Women in Engineering for Economy Recovery in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Engineering is the application of scientific and mathematical knowledge as well as creativity for the development of solutions as well as for technology advancement. Previously the engineering field has been male dominated but of late women are taking up this discipline although the rate is still as low as 25%. The low uptake of these engineering fields by women therefore affects the output of women engineers into the society and consequently therefore failure to meet the engineering demands of our country. However, due to the women friendly policy implementation in Zimbabwe, involvement by women in engineering is increasing. Women engineers are helping ease problems of special skills shortage as well as lowering the gender imbalance that has existed in this field. Furthermore, participation by women engineers minimizes the employment shortage as well as re-boosting the economy in all fields such as academia, industry and entrepreneurship. Women engineers on the ground are working hard participating in the economic recovery of Zimbabwe but, there is need for more for an effective change. This is achievable through awareness campaigns and implementation of policies crafted to empower women.