International Day of The Girl Child

Embracing Challenges 

Mwenya Marvis and Enala Msimuko are trailblazers in the automotive engineering industry, defying gender stereotypes and pursuing their dreams with firm determination. 

Marvis, a dedicated student at Northern Technical College (NORTEC) under the Zambian Industrial Training Academy (ZAMITA), hailing from Kasama in the northern province of Zambia,  is pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Automotive Engineering. She had initially aspired to become a nurse. However, her life took a different turn when she got inspired by her brother in law, an automotive engineer. Witnessing his success and financial stability in the field, she decided to change her career path and pursue automotive engineering. 

She envisions a future where she owns her own garage and employs other women, challenging the traditional perception of automotive engineering as a male-dominated field. She’s also an advocate for young women in automotive engineering, dispelling the myth that this field is solely for men. 

Msimuko, aged 23, another aspiring automotive engineer at NORTEC, is driven by her passion for learning and her desire to establish her own automotive workshop. As the firstborn in her family of five from the eastern part of Zambia, she recognizes the significance of being self-reliant. Msimuko chose automotive engineering because it offers skills that don’t rely on government employment.  She embraces the challenges of being a girl in a male-dominated field, finding it refreshing and empowering.  

Advice to Other Girls: Dare to Dream 

Marvis and Msimuko share a powerful message for other girls aspiring to venture into automotive engineering or any male-dominated field: don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. While it may seem daunting to break into traditionally male spaces, it’s essential to remember that you are just as capable as men. The key is to believe in yourself, your abilities, and your aspirations. 

Empowering Girls to Lead and Thrive 

Marvis and Msimuko’s stories are a testament to the potential within girls and the importance of empowering them to pursue their dreams, no matter the challenges they may encounter. 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the critical role of women and girls in leading us towards a more equitable and fair future. He calls upon us to amplify girls’ voices and renew our commitment to creating a world where every girl can not only lead but also thrive. 

On this International Day of the Girl Child, let’s celebrate the power and potential of Mwenya Marvis and Enala Msimuko, and all the girls around the world who are breaking barriers and leading the way. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential and achieve her dreams. 

The stories of Marvis and Msimuko are a reminder that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for progress. When girls are empowered to reach their full potential, societies benefit as a whole. 

We can all play a role in supporting girls and young women to pursue their dreams, regardless of gender stereotypes. We can start by challenging our own biases and assumptions, and by amplifying the voices of girls and young women. We can also advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality and create a more inclusive world. 

Let’s work together to create a world where every girl can lead and thrive.