International Women in Engineering Day recognises the achievements of women engineers worldwide while highlighting the importance of greater diversity and inclusion within the profession. At ABB Electrification, women engineers are helping to shape the future of energy, mobility and digital infrastructure while inspiring the next generation.
For Adeline Maleka, technical design and promotion specialist at ABB Smart Power & Smart Building, engineering has always been driven by curiosity. “As a little girl, my dream was to become an astronaut because I wanted to dance among the stars,” she says. “While my journey took a different trajectory, that sense of wonder never left me.” Today, her role sits at the intersection of technology, strategy and market growth, where she helps drive the positioning and commercial expansion of ABB’s integrated digital solutions. Her work spans smart buildings, energy distribution and data centre technologies, while she is also actively developing route-to-market strategies for ABB’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
For Nokulunga Dube, an engineer-in-training within ABB’s Electrification Low Voltage sales and business development team, engineering offered the perfect blend of creativity and problem solving. “Engineering appealed to me because it combines creativity, innovation and problem solving,” she explains. “The opportunity to apply technical knowledge to develop solutions that make a real difference in industries and communities inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.” Working closely with customers, Nokulunga helps identify solutions that improve operational efficiency and sustainability while gaining valuable exposure to both the technical and commercial aspects of the industry.
Growing through opportunity and support
Both women credit ABB’s culture of learning and development for helping them build successful careers. “My journey with ABB has been truly rewarding,” says Adeline. “I have been fortunate to work under supportive management that recognises and nurtures my talents, alongside colleagues who genuinely want to see one another succeed.” She notes that ABB’s inclusive policies create an environment where people can thrive, contribute meaningfully and achieve their full potential.
Nokulunga highlights the opportunities ABB provides through training, mentorship and exposure to innovative technologies. “The company’s commitment to continuous learning has enabled me to expand both my technical and leadership capabilities,” she says. “Working in a global organisation also provides valuable opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and best practices.” Their career journeys have also demonstrated that engineering extends far beyond technical expertise. Adeline says one of her most important lessons was discovering that engineering is as much about people, markets and data as it is about machines and systems. For Nokulunga, working with customers and project teams across various industries has strengthened her technical knowledge and confidence.
Challenging barriers and creating inclusion
While progress has been made, both women acknowledge that challenges remain for women entering and advancing within engineering. Nokulunga recalls often being one of only a few women in technical meetings and project environments. “At times, this meant having to work harder to establish credibility and confidence,” she says.
Adeline believes organisations must go further in recognising the realities many women face. “The original design of most work environments was never built with women in mind,” she says, reflecting on the early years of her career, which included night shifts, long commutes and balancing the demands of motherhood alongside critical projects.
The power of diversity and mentorship
“The engineering ecosystem truly thrives when everyone contributes, regardless of how they look, where they come from or the path that brought them here,” says Adeline. Nokulunga agrees, noting that engineering solutions affect people from all walks of life and should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Mentorship is another area both women consider critical. Adeline credits inspiring mentors with helping shape her own career and believes successful mentorship is about building sustainable capability. “True mentorship is demonstrated when systems, structures and people continue to perform effectively in your absence,” she says.
Preparing for the future
Looking ahead, both women believe future engineers will need a combination of technical expertise and human-centred skills. Nokulunga points to adaptability, communication and continuous learning as increasingly important as technology evolves. Adeline emphasises collaboration, agility and a commitment to continuous improvement. Both are excited about the opportunities engineering presents for Africa’s future. Adeline points to the rapid growth of data centres and the continent’s vast renewable energy resources as transformative opportunities. Nokulunga is equally optimistic. “Africa is at a turning point where engineering shapes not only infrastructure but human potential and industry transformation,” she says.
Inspiring the next generation
Both Adeline and Nokulunga encourage young women to view engineering as a field full of opportunity. “Engineering is one of the most exciting, fastest-growing fields you could ever enter,” says Adeline. Nokulunga offers a similarly empowering message: “Believe in your abilities and do not be afraid to pursue your ambitions.”
For more information contact ABB South Africa,
| Tel: | +27 10 202 5000 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.abb.com/za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about ABB South Africa |
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