SEEDS OF CHANGE: CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY 2024

Few things bring me as much joy as gardening. The smell of damp earth, the wriggle of earthworms, and the use of compost to enrich the soil all make me ridiculously happy. My robust Monstera plants, money plants, snake plants, and aromatic herbs thrive under my inexplicably green thumb. How I manage to keep each plant alive remains a delightful mystery—perhaps a blend of determination and just enough neglect that they oddly appreciate. The beauty of gardening lies in its simplicity: plant a seed, water it occasionally, and watch nature work its magic. No wonder Jesus Christ drew so many parallels to farming in his parables—there's something profound about nurturing growth and witnessing the unexpected bloom.

One such example of nurturing growth is the genesis of the Women in Leadership Forum at Davis and Shirtliff. This vision was sown as a tiny seed over five years ago, sparked by an article shared by the chairman, Alec Davis—a gesture he may not even recall now. This ignited a flame in Margaret Kuchio that grew and materialized into what we know as Women in Leadership. Since then, Margaret has delved into pivotal topics such as leadership, mentorship, and corporate responsibility, becoming a vocal advocate for women in STEM today. From that one seed, she’s grown to plant numerous seeds of change across the company, nurturing them to blossom into tangible advancements. Margaret has shared her ambitious vision for women in STEM, solidifying partnerships that extend Davis and Shirtliff’s influence far beyond the realms of water and energy. It's a commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5 and the slew of SDGs that follow, demonstrating dedication to making a meaningful global impact.

On June 21st, before the world-changing events emanating from the Finance Bill in Kenya, Margaret Kuchio, Joan Sharon Muyera , Maureen Omamo , Rose Mwangi , and I attended the International Women in Engineering Day 2024 at Golden Tulip, Westlands. Hosted by The Institution of Engineers of Kenya, who had extended an invitation to CEO George Mbugua , we represented Davis and Shirtliff in our distinctive regalia, eager to immerse ourselves in the industry's insights. The agenda was clear: to address the stark statistics depicting the leaky pipeline for women in STEM, riddled with outdated biases and a scarcity of visible role models to inspire the next generation of innovators.

In true Davis and Shirtliff fashion, we arrived early, engaging in lively discussions about what the day held in store. The event gathered an inspiring array of women leaders. Eng. Jennifer Gache, PE, FIEK , Chair of the Women Engineers Committee at IEK, and Eng. Margaret Ogai CEO of the Engineers Board of Kenya, set the tone by championing the achievements of women in engineering. They shattered barriers, highlighted accomplishments, and stressed the importance of workplace essentials like restrooms that cater to diverse teams. Tabitha Nyambura, head of the Gender Division at the National Gender and Equality Commission delivered a powerful address on gender-based violence and workplace equality, urging us all to speak out and effect change. Kenya's legal frameworks were lauded for promoting gender equality, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as the glass ceiling and in some instances, biased hiring practices.

A standout moment came when Jeraldine of Schneider Electric paid tribute to Margaret's transformative journey—from her early days as a graduate trainee at Davis and Shirtliff to her current role as an inspiring figure in engineering. What defines a great leader? One who plants seeds of change that grow into towering trees of progress, and Margaret's unwavering dedication to women in STEM embodies this principle. The standing ovation spoke volumes—Margaret isn't just rewriting the rules; she's setting new benchmarks.

Later that evening, we joined a dinner honouring women who received awards for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Alongside us were student leaders from various universities. Witnessing remarkable women achieving incredible feats in the industry was truly inspiring. The presence of a few women with titles akin to Eng. Dr. at the conference left a lasting impression, and I felt greatly inspired by the impressive calibre of women in attendance.?

The Women in Engineering Day was more than an event; it marked a celebration of the seeds of change we're sowing today, promising a future of growth, inclusion, and a hint of engineering humour. Reflecting on this impactful gathering inspires us to nurture these seeds and pave the way for our sisters and daughters to flourish in STEM. As women in STEM, we strive for knowledge, vision, and assertive self-management—all anchored in a dedication to professionalism. Now, let me delve back into my highly recommended current read by Lois P. Frankel, "Good Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office,".

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