SIAH MALLE'S JOURNEY OF PURSUING HER PASSION

Siah Malle assessing engineering projects presented by young female engineers at the 8th Tanzania Women in Engineering Convention and Exhibition (TAWECE) held in Zanzibar.

Siah Malle is a shining example of a woman who has broken the glass ceiling in a male-dominated field. Her journey to become a judge at the 8th Tanzania Women in Engineering Convention and Exhibition (TAWECE) is a testament to her passion, dedication and hard work.

Growing up, Siah was fascinated by the world of science and technology. Her brother, a civil engineer, sparked her interest in engineering and she was determined to follow in his footsteps. Encouraged by her teachers, she studied science and mathematics at high school, where she excelled in these subjects.

Siah was then accepted onto a three-year diploma engineering course at Arusha Technical College where she studied engineering and her teacher, Mr. John Mbando, recognised her potential early on and encouraged her to move away from civil engineering and specialise in mechanical engineering.

Mr. Mbando convinced her that mechanical engineering had many advantages, including employability, benefits and creating solutions for society with tangible impacts. Siah's passion for mechanical engineering grew and she was determined to enter this profession.

After successfully completing her diploma, Siah studied for three years at Mbeya University of Science and Technology where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a grade point average of 4.3 and was awarded the Best Female Graduating Student award in her graduation year of 2019.

Siah's teacher, Mr. Mbando, played a pivotal role in her journey as an engineer. He not only taught her the technical skills of mechanical engineering, but also instilled in her the importance of ethics, communication and teamwork. He encouraged her to follow her dreams and never give up, even when faced with challenges. Siah's experience is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact it can have on one's career and life.

After completing her studies, Siah was recruited by Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) for an internship as a mechanical engineer. Today, she works as Coordinator 2 - Reliability and is part of the Engineering – Asset Management & System Reliability team. She was excited to be part of a company committed to responsible mining practices, environmental sustainability and gender equality. At GGML, Siah has had the opportunity to work on various projects, including the design and implementation of sustainable energy solutions.

As a judge at TAWECE 2023, Siah was honoured to play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and empowering young women to pursue their dreams in engineering. She assessed engineering projects presented by young female engineers and provided valuable feedback and guidance.

Siah was impressed by the innovative ideas and solutions presented at the exhibition, including the solar power design project, the automatic juice blender and the blood donor and search app. These projects demonstrated the potential of engineering to address real-world challenges and improve people's lives.

Siah was proud to be part of an event that challenged gender stereotypes and broke down barriers for women in engineering. Siah believes that events like TAWECE are crucial in inspiring more women and girls to pursue engineering careers, breaking down gender stereotypes and challenging the status quo.

To become a successful engineer, you need to possess several key skills and attributes. These include technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, creativity and innovation, communication skills, analytical thinking, time management and teamwork. Siah stresses the importance of integrity, transparency and professional development, as well as the need for engineers to keep abreast of the latest advances in technology.

As a role model for aspiring female engineers, Siah's goals are to improve operational efficiency, drive innovation and technology, and pursue further education and training. Her dream project is to design a system that will make troubleshooting easier and more efficient, benefiting not only GGML but the mining industry as a whole. As well as furthering her education, she is determined to encourage young girls and women to pursue careers in engineering.

Siah's journey as a young female engineer is an inspiration to all. With the support of her teachers, mentors and employer, she has overcome challenges and pursued her dreams, empowering others along the way. Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, hard work and dedication, and serves as a reminder that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields such as mining engineering.