CYO Equips Tadala with technical expertise in Clean Energy
Globally, the proportion of women participating in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields continues to be low. For instance, women constitute only 29.2 percent of the STEM workforce in 146 nations, compared to nearly 50 percent in non-STEM occupations. Efforts have been made, resulting in a small increase of 1.5 percent between 2015 and 2023, yet the gender imbalance in the field remains troubling. Malawi is not exempt from this global trend. For example, the ratio of female to male students in Malawi’s technical training colleges remains unbalanced, with 30 percent of female students enrolling in STEM subjects.
In response to this imbalance, Concerned Youth Organization, through the Sustainable Futures: Empowering Youth in Green Economy and Resilient Livelihoods project, provided training to youth from Ndirande, Mapanga, Chirimba, and Nkolokoti wards. The training reached 30 participants; 21 male and 9 female, representing 30 percent female participation, statistically resonating with the national trend. Through the training, participants were introduced to solar systems, basic electrical installation theory, practical electrical sessions, entrepreneurship concepts, and solar electricity system installation practical sessions including inverters, batteries, and controllers.
Tadala, a 22-year-old member of the Kachere Ward Youth Club and one of the female participants, explained that she plans to join forces with fellow female students to set up a business as a group to maximize their efforts.
“As women, especially girls, we don’t have to undermine ourselves or our capabilities because, through the training we attended, female participants acquired the same technical knowledge as male students. We need to be focused and determined; if a man can perform tasks such as installing wiring for a house using the knowledge we have gained, then we as women can do it as well,” Tadala explained when asked whether she thinks there will be differences in knowledge use between male and female students. She added that female practitioners in a male-dominated field need to be committed to their work because that is the best way to show they are capable too.
“Honestly, the training has equipped me with the technical expertise to effectively handle solar energy system installation tasks. This will help me to be financially self-reliant since I will be working to earn income and provide for my needs as a young woman,” Tadala said regarding her prospects following the training.
Concerned Youth Organization, in collaboration with Blantyre City Council, conducted the 20-day training facilitated by PEMAC Electrical Services with financial support from IM Swedish Development Partners Southern Africa.
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