As part of our initiative to identify STEM role models whose journeys can inspire girls aspiring to join the STEM field, we had the privilege of connecting with Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda, a fifth-year Manufacturing Engineering student at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST).

This interview, conducted through a Google Form, highlights Mtondera’s experiences, challenges, and aspirations as a young woman thriving in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her story serves as a source of motivation and inspiration for the next generation of female STEM enthusiasts.

Personal Journey and Inspiration

Interviewer : What inspired you to choose Manufacturing Engineering as your field of study?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : When I was younger, around 10 years old, I dreamed of becoming an architectural engineer. The idea of designing buildings that could stand the test of time fascinated me. I imagined myself creating structures that would not only be functional but also works of art. I was captivated by the power of design to shape the world we live in.

But life had other plans. Circumstances led me down a different path, one I hadn’t foreseen but one that has been equally fulfilling, which was manufacturing engineering. At first, it felt like a detour from my dream, but over time, I realized it was a redirection toward something even greater.

Manufacturing engineering opened my eyes to a new kind of creation, not just designing things, but making them come to life. I learned how to optimize processes, innovate solutions and contribute to industries that impact millions of lives. I found joy in the challenge of turning raw materials into finished products, in solving problems that make production smarter and more efficient. It was here I discovered my true purpose, using my skills to make a tangible difference in the world.

This journey taught me an important lesson: sometimes, life doesn’t give us what we ask for, but it gives us what we need. The path you start on might not be the one you end up taking and that’s okay. Every twist, every turn, every so-called setback is preparing you for something bigger than you can imagine.

So, to every girl out there dreaming of making her mark in engineering, don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected. Your path might not look like anyone else’s, but it will be uniquely yours. Chase your dreams, adapt when life requires, and trust that every step is leading you toward greatness. You belong here and you have the power to build, create and inspire.

Interviewer : Were there specific experiences or people that sparked your interest in Engineering?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : When I was about six or seven, an unforgettable moment sparked my interest in engineering. One day, an electrical engineer and a team of electricians came to our home to fix the circuit board. I watched in awe as they confidently worked, touching the circuit board with their bare hands. I was terrified because my mother had always warned me, “If you touch that, you’ll die!”

Amidst the group, there was one person who stood out, a lady. At that age, I thought women were meant to be secretaries, nurses or teachers. Seeing her amongst the men, fixing something so complex, shook everything I thought I knew about what women could do. My curiosity got the better of me and I gathered the courage to ask her what she was doing and how I could become like her.

She smiled and said, “I’m an electrical engineer. If you want to be an engineer, you need to be good at math and science.” In that moment, a seed was planted. I didn’t know what kind of engineer I wanted to be, but I knew one thing for sure, I wanted to be just like her, touching electrical equipment without dying and breaking the mold of what society expected from women.

That day changed everything. It wasn’t just about circuits and wires; it was about possibility. It was about realizing that I could carve my own path, even in fields where women were rarely seen. It inspired me to dream bigger, to challenge stereotypes and to embrace the world of engineering.

Now, as an engineer, I carry that inspiration with me every day. To every young girl who wonders if she belongs in science, technology or engineering, I say this, you do. Your curiosity, your courage and your dreams are your ticket to breaking barriers. If a young girl in awe of a circuit board can dream her way into manufacturing engineering, so can you. Never let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in spaces where you can create, build and lead. The world needs more women touching “impossible” things and making them their own.

Interviewer : What do you find most exciting or rewarding about studying Manufacturing Engineering?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : What I find most rewarding about studying manufacturing engineering is the journey of bringing an idea to life. It starts as just a concept, a spark of creativity. Then comes the design process, where that idea begins to take shape. Testing and prototyping follow, ironing out imperfections and pushing the limits of what’s possible. Finally, you see the finished product, something tangible, impactful and ready to serve its purpose in the world.

There’s something magical about watching this transformation unfold. It’s not just about engineering; it’s about innovation, problem-solving and creating solutions that make life better for people. For me, it’s the ultimate expression of human ingenuity, taking raw materials and crafting them into something that touches lives.

In the context of Malawi, this journey aligns perfectly with the Malawi 2063 vision of achieving an industrialized, self reliant, and inclusive economy. Manufacturing is at the heart of that vision. By turning ideas into products, we can empower local industries, reduce reliance on imports, create jobs and boost the economy. As a manufacturing engineer, I’m not just studying for myself; I’m equipping myself to contribute to a greater purpose—helping to build a resilient Malawi where innovation and industry thrive.

The process of going from an idea to a finished product isn’t always smooth; it requires determination, creativity and collaboration. But that’s what makes it exciting. Every challenge along the way is an opportunity to learn and grow. Every product developed is a step closer to the future we dream of—a Malawi that manufactures its own goods, exports to the world and stands tall on the global stage.

For me, manufacturing engineering is more than a career; it’s a calling. It’s about taking part in something bigger than myself, helping to shape a future where ideas don’t just remain ideas but come to life and make a difference. That’s the reward, knowing that the work we do today is laying the foundation for a better tomorrow.

Experiences and Challenges

Interviewer : What is it like being a woman in a field that is traditionally male-dominated?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : Being a woman in a male-dominated field is both challenging and empowering. In my class of 20 students, only six of us are ladies. From the start, the odds were clear, and the stereotypes were unavoidable. People doubted us, questioned our abilities, and some even suggested we’d quit along the way.

