… navigates male-dominated territory
Kimberly Kusauka
A 23-year-old female mechanic student from African Associated Mines (AMM) training centre in Mashava is defying odds as she ventured into the male-dominated field of motor mechanics, where she vows to excel in her chosen career path.
Nomatter Bizze stationed at Ngundu Business Centre in Chivi South constituency said she finds it difficult sometimes to operate in the world of mechanics, where she is often underrated along gender lines.
“A lot of people are failing to understand that a lady can venture into mechanics and mostly, I get accusations that I am homosexual, which is not true.
“Some people doubt my capability and even refuse to let me fix their cars saying that I am not physically fit to do a job that is usually done by men,” said Bizze.
She said she is currently working at Ngundu Motors where she is raising money for her school fees.
“I am currently working at Ngundu Motors and I go to school for examinations only because I pay for my own fees. I have been at school for my first year only,” added Bizze.
The youthful mechanic initially wanted to be a lawyer but she could not score the required points at Advanced level and that is when she ventured into mechanics.
She said she wanted to be different from other females who are afraid of doing the duties which are stereotypically labelled as men’s.
“I wanted to be a lawyer, but after failing to obtain 15 points at A’ level I was disappointed and decided to go for Diesel Plant Fitting Mechanics since my aim was to distinguish myself from other girls.
“Personally I hate competition, so I realized that in mechanics there is no competition with other ladies since only a few take part in such fields,” said Bizze.
She has a big dream where she wants to open her own garage which repairs cars and sell accessories.
“According to my plan one day I will be having my own garage just like Croco motors and Toyota, where I will be providing labour and accessories,” she said.
Bizze’s supervisor at Ngundu Motors Rhyland Gumbo said she managed to fight her demons and is very passionate about her job.
“Bizze managed to transform from female’s world to male’s world. I can say so by the way she does her job. She is passionate and willing to work.
“She is no longer afraid of the criticism she gets from both men and women who thinks she is not fit for her job,” said Gumbo.
