SWE - Fall 2007 - (Page 20) READER’S FORUM Dear Editor, I was actually checking out Google for some information on my master’s thesis when I stumbled on the SWE Web site, which suddenly drew my attention. Before I knew it, I found myself navigating the whole of it, trying to understand what they are really up to. I was highly impressed with what I saw, especially with the mission and objectives of the organization and was moved to be part of this noble organization and use it as a medium to express my ideas and explore my unique contribution capacity in achieving its objectives. As a female engineer and Nigerian, I believe I am in a good position to reveal information about what is happening in the world of engineering among the female folks in Africa. It is indeed very pathetic to say that till date, it is very difficult for an African young school girl to make up her mind to study engineering, to her, engineering is a man’s profession, which is the general belief of most people over here. Parents still advise their girls not to study engineering because it is a man’s course. In fact I almost fell victim of such circumstance, but was determined enough to study my desired career without parental influence and today, I am an engineer. The obsolete beliefs which still exist in Africa, such as a woman’s place is the kitchen, a woman should not be found in the factory, engineering is a man’s course, women cannot fit into certain professions, women should always be at home to watch children while men go to work, etc. have eaten deeply into the minds of every African child and this should change. In Africa, women are considered as inferior to men; they are not expected to aspire as high as men especially in the so-called male dominated field of engineering. In most Nigerian universities The Reader’s Forum provides an opportunity to respond to articles or comment on topical issues. Letters are printed on a space available basis; we reserve the right to edit letters for clarity or to meet space requirements. All opinions are those of the writer and in no way the responsibility of the Society of Women Engineers or SWE Magazine. Please send comments, opinions, or observations to anne.perusek@swe.org or by regular mail to: Letters, SWE Magazine, Society of Women Engineers, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60601. for example, you find that the percentage of girls in all fields of engineering is negligible. Sometimes one could find a class of all boys especially in areas like mechanical engineering. This should not be so, because I have passed through all the academic stages in becoming an engineer and I see no big deal. The question is why are the females running away and not considering having a career in such an interesting and wonderful profession? From interaction and personal experience, I found that the problem is lack of awareness and misinformation. This, therefore, brings into thought another question, what can we do to curb this gender gap in engineering education in Africa? Even the few ladies that succeed in graduating find it difficult to get engineering jobs because employers are usually doubtful of their competencies in the field. Again in Nigeria, many female engineers are either in the banking sector or doing something outside their profession. The world of engineering needs more women based on the fact that women are generally insightful, persuasive, passionate, empathetic and aware of the big picture. Young women, parents, counselors, and the general public (in Africa) should be informed of the qualification and achievements of women engineers and opportunities open to them, as stated in your [organizational] objectives. They have to be properly educated on the issue of gender as it relates to the engineering discipline, and should be aware that women can become great engineers, improving the engineering world by making meaningful contributions of their knowledge and understanding of the profession. I strongly believe that SWE can help achieve this goal in Africa. I am already working on paying my membership fees and looking forward to working with SWE as a committed volunteer. Engr. (Miss) Ogunbor Odegua Florence Aspiring member (SWE), From Nigeria Embrace Diversity, Drive Success With a business that connects the consumer and professional experience across its entire spectrum – from product purchasing to television viewing, Internet usage, books, music, movies, print and online publications, trade shows and more – we value the diverse experiences that each employee brings to help us deliver insightful and innovative solutions to the marketplace. At The Nielsen Company, you’ll work with a talented and dynamic team in an exciting industry, and you’ll find that the varied skills, backgrounds and perspectives of coworkers make for a rewarding work environment – to drive our success, and yours. To learn about career opportunities, please visit our website: www.nielsen.com Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V 20 SWE FALL 2007 http://www.nielsen.com http://www.nielsen.com
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