For decades, women have been making significant strides in the engineering industry, despite its reputation as a predominantly male-dominated field. To mark International Women in Engineering Day on June 23, The New Times presents a selection of exemplary female engineers in Rwanda, as recognised by the Rwandan Association for Women in Science and Engineering. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Make Safety Seen’. This day celebrates women in engineering who have demonstrated that gender is immaterial to success. It serves to inspire young girls considering engineering and prove that the world is an equitable playing field for all. ALSO READ: Telling Our Stories: Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Although there are numerous women engineers in Rwanda, the following women, who have achieved excellence as engineers and are renowned for their work, are seen as sources of inspiration in their fields. Paula Ingabire Paula Ingabire is the Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Innovation. She has a Master of Science degree in engineering and management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US. Ingabire is an experienced leader and has played a significant role in fostering innovations and digital platforms that Rwandans use every day. Under her leadership, Rwanda has become a hub for tech companies and startups on the African continent. ALSO READ: Girl power: Breaking stereotypes and redefining success in STEM Patricie Uwase Patricie Uwase is the Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure. She holds a Master of Science degree in civil engineering from Be Master of Science in Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Uwase uses her expertise to contribute to the development and implementation of crucial infrastructure projects in Rwanda into a more sustainable and modern country. Throughout her career, she has played an active role in the development of infrastructure projects, including roads, waterways, and railways. ALSO READ: Young female engineer on overcoming stereotypes Claudette Irere Claudette Irere is the Minister of State in charge of ICT and Technical Vocational Education and Training. She holds a Master's of science and engineering degree in Computer Engineering from the Oklahoma Christian University in the US. Her style is focused on innovation with focus on skills development, including the shaping of technical education and the promotion of digital inclusion in Rwanda as a means to boost local youth with market-focused skills. She has previously led KLab, an innovation space for young digital specialists. Ritha Mutabazi Ritha Mutabazi is the Principal of IPRC Tumba in Musanze District. She holds a Master of Science degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). She is regarded as a champion in technical education and training of future engineers. Under her leadership, IPRC Tumba has grown to be among the most competitive schools in the technical education sector in Rwanda. Dr Alice Ikuzwe Dr Alice Ikuzwe is the Deputy Principal of IPRC, and she holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. She has played a significant role in developing curricula in technical education, making them more inclusive and relevant to the current job market. Dr Didacienne Mukanyiligira Dr Didacienne Mukanyiligira is the Technology Innovation and Intellectual Property Analyst at the National Council for Science and Technology. She holds a Ph.D. degree in telecommunications systems. She has broad experience in the technology sector, which has driven innovations such as the ‘Medicall’ application, which provides vital health information to communities. Dr Abijuru Delphine Dr Abijuru Delphine is the Head of Science and Technology at the Rwanda Energy Group in the Research and Development Department. She holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. She has a passion for developing engineering projects that have a significant environmental impact and has played a vital role in the implementation of the country’s solar energy policy, bringing about sustainable energy solutions for Rwanda. Dr Jeniffer Batamuriza Dr Jeniffer Batamuliza is the Head of the Data Driven Incubation Hub and Short Professional Courses at the African Center of Excellence Data Science at the University of Rwanda. She is also the founder and CEO of RWA TECH HUB. She has a Ph.D. in Data Science-Data Mining (IT). She is passionate about turning data into actionable insights and developing innovative solutions for complex problems. Nicole Uwineza Mukwirindi Nicole Uwineza Mukwirindi is a thermal mechanical engineer at the Rwanda Energy Group. She has a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rwanda. She has taken part in boosting the country’s energy sector, including resource optimisation, cost control, and quality assurance. Therese Sekamana Therese Sekamana is the CEO and Founder of LED Solutions and Green Energy Rwanda. She is an entrepreneur with a passion for renewable energy sources. Her company provides sustainable energy sources for underserved communities in Rwanda.
