector are expected to provide innovative, workable and economic solutions to engineering problems and challenges in society through upholding high engineering standards and ethical values in the practice of the profession. According to Mavhiya-Bhiza, membership to the women in engineering division is welcome from students, fellows, graduate technicians, graduate engineers, technicians, honorary fellows, affiliate organisations and companions. The objectives of the women in engineering division which is promoting the participation of women in the sector are to encourage and improve women engineers participation in the development of the nation, to mentor, empower and support young women engineers, to facilitate scholarships for continuous professional development for women engineers, facilitating attendance to local, regional and international workshops and conferences by women engineers, facilitating the economic empowerment of women engineers, partnering and participating with other women’s organisations, encouraging, supporting and providing career guidance to girls to pursue engineering including motivating and supporting women in engineering to remain in the engineering profession. The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers also reports that women in engineering statistics have gradually grown since 2011. “This is evidenced by the increase in women actively involved in the institutional activities and appointed to the ZIE board. The representation of women in engineering members in leadership has increased from 3% to 33% in the ZIE board,” Mavhiya-Bhiza said.]]>

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