Charles Maregere
Often, the term transmission refers simply to the gearbox that uses gears and gear trains to provide speed and torque conversions from a rotating power source to another device.
The most common use is in motor vehicles, where the transmission adapts output of the internal combustion engine to the drive wheels. Such engines need to operate at a relatively high rotational speed, which is inappropriate for starting, stopping, and slower travel.
The transmission reduces the higher engine speed to the slower wheel speed, increasing torque in the process. Transmissions are also used on pedal bicycles, fixed machines, and where different rotational speeds and torques are adapted.
Musekiwa says a transmission often has multiple gear ratios or simply “gears” with the ability to switch between them as speed varies. This switching may be done manually by the operator or automatically. Directional forward and reverse controls may also be available especially in motor vehicles.
The Masvingo based Musekiwa, who has been in the industry for the past 20 years, says though both men and women have equal senses, its painful to see that there are some men who still look down upon female professionals
She also makes it clear that it is even more painful when women car owners look down upon female mechanics saying women’s lack of access to funding opportunities makes them fail to start their own service shops.
“The biggest hurdle women entrepreneurs’ face when starting a business is the challenge of raising capital. Investors naturally give less consideration to business women and I can’t really understand the reason for this.
“It’s easier for business men to raise capital than for women to do the same unless the woman has exceptionally proved her competence and credibility over time. Women entrepreneurs find it difficult to obtain a bank loan because investors and bankers inaccurately consider them to be a higher risk investment,” said Musekiwa.
