She Delivers “Fix-it” girls keep our engines running 

Walking into the mechanical unit of Ponty Pridd, three individuals stand out, 3 female mechanics who are part of the She Delivers program. The genesis of their stories is very different with a common denominator their curiosity about and love for fixing engines 

Breaking Barriers in the Automotive Industry.

For Faith Mutisya from Machakos, growing up in a community where only one family owned a car fueled her ambition to change the narrative. “I wanted to break the cycle and own a car for my family. This mechanics role is my path to achieving that goal,” she shares. Evalyn Anyango, on the other hand, had little exposure to vehicles in her early years. However, accompanying her uncle to his garage was a turning point—handling tools and witnessing engine repairs ignited her passion. Meanwhile, Stacy Karimi Kithure always had a fascination with vehicles. As a young girl, she was intrigued by how they moved and stopped, knowing instinctively that this was the industry for her.

The Role of Women in Automotive Maintenance

For these trailblazing women, the mechanic’s role extends beyond fixing vehicles—it is about ensuring road safety, maintaining cargo integrity, and reducing downtime caused by inoperable trucks. “As mechanics, we keep the logistics conveyor belt moving,” says Stacy. At Pontypridd Holding, streamlined processes and structured systems make this task efficient. “Each vehicle undergoes rigorous checks, including pressure leak detection, tire inspections, brake testing, battery load assessments, and fluid level verification to ensure it’s road-ready,” she adds.

Embracing Automotive Technology

As they hone their mechanical expertise, the trio is acutely aware of the rapid technological advancements in the automotive industry. Faith highlights the importance of staying ahead: “Future-ready mechanics must understand emerging trends, especially in electric vehicles (EVs). These vehicles will soon become part of the fleet, so we must learn how to service and maintain them.”

Passion Meets Precision

Watching the women at work is a testament to their dedication. Evalyn expertly services a truck with engine seizure, explaining that the issue arises when oil and water mix. “Repairing this requires draining, dismantling, cleaning, and reassembling the engine—a meticulous process akin to surgery,” she says. Her growth extends beyond diagnostics and repair; she has also mastered fuel tank welding. “Knowing I can handle such complex tasks is rewarding. I’ve come a long way in a short time, and it inspires me to push even further.”

Creating an Efficient and Safe Workplace

The structured work environment at Pontypridd Holding fosters efficiency and safety. From proper work gear to maintaining clean workspaces and adhering to emergency procedures, the She Delivers interns have not only strengthened the workforce but also enhanced operational efficiencies by minimizing truck downtime.

Training and Mentorship: Key to Success

This success is largely attributed to the dedicated trainers and mentors at Pontypridd Holding. “They have been patient, guiding us through technical aspects while teaching us teamwork and aligning us with the organization’s broader objectives,” says Stacy.

Inspiring More Women to Join the Industry

As part of the second cohort of She Delivers, Faith, Stacy, and Evalyn are proving that women have a vital role in the transport and logistics sector. Their success stories are a call to action for more women to pursue careers in mechanics, challenging and dismantling gender norms. With She Delivers and Pontypridd Holding paving the way, the future of women in automotive engineering is bright.


 

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