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Advocacy for Women, Women in Business, Women in Energy, Women in Engineering

Lilian Motongori Jamunga | Co-Founder Women in Energy Africa & Young Industry Leader scholar

Posted on by admin
13
Jun

| Co-Founder & Director of Strategy at Hayili Africa | Scholar/ Werkstudentin at Schneider Electric

Bio 

Lilian Motongori Jamunga is an energy expert and currently a Young Industry Leader scholar with Schneider Electric Europe operations while taking her Master’s in Energy Management at the Technical University of Berlin in Germany. She has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and production engineering. She has 6-year experience in the energy industry and is one of the Directors for Hayili Africa, an energy company that is offering energy solutions in Africa. Hayili Africa does research, energy management, project development, and technical advisory on energy projects among other energy solutions. She is also the current President of the Society of Women Engineers East Africa region and the co-founder of Women in Energy Africa, a platform for young women who offer innovative technological challenges for Energy in Africa.

She is a Global Bioenergy Energy Award winner in 2021 for her innovation of a mechanically driven biodiesel reactor, a 40 under 40 Inspiring African Future Mechanical Engineers (IAFME) Award winning er 2020, A Nominee for the Founder of the year Under 30 (Kenya) 2020 awards, A Booking.com Technology Playmaker Awards, Champion for change category Finalist 2020 and the Women in Energy East Africa community, professional technical award winner 2019. She was a Techwomen emerging leader in 2019 and a Woman in Africa Power fellow in 2019. She has been involved in leadership, energy, and gender issues. She is passionate about Sustainable development, Energy, women’s empowerment, and leadership

Q&A

How did you end up in the energy sector and what advice would you give to other women wanting to follow a similar career trajectory?

I studied Mechanical and production engineering and during my fifth year, I was introduced to the topic of renewable energy. I found it interesting and started following content that related to Energy as well. Having a passion to see development in Africa, I understood how important energy is in accelerating the industrialization and development of my continent. However, with climate change, it is sustainable to use clean and renewable energy. I purposed to pursue a career within the energy sector and was intentional and lucky to connect with professionals in the space who gave me an opportunity to also develop and grow my career. would encourage any other woman willing to join the sector to stay updated on the global issues in the sector as well as connect and position yourself to bring value to whatever position you get into. It is also important that they network with other professionals and continue to develop their skills to gain more opportunities.

In your opinion, why do you think the energy sector in its current state has less female representation and do you see it increasing?

The energy space has less female representation because there were existing stereotypes and biases that made the industry to be male-dominated just like any other sectors that were male-dominated traditionally. This discouraged many women from joining because of a lack of role models and enough mentors. Coupled with other barriers like education, workplace discrimination, and certain perceptions of physical demands in the field, the number has been less. However, the narrative is changing with more women getting access to education and policies and programs that encourage diversity in the workplace which is a good thing.

If you could have tea with any public figure – dead or alive – who would it be and why?

Damilola Ogunbiyi the CEO of SE for All. Her professional career and impact in the energy sector have been impressive in championing sustainable and affordable energy for all especially Africa and she inspires me a lot.

What does being a woman in the energy sector mean to you?

It means a lot to participate in shaping the industry to attract more other women and bring a diversity of thoughts that also cater to women using energy globally.

What opportunities do you see in Africa’s energy market?

Africa has a lot of opportunities to be a global leader for renewables in the whole world. We have a huge potential for solar and hydropower as well a lot of natural gas that can be used as we transition to clean energy. Our low carbon emissions also enable to trade well with other developed nations as we try to achieve the global climate goals. We also have the ability to leapfrog our energy infrastructure to more efficient technologies that are required in the clean energy transition.

Women in Engineering, Women in Mining, Women in Renewable Energy

Feature – Refilwe Mokgosi, Chief Area Engineer Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality

Posted on by admin
13
Jun

Bio 

My name is Refilwe Mokgosi, I am an electrical engineer registered as professional technologist. Employed as Chief Area Engineer responsible for Springs and Nigel Energy Department at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Previously appointed as Executive Director: Public Works in Emfuleni Local Municipality. I am responsible for Electricity Department, Roads AND Stormwater Department and Environmental Management and Planning Department.

I have been in the engineering industry for 21 years. I have been in held several positions with the electricity and energy industry in different municipalities (City of Tshwane, City Power, City of Ekurhuleni) and Eskom (Generation and Distribution).

I hold several qualifications, some being, B-Tech in Electrical Engineering Heavy Current, Government Certificate of Competency (GCC), Masters in Business Leadership (MBL) and Executive Development Management Program

I am ambitious, fearless, self-driven and I multi-tasking. I am immediate past President of Association of Municipal Electricity Utility (AMEU) President and Women in Electricity former Chairperson and Sponsor. I serve at the GCC commission of examiners at the Department of Labour, in several committees including ECSA IDoEW.

Socially I am wife and mother of two boys passionate about sports. I am Runner, Cyclist and aspiring swimmer. Completed 10 comrades’ marathons and 9 Two Oceans. Participated in several cycling events such as 94.7, Cape Argus, one day 3 stage Jock classic, Maluti Double 90, Double Century race and I’m recently aspired triathlon.

Questions

In your opinion, why do you think the energy sector in its current state has less female representation and do you see it increasing?

“The engineering profession and Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registration database still reflects a higher number of male engineering practitioners compared to the female counterparts. While strides are being made to bridge the gap and ensure transformation of the profession, it is acknowledged that more still needs to be done.” The sector still has a significant imbalance between male and female employees. The sector largely been male-oriented in previous years which a concerted efforts to encourage more females to join different roles and we have seen greater improvement though there is still much to be done to level the playing field. If you compare 10 years ago to date, there is significant improving. This will not be an overnight change, but it will take few more years to have balanced sector.

What message do you have for other women entering a male-dominated sector?

My message to women entering this sector or planning to enter the industry is don’t allow any of your colleagues makes you feel you don’t belong here, do you best to master space. Like any other person when you are joining any company spent a lot of time learning the business, knowledge is important, do the tidy work “site visiting, ask as many questions as you could to understand your roles in the business, go extra mile for your sake. Networking is very important there are so much pool of experienced women you can tap into their knowledge. Look for them and make it your priority number one to engage and learn from them. We have groups such as AMEU “women in electricity” etc. they can join to acquire more skill and knowledge.

How did you end up in the energy sector and what advice would you give to other women wanting to follow a similar career trajectory?

Two of my brothers are in similar engineering sector one in mining and the other in telecommuting. They both inspired me so much growing up and all I knew that time was I want to be an engineer. Hence my choice of subject at high school level. A good mentorship is needed to assist in building a good care foundation.

What message do you have for other women entering a male-dominated sector?

I still say when women participate fully in an economy, they form resilient businesses and enable achievement of economic and development goals. The benefits of investing in women expand beyond their immediate families, to their communities and countries, too. Stand your grounds in what you believe and go out there and shine, I believe in you and all you need to do is to believe in yourself.

What opportunities do you see in Africa’s energy market?

The sector is expanding and it’s for us to crab the opportunity to play more in the renewable energy or alternative energy space. There are so many programmes that are available and waiting for us to participate. Read a lot especial the engineering magazines and newsletters. Join webinars and conference to expand your knowledge and grab opportunities.

What role do women play in the decision-making authorities regulating energy transition issues in your organisation?

Mostly women play a leadership role and provide direction. It is natural for women to produce solutions in a complex environment. Be part of committees that deals with industry policies, volunteer your time, and forget about the rest, and all will fall into places. As women you need to be self-driven and if you don’t have that character, you better build it because no one is going to come push you, you must push yourself to the limits.