by Charles Maregere
Growing up in rural Gokwe, 21-year-old Takawira never thought she would end up in a field traditionally regarded as masculine. Takawira recalls the days when many villagers would give any visitor their CVs with the hope of finding economic opportunities in the urban areas.
Now on industrial attachment in Shurugwi, she has high hopes that after training, she will secure employment in one of the mines around the area.
Takawira encourages young women to consider careers in the automotive industry and break the traditional gender roles that are ascribed by society and reinforced by the media.
"You need to have self-confidence and you have to sacrifice, you have to be aggressive and ambitious. I have had people peep through the door and ask, is that a woman working on a car? But I am glad I haven’t been looked down upon," Takawira says.
There is no doubt that women face gender-based stereotypes and prejudices but those like Takawira are helping to destroy those barriers through hard work and determination. With dedicated and committed women, society’s perception of women will change and barriers will fall.business
