{"id":6886,"date":"2026-08-19T13:31:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T11:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=189858"},"modified":"2026-08-19T13:31:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T11:31:18","slug":"engineering-a-more-inclusive-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/engineering-a-more-inclusive-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Engineering a More Inclusive Future"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On International Women in Engineering Day 2026, ABB\u2019s Adeline Maleka and Nokulunga Dube reflect on their career journeys, the importance of diversity, and the opportunities shaping Africa\u2019s engi-neering future.<\/p>\n

Celebrated annually on 23 June, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) recognises the achievements of women engineers around the world while highlighting the importance of greater di-versity and inclusion within the profession. At ABB Electrification, women engineers are helping to shape the future of energy, mobility and digital infrastructure, while inspiring the next generation of talent.<\/p>\n

For Adeline Maleka, Technical Design and Promotion Specialist at ABB Smart Power & Smart Building, engineering has always been driven by curiosity. \u201cAs a little girl, my dream was to become an astronaut because I wanted to dance among the stars,\u201d she says. \u201cWhile my journey took a different trajectory, that sense of wonder never left me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today, her role sits at the intersection of technology, strategy and market growth, where she helps drive the positioning and commercial expansion of ABB\u2019s integrated digital solutions. Her work spans smart buildings, energy distribution and data centre technologies, while she is also actively develop-ing route-to-market strategies for ABB\u2019s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.<\/p>\n

For Nokulunga Dube, an Engineer-in-Training within ABB\u2019s Electrification Low Voltage Sales and Busi-ness Development team, engineering offered the perfect blend of creativity and problem-solving. \u201cEn-gineering appealed to me because it combines creativity, innovation and problem-solving,\u201d she ex-plains. \u201cThe opportunity to apply technical knowledge to develop solutions that make a real difference in industries and communities inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.\u201d
Working closely with customers, Nokulunga helps identify solutions that improve operational effi-ciency, reliability and sustainability while gaining valuable exposure to both the technical and com-mercial aspects of the industry.<\/p>\n

Growing through opportunity and support<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both women credit ABB\u2019s culture of learning and development for helping them build successful ca-reers. \u201cMy journey with ABB has been truly rewarding,\u201d says Adeline. \u201cI have been fortunate to work under supportive management that recognises and nurtures my talents alongside colleagues who genuinely want to see one another succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

She notes that ABB\u2019s inclusive policies create an environment where people can thrive, contribute meaningfully and achieve their full potential. Similarly, Nokulunga highlights the opportunities ABB provides through training, mentorship and exposure to innovative technologies.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe company\u2019s commitment to continuous learning has enabled me to expand both my technical and leadership capabilities,\u201d she says. \u201cWorking in a global organisation also provides valuable opportuni-ties to learn from diverse perspectives and best practices.\u201d<\/p>\n

Their career journeys have also demonstrated that engineering extends far beyond technical exper-tise. Adeline says one of her most important lessons was discovering that engineering is as much about people, markets and data as it is about machines and systems. Through engaging with diverse stakeholders and analysing complex markets, she has developed into a well-rounded technical and commercial professional.<\/p>\n

For Nokulunga, working with customers and project teams across various industries has strength-ened her technical knowledge, communication skills and confidence. \u201cOne of the most rewarding as-pects of my career has been engaging with clients and industry stakeholders,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Challenging barriers and creating inclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

While progress has been made, both women acknowledge that challenges remain for women entering and advancing within engineering careers. Nokulunga recalls often being one of only a few women in technical meetings and project environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt times, this meant having to work harder to establish credibility and confidence,\u201d she says. \u201cI over-came these challenges by continuously developing my technical knowledge, delivering quality work, and remaining confident in my abilities.\u201d
Adeline believes organisations must go further in recognising the realities many women face in the workplace. \u201cThe original design of most work environments was never built with women in mind,\u201d she says, reflecting on the early years of her career, which included night shifts, long commutes and bal-ancing the demands of motherhood alongside critical projects.
She argues that true inclusion goes beyond recruitment targets and diversity policies. \u201cTrue inclusion is not just a diverse hiring policy. It is intentional transformation that understands how a woman\u2019s body and biology influence her experience at work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adeline believes more open conversations are needed around issues such as menstruation, perimeno-pause and menopause, and that organisations should create flexible frameworks that support women through different stages of life without stigma or penalty.<\/p>\n

