It is estimated that only one in ten engineers in South Africa are women. Aditi Lachman aims to change that statistic.
“Being a male-dominated field, we lack the diverse thinking required for better solutions,” Lachman says. Last year, the 26-year old civil engineer left her full-time engineering job to head up WomEng. WomEng is a social enterprise which focuses on closing the gender gap in engineering.
The organisation’s GirlEng programme mentors female high school learners who show potential in mathematics and science, and supports their pursuit towards a career in engineering. Another programme, Campus Ambassador, aims to reduce the engineering dropout rate at universities.
As the organisation’s MD, Lachman is engineering a way forward for these and other programmes in South Africa and Kenya. A Brightest Young Minds 2014 alumni, Lachman is no stranger to applying herself.
She volunteered for WomEng for six years, while studying and working. These days she works closely with founders Naadiya Moosajee and Hema Vallabh to develop programmes, engage volunteers, and raise funds. This year is a game changer.
WomEng is partnering with UNESCO to host a series of international workshops for girls aged 13 to 18, in countries as far afield as France, the US and Rwanda. Lachman can’t wait.
“Helping a girl realise the potential she has to change the world is an amazing feeling.”
|If you want to succeed you need to break through many mental barriers and fears.|
