Pursuing a career in engineering is not easy, but it
can be done. Cultural stereotypes provide the biggest
challenge for women in engineering, but these stereotypes
are slowly changing. The African culture tends to regard
women as weak and inferior to men, which has led to a
categorization of jobs as either masculine or feminine.
Since engineering is perceived as being a masculine profession,
it tends not to attract women. Religious beliefs have
also played a role by contributing to the idea that women
should be inactive participants. Overcoming these cultural
stereotypes and constraints can be achieved by hard work,
perseverance, and looking to friends and family for support.
In addition, access to money and political and/or educational
connections can play a role.
Parents may also encourage their daughter to pursue
some other field of study because they are unfamiliar
with the field and fear it may have a negative impact
later on - such as limiting marriage prospects. Sadly,
some men believe that a well-educated woman will not make
an acceptable bride because she is not subservient enough.
However, due to the socio-economic condition of the country,
it is becoming necessary for families to pull in a higher
income, which means more women are pursuing careers, including
careers in engineering.
As society becomes more accepting of women in non-traditional
roles, the number of women who are interested in pursuing
science and engineering will certainly increase.