The power of diversity and mentorship<\/strong><\/p>\n

For both engineers, diversity is fundamental to innovation. \u201cThe engineering ecosystem truly thrives when everyone contributes, regardless of how they look, where they come from, or the path that brought them here,\u201d says Adeline. \u201cComplete solutions require complete representation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nokulunga agrees, noting that engineering solutions affect people from all walks of life and should therefore reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. \u201cGreater representation also helps in-spire future generations, showing young people that engineering is a field where everyone can con-tribute and succeed,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Mentorship is another area both women consider critical to building a stronger profession. Adeline credits inspiring mentors with helping shape her own career and believes successful mentorship is about building sustainable capability.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue mentorship is demonstrated when systems, structures and people continue to perform effec-tively in your absence,\u201d she says. Nokulunga likewise sees mentorship as a vital tool for professional development, helping young engineers gain confidence, expand their networks and navigate challeng-es through the guidance of experienced professionals.<\/p>\n

Preparing for the future<\/strong><\/p>\n

Looking ahead, both women believe future engineers will need a combination of technical expertise and human-centred skills. According to Nokulunga, adaptability, communication, problem-solving and continuous learning will become increasingly important as technology continues to evolve.<\/p>\n

Adeline agrees and emphasises the need for collaboration, agility and a commitment to continuous improvement. \u201cOver the course of my career, I have had the privilege of witnessing how technology has revolutionised industries,\u201d she says. \u201cContinuous development is of utmost importance to remain relevant, embracing AI as a key player.\u201d<\/p>\n

Perhaps most exciting for both women is the opportunity engineering presents for Africa\u2019s future. Adeline points to the rapid growth of data centres, the expansion of electric vehicle charging infra-structure and the continent\u2019s vast renewable energy resources as transformative opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith Africa\u2019s extraordinary abundance of solar, wind, hydro and geothermal resources, the continent has everything it needs to lead the global clean energy transition,\u201d she says. Nokulunga shares a simi-lar optimism.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat excites me most about the future of engineering in Africa is the transformational role it will play in shaping sustainable growth, innovation and global competitiveness,\u201d she says. \u201cAfrica is at a turning point where engineering is not just about infrastructure. It is about unlocking human poten-tial and redefining industries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Inspiring the next generation<\/strong><\/p>\n

As INWED celebrates the achievements of women engineers worldwide, both Adeline and Nokulunga encourage young women to view engineering as a field full of opportunity. \u201cEngineering is not as in-timidating as it appears,\u201d says Adeline.
\u201cIt is one of the most exciting, fastest-growing, and opportunity-filled fields you could ever enter.\u201d Nokulunga offers a similarly empowering message: \u201cBelieve in your abilities and do not be afraid to pursue your ambitions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Together, their journeys demonstrate how curiosity, perseverance, mentorship and diversity are help-ing to build a stronger engineering profession, one that is better equipped to solve the challenges of tomorrow and create a more sustainable future for all.<\/p>\n

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Author<\/strong>: Richalda Dewet from NGAGE Marketing on behalf of ABB<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

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On International Women in Engineering Day 2026, ABB\u2019s Adeline Maleka and Nokulunga Dube reflect on their career journeys, the importance of diversity, and the opportunities shaping Africa\u2019s engi-neering future. Celebrated annually on 23 June, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) recognises the achievements of women engineers around the world while highlighting the importance of greater …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"","autoblue_shares":[{"did":"did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic","date":"2026-08-19T12:47:41+00:00","uri":"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtgrbmf2zp22","response":"{\"uri\":\"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mtgrbmf2zp22\",\"cid\":\"bafyreid65cvhlzoimkxy2cxcwsufeqge5drtc2mshe7uhwdwzc2egmiycy\",\"commit\":{\"cid\":\"bafyreigqi32vig4lbm6dvon6psgovo5etfuiyb6o7dndtmiwcfwvowfhkm\",\"rev\":\"3mtgrbmfctp22\"},\"validationStatus\":\"valid\"}"}],"autoblue_post_url":"","autoblue_publish_document":false,"republication-tracker-tool-hide-widget":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[29],"class_list":["type-post","category-news","tag-mypr-africa","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6886","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6886"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6886\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6886"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6886"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6886"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}