Maima G. Manobah stood in the bustling warehouse of CFAO Mobility Liberia, her eyes scanning the neatly organized shelves filled with automotive spare parts. It was a far cry from where she had started just a few years ago. Back then, she had been a fresh graduate from the University of Liberia with a BBA in Management and Accounting but unsure of where her path would lead. Today, she is the Inventory Control Coordinator, a role she had earned through hard work, determination, and an unyielding desire to prove herself in an industry dominated by men. “What inspired me to pursue this career path is working in an industry where men dominate,” Maima often said. “It challenges me to push myself and do more. It motivates me.”

Maima’s journey began when she joined CFAO Mobility Liberia, then known as CICA Liberia, as a Parts Assistant. The automotive industry was entirely new to her, and the learning curve was steep. She didn’t know how to locate spare parts or identify which part belonged to which vehicle. But Maima was not one to back down from a challenge. She threw herself into her work, asking questions, taking notes, and learning everything she could from her bosses and colleagues.

“Coming from university and entering the automotive industry, everything was new to me,” she recalled. “But over time and with the help of my bosses, I learned, I grew, and I was eventually promoted to Inventory Control Coordinator.”

Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Every six months, her progress was monitored, and her performance evaluated. Each review brought new opportunities for training and growth.

Maima embraced these opportunities, constantly pushing herself to learn more and do better.

“I feel I have reached a certain level,” she said with pride. “While I’m still learning, I now feel confident competing with my male counterparts.”

Her hard work eventually led to promotion. Maima was appointed Inventory Control Coordinator, a role that required her to oversee daily stock orders and manage the entire inventory. It was a significant achievement, but Maima didn’t stop there. She continued to set goals for herself, reviewing her progress regularly and striving to overcome any challenges that stood in her way.

“I set goals within a time frame, then review them to see what I have achieved, what I haven’t, and what challenges held me back,” she explained. “I encourage other women to do the same—set goals, work hard, and track their progress.”

One of the proudest moments of her career came when she was selected to travel to Cameroon for parts manager training. It was an opportunity usually reserved for managers and after-sales directors, but Maima’s exceptional performance had earned her a place among them.

“Being selected to travel to Cameroon for parts manager training was a proud achievement for me,” she said. “Although I had not yet reached that level, I was there among other managers and after-sales directors, representing my department.”

Maima’s journey was not just about personal achievement. It was also about paving the way for other women. In an industry where men were the majority, Maima had carved out a space for herself, proving that women could excel in any field if they remained focused and determined.

“I’m proud to have a job where I can now support my family and be a role model for other women,” she said. “I want to encourage women out there to stay focused, be career-driven, set goals for themselves, and remain committed.”

As Maima looked around the warehouse, she felt a sense of pride. She had come a long way from the unsure young graduate who had once struggled to identify spare parts. Now, she was a confident professional, capable of competing with her male counterparts and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.

CFAO Mobility Liberia is a key industry partner in UNIDO’s Youth Rising project, providing support to the development of an updated Automotive Curriculum and internships for young Liberians. Through this work, CFAO Mobility Liberia is helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. Through this commitment to workforce development, the company is empowering the next generation of Liberian professionals to follow in Maima’s footprints and thrive in technical industries.

On International Women’s Day, Maima’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gender equality and the need to support women in all industries. “Stay determined, work hard, avoid distractions, and remain focused,” she often advised. “For me, I set goals within a time frame, then review them to see what I have achieved, what I haven’t, and what challenges held me back.” Her journey is far from over, but she knows that with hard work and determination, she could achieve anything she set her mind to.