On October 25, 2024, the INDMET Project Office organized a short training and award program aimed at celebrating and empowering top-scoring female students from the College of Engineering and Technology. The event was designed to inspire, educate, and recognize the outstanding achievements of these students, while also emphasizing the broader goals of the INDMET project to promote gender equality in engineering education.
The program began with an opening speech by Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa, the INDMET Project Leader. He emphasized the core objectives of the INDMET project, focusing on gender mainstream initiatives, and he underscored the importance of empowering female students in engineering fields by addressing specific challenges they face and outlining the strategies that the INDMET project aims to implement to support their success. His speech provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s commitment in promoting gender equity through education and training.
The program featured insightful training sessions conducted by esteemed speakers from different departments. Dr. Alima Jibril, the Director of the Gender Affairs Directorate at Wallaga University, conducted a session on life skills training. She focused on how female students can develop self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-confidence, as well as strategies for overcoming social and academic challenges. Mrs. Birtukan Asefa from the Urban Planning & Design Department contributed with a session titled “Innovative Female Engineering.” She highlighted key aspects such as viewing engineering studies as either a challenge or an opportunity, turning challenges into opportunities, common challenges faced by engineering students, the benefits of studying engineering, and the role of female engineers. She also introduced female role models in the engineering field, fostering an innovative mindset, and discussed ways to develop creativity. This training encouraged participants to see themselves as future leaders and innovators in engineering. Mrs. Meskerem Derese from the Information Technology Department delivered a brief yet impactful session on “Mindset.” She covered topics including the concept of mindset, different types of mindsets, exercises for cultivating a growth mindset, setting goals, and embracing challenges. She also shared inspiring stories of great inventions by female engineers, encouraging participants to aim high and be resilient.
The highlight of the event was the award ceremony, where Dr. Endalkachew Mosisa recognized the top three-scoring female students from each batch of the College of Engineering and Technology. These outstanding students received cash prizes as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. This recognition was not only a moment of pride for the awardees but also served as motivation for other students, reinforcing the importance of academic excellence in the pursuit of gender equality in engineering education. Additionally, top three female scorers from the Mechanical Engineering Department were specifically acknowledged and awarded cash prizes for their achievements.
The INDMET Project’s short training and award program was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on participants. It demonstrated the project’s commitment in empowering female students by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and motivation to excel in their studies and future careers. By celebrating their achievements, the event highlighted the critical role that female engineers can play in driving innovation and development, while also addressing the broader goals of gender equality in education. The program reaffirmed the need for continued support and initiatives like these to build a more inclusive and equitable environment in engineering and technology fields.
