Country of origin
Zimbabwe
Which company do you work for?
Cassava Smartech Borrowdale, Zimbabwe
What is your specific area of specialisation?
Software Quality Assurance Tester
How long have you been in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields?
7 years
As a woman in a male dominated industry, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
I have been alone as a woman so many times in some workplaces and, the belief that men are good at what they do was a real problem as well being deprived of some benefits because you have shown no interest in males boss’ proposal or immoral acts. The first time I managed to overcome it, was by playing with boys and knowing their tricks at hand hence performing better than them. The second time I resigned from work and started my small company which later didn’t work out; however, it really served a life.
What inspired you to join this industry?
The zeal to challenge men.
What changes, if any, have you seen in your field with regards to women in your field?
Self-belief, that we also can code, debug, do networking, wear suites to work. We really need that upliftment and understanding that we can and even better.
How can we attract more women to consider a career in the STEM fields?
Doing podcasts, live events, women sharing their authentically that one can actually follow, making it transparent that it is doable, and women are intelligent.
If you were to advise other young women starting their careers in the tech or within the STEM fields, what is the one thing you would say to them?
If you choose your area, be so open-minded and don’t wait to be pushed. Experiment as much as you can. Ask Google and people who have walked that way so that you will never be demotivated. Join social communities of your area of choice. More so in the early days if it is something doable online, join more freelancing sites, WhatsApp groups e.g., Afriblocks to enhance your skills.
When not working, what do you do for fun?
I do hairdressing, cooking, as well as my initiative that focuses on women’s menstrual hygiene called HER CONFIDENCE.
