The 1954 East African Standard newspaper article “Women at Work – A Girl who is laying a Pipeline” communicates perception regarding women in traditionally male-dominated industry.

A qualified professional in her mid-twenties and a resident engineer on the Mombasa Major Project Pipeline, Eng. Lindley could hardly be referred to as a girl. Indeed, had it been a man, the term ‘boy’ would unlikely have been used in a similarly titled article. This word-choice reflects a societal mindset and journalistic bias towards a woman in the engineering profession.

In the 1950s, such reference was more amplified and more acceptable, but even in the 21st Century these perspectives towards women in such workplaces prevail. The confession by Eng. Lindley that “equal pay for equal work doesn’t apply” further captures the gender-based disparity in terms of salaries and professional recognition in her time.

This disparity in many instances endures to the present day. Eng. Lindley’s work involved heading male-dominated teams in technical and demanding assignments and environments; organizing and coordinating such teams to achieve expected results requires capacity to demonstrate collegiality and leadership, both of which can be learned and matured over time.

Presence of pioneering role models can influence interest and confidence of young girls and women to pursue professions in male-dominated disciplines. In Eng. Lindley’s case, her mother was a doctor, her father an engineer. Education and enabling institutional environments can also encourage pursuit and success in professions where women have been traditionally marginalized, unexpected, and unconsidered.

Dr Muhoro’s photo courtesy Dr Muhoro