Meet some of the women reshaping engineering, infrastructure, innovation sectors

We know that South Africa is home to some of the brightest minds within STEM and many of them are women. The consistent challenge is that while being identified as being some of the shining stars in their respective roles, the opportunities to showcase their abilities is often limited. Pinpoint Stewards, in a bid to reshape the narrative, has created the 3rd Annual Women and Leadership in Engineering, Infrastructure and Innovation conference to be hosted at the Hilton Hotel, Sandton on 28 and 29 February under the theme, “It’s DUE theme – Develop, Unite and Empower”. Pinpoint Stewards co-owner and conference organiser Sudhira Sewsunker says, “Looking at the speakers featuring at this year’s conference, it is astounding to see the talent these women possess, yet they are still trying to break the bias and reshape these male-dominated sectors to be more inclusive and ensure women not only choose a career in STEM, but stay and thrive.” To name a few of these shining stars: To name a few of these shining stars:
Gugulethu Ndlovu, project manager, SANRAL will focus on 5 Tips leaders should apply in managing teams. Phindi Mthambama Africa brewing and quality director AB – INBEV will tackle unconscious bias in the workplace and what the host of challenges facing women in engineering will be. Letting your work speak for itself and not being labelled as either a man or a woman doing the job, but rather as an exceptional worker, will be the focal point of Naomi Naidoo, founder Pink Africa Consulting and board member of CESA in her address. Looking at the synergy between renewable energy and green engineering with a special focus on infrastructure projects will be Alisha Raghoonanan, project manager, Enel Green Power. Tshegofatso Sibambato, civil engineer, Zutari, will deliberating on the barriers to women’s entry into STEM Other speaker organisations to share the road ahead in these sectors include: National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, SA Agency for Science and Technology & NRF, National Department of Science and Innovation, Eskom, Sasol, Goldfields, South African National Space Agency, WiMSA and Tshepa Basadi. The organisers aim to connect stakeholders and encourage women to talk business, and the good news is that men are not excluded from these discussions. Pinpoint Stewards are encouraging major firms to show their support and “put their money where their mouths are” by acknowledging the contribution women have made in the workspace and supporting this initiative. Sudhira Sewsunker, co-owner, Pinpoint Stewards notes, “At each conference, Pinpoint Stewards sponsors 10 young professionals at university level to attend the conference and we introduce these students to our audience for job shadowing opportunities or to find a mentor. With the support of sponsors, we are able to include more young professionals and expose them to the possibilities in STEM career choices.” Back local women-owned businesses by either partnering, exhibiting or hosting a table in support of women empowerment. For more information and the full conference brochure and activities planned, contact [email protected] Source: Supplied by Pinpoint Stewards