“VUT’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology hosted Women in Engineering to empower, mentor, and support female engineers for a stronger future.”
2 September 2025 | Story By: Maswoba Raludzingana | Picture:VUT
On Tuesday, 26 August 2025, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted the Women in Engineering event at the African Languages Auditorium (VUT). The event was designed to create a platform for female students and staff in engineering to collaborate, raise concerns, and access mentorship opportunities.
The initiative aimed to establish a strong foundation where women in engineering can openly engage, share experiences, and receive support to overcome challenges within the field. The turnout reflected significant interest and commitment from staff and students, demonstrating the urgency and relevance of empowering women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related professions.
Miss Nkele Baloyi, a Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering lecturer, emphasised the importance of empowering women for national progress. “Let us capacitate all women to have a better South Africa. We know that engineering is the economy’s engine if we have strong women, especially in engineering. By equipping females, we can secure a better future,” she said.
Professor Khaled Abou-El-Hossen, Executive Dean of the faculty, also delivered a message of encouragement, highlighting women’s challenges in the profession. “Many females may find themselves navigating a dynamic world without support. If we develop women in engineering, society will rise,” he stated.
Students appreciated the initiative, noting that it provided a safe and constructive environment to raise issues often overlooked in academic and professional spaces. Several participants also emphasised the importance of visible role models in motivating young women to pursue and thrive in engineering disciplines.
The Women in Engineering initiative aligns with VUT’s mission of promoting inclusivity, diversity, and excellence in higher education. By investing in female engineers, the institution is strengthening its academic community and contributing to South Africa’s long-term socio-economic growth.
The event closed with a resounding call for collective action to continue creating spaces where women in engineering can thrive, break barriers, and lead the way towards a more innovative and equitable future.