Eng Cecile Uwimana is a role model to many students as well as engineers in Rwanda. But she had no one to inspire her in her career path until when she eventually picked the faculty at university because of her good performance, and her love for maths.

"I am a naturally shy person. So, I didn’t want to pursue pure mathematics at university which would mean becoming a lecturer. I wanted [a career] where it would be applied practically,” she explained.

Having studied in an era when there were no women excelling in different male-dominated careers, Uwimana’s journey in the engineering industry is one that proves the need to have role models that young women can look up to and be encouraged to take on the path of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

With an experience of 24 years, Uwimana has faced many challenges as a woman in the industry but also witnessed the progress made over years.

For instance, during the first years of work, there was a time when she nearly collapsed with an eight-months pregnancy because she had to move from one site to another without assistance, she recounted.

"The industry was challenging for a female engineer because there were no deliberate initiatives put in place for consideration of women needs such as separate washrooms on sites, maternity needs, among others.”

However, serving as a Project Manager in Real Contractors, a prominent construction company with a wide range of portfolio, Uwimana testifies to achievements in gender inclusivity as a result of the company’s deliberate efforts to create an enabling environment for all.

"There has been a great mindset shift in the industry. Nowadays, it is not questionable to have women leading projects and receiving career promotion based on merit. This was not the case when I started as young woman, though there is still more to be done in terms of cultural barriers,” she said.

As the world marks the International Women’s Day themed 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ on March 8, Real Contractors takes note of the achievements in advancing women in construction industry while committing to further bridge the remaining gap in gender equality and inclusion.

Pacifique Cyuzuzo, a mechanical engineer in the department of Engineering Services at Real Contractors, is of the view that through consistency, resilience, and tangible outcomes, young women are inspired and know that it is possible to succeed in STEM careers. Cyuzuzo’s journey was different.

As a child, she aspired to be a pilot but later, when she was in secondary school, changed and wanted to be a medical doctor. Unfortunately, she was not able to enroll in medical school at university level and went on to study mechanical engineering while still hopeful she would eventually become a pilot.

"Honestly, I encountered discouragement because I couldn’t pursue all I had as dreams but when I joined the Institute of Engineers in Rwanda, I met Uwimana and realized that I could also succeed in this career.”

According to Cyuzuzo, it is commendable that equality is enforced through workplace policies that value productivity and capacity building, while considering diversity of needs.

"However, this does not give room for women to take advantage of the situation by giving numerous excuses for being unproductive. There has to be work-life balance but household issues shouldn’t be brought to work,” Cyuzuzo added.

Internships to stir interest

Uwimana noted that one of the most important programmes at Real Contractors is the provision of internship opportunities to fresh graduates. It allows young women to not only move from theory to practice but to also get a clear picture of the industry and find their rightful place in it.

Real Contractors partners with different Integrated Polytechnic Regional Colleges (IPRCs) countrywide to provide internships to male and female graduates in different fields.

Lilian Ishimwe, a quantity surveyor at Real Contractors, managed to kick off her career at the company through the internship programme at a time when her field of work was new in Rwanda. She noted that parents play a crucial role in shaping and encouraging young women in various careers.

Ishimwe pointed to the foundation laid by her father who exposed her to the construction field as well as accompanied and supported her throughout the journey.

She said: "In addition to learning from role models, young women should understand the importance of training opportunities if they want to succeed.

"Whether it is paid or non-paid internships, they should grab that opportunity.”

Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and quantity surveying are interdependent fields that play complementary roles for the success of any construction work.