Olajumoke lives her dream as a female mechanic

Olajumoke Mutiat Okedara, 37, born and raised in Lagos State from Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is one determined woman who is bringing change to her community as a Local Area Mechanic. Olajumoke has always been a businesswoman but has had a passion to be a mechanic who will maintain WASH facilities because water crisis disproportionately affects women and girls.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, WaterAid in highlighting this year’s theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ had a chat with one of the 20 women trained under the PepsiCo-funded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement in Lagos project.
 

What inspired you to train to become a mechanic?

Women have always been marginalised and people see the profession as more masculine than feminine.

Being a woman in a male-dominated profession do you experience resistance from fellow professionals, employers or customers? Are there barriers for women to excel in this profession? Is there any reason why a woman shouldn’t be able to perform these tasks as well as or better than a man?

I have not faced any major resistance because of the curiosity on the part of people to see what I am capable of. However, it’s been a tough job building trust in my capability to deliver the job. Sometimes, I don’t get the job because people distrust my ability. Despite this, I don’t see any barrier for women to excel as long as they are dedicated and focused. Basically, dedication and focus are the key.

How have you been able to surmount challenges when it comes to carrying out your job?

Well, through dedication and being focused on the goal I surmount challenges. As a girl trying to break into a male-dominated profession, sometimes people think I am not capable of executing the job. But I try to see challenges as icing on the cake as it is a natural part of life. Just by staying true, I have been able to surmount challenges.

How important is it that Lagos addresses its many issues with access to clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene? Do you now feel you are playing a role in helping to improve that situation for all?

Health is wealth and access to water, decent toilets and good hygiene is the key to healthy living. As a woman and a mechanic, I play a key role in maintaining WASH infrastructures as against men who won’t blink an eye over community service. I play my part in improving access to these basic services by maintaining the facilities provided in the community.

Why do you think it took so long for women’s potential to be recognised in this field?

It boils down to stereotypes. Women have been assigned certain jobs because they feel it suits them and is good for their femininity same for men as well. Society and even women themselves are only just beginning to accept that there are no jobs meant for only men which is still a work in progress. 

What opportunities and prospects do you see for yourself to develop and grow in this profession? 

I have never engaged in this profession before but with more years of practice, I will be so good that I will be a household name in my state, country and the world. As I grow in the next three to four years I will train more women who want to toe this path.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, how do you think families and the society can invest in women?

(Smiling) Coincidentally, today is my birthday. To answer the question, for me, I would say women should be given more opportunities which starts from the family unit instead of being marginalised or even seen as second-class humans. First, girl child education is important and should be taken seriously. Our society needs to disabuse their minds that a girl’s education ends in the kitchen or in taking care of the house. So, women need to be encouraged, empowered with vocational skills even when they are educated.

What will your advice be to girls who would like to follow your example?

My advice is that they buckle up because many homes have been fed and taken care of by women as against the general saying that men are the breadwinners of the home. Women need to equip themselves with enough skills.