But here we are—still standing, still persevering. We’ve faced tough exams, gruelling projects, and the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) doubts from others. Yet, we’ve proven time and again that resilience, determination and hard work have no gender.

As a group, we’ve supported one another, leaned on each other during hard times and celebrated each victory, big or small. It hasn’t been easy, but the journey has been worth it. Every challenge we’ve overcome is a step toward breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women in engineering. We are not just surviving in this field, we are thriving. And we’re proof that women have every right to take up space and succeed in any field they choose.

Interviewer : Have you encountered any stereotypes in your studies, and how did you navigate them?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : When I decided to study manufacturing engineering, I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t expect to face the stereotypes and doubts thrown my way. One of the most jarring moments was during my first year, when I scored 38% on my first physics exam. I was devastated, never in my 12 years of school had I seen such a grade. I felt defeated, but what hit harder were the comments from my male classmates: “You’ll be weeded out. Just change to a simpler course while you still can.”

It was tempting to listen to them. In that moment, doubt crept in and I questioned whether I was really cut out for engineering. But then I thought to myself, Is this how my story ends? Giving up because of one bad grade and a few voices telling me I’m not enough? Absolutely not. I refused to let one failure, or someone else’s perception define my future. I worked harder, sought help and proved to myself that I was capable of rising above any challenge.

And here we are today, talking about manufacturing engineering—a field that I’ve not only survived but thrived in. If I had quit, I would have missed out on the journey of growth, resilience and breaking barriers.

Stereotypes in manufacturing engineering go beyond just grades. Many assume women can’t handle the technical or physical demands of the field. I’ve been told things like, “Engineering isn’t for girls,” or that I’d be better suited to “easier” roles. Others have doubted my leadership abilities, assuming I couldn’t lead a team of men. But here’s the truth, stereotypes are just opinions, and opinions don’t define you. Your determination, hard work and passion do.

To every girl who’s been told she’s not enough, hear this: You are more than enough. Don’t let anyone make you doubt your capabilities. The path won’t always be smooth and there will be challenges that test you, but those are the moments that will make you stronger.

Remember, failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of the journey. And every time you rise after falling, you’re proving not just to others but to yourself that you belong. So, stand tall, push through and shatter every stereotype. The world of engineering isn’t just for men, it’s for anyone bold enough to dream and determined enough to achieve. Let them doubt you and then let your success speak louder than their words.

Interviewer : What’s been the most challenging aspect of your journey in Manufacturing Engineering, and how have you overcome it?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : One of the most challenging yet exciting aspects of my journey has been balancing extracurricular activities with the demanding academic life of an engineering student. From the start, I told myself one thing, while graduating is the main goal, I refuse to be absent in my own life. There is so much more to me than academics.

So, I embraced leadership roles in clubs, forums and panels—opportunities that allowed me to grow beyond the classroom. These roles came with their own set of challenges, especially in an already demanding field like engineering. But they also came with incredible lessons. I learned that true growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing a full, vibrant life.

The key to overcoming it all? Time management. For me, this doesn’t mean a rigid, joyless schedule. It means prioritizing what truly matters. If something is important, I make time for it, no excuses. Yes, engineering is tough, but so is leadership and so is personal growth. And when you’re doing things you’re passionate about, the effort feels worthwhile.

That doesn’t mean I haven’t had fun along the way. In fact, finding time for joy and relaxation has been just as crucial as meeting deadlines. It’s about balance, knowing when to say “yes” to opportunities and when to take a step back to recharge.

Looking back, it’s been a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. From the late nights preparing for exams to the early mornings leading meetings, I’ve grown into a more capable, confident version of myself. To anyone struggling to juggle it all, here’s my advice, don’t just aim to survive—aim to thrive. You can be an excellent student and an active leader. You can build your dreams while enjoying your life. It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely possible.

Advice for Younger Girls

Interviewer : What advice would you give to young girls interested in Engineering but feel intimidated by the field?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : In the beginning, God, it wouldn’t be right and I would have sinned if I do not acknowledge God and so should you. He put that dream on your heart for a reason, id encourage you to pray for favour, strength and help during your journey.

To any girl who dreams of becoming an engineer but feels intimidated by the field, here’s what I want you to know: You belong here. Remember that.

Engineering might seem overwhelming at first, it’s filled with challenges, equations and concepts that can feel larger than life. But don’t let that scare you away. Every great engineer started exactly where you are now definitely curious, uncertain, and wondering if they could do it. The secret? They took the first step and so can you.

The most important thing is to believe in yourself and your abilities. You don’t have to have all the answers right away. Engineering is about learning, problem-solving and growing. It’s okay to make mistakes, they’re part of the journey. I’ve made plenty, best believe. What matters is your willingness to try, to ask questions and to keep going, even when it’s hard.

Remember, you are not alone. There are countless women who have walked this path before you and are cheering you on. Seek out mentors, join communities and find people who will support and inspire you. Seeing other women in engineering will remind you that you can do it too.

And most importantly, don’t let anyone define what you’re capable of. Society might have its stereotypes, but it’s your passion, determination and dreams that matter. Whether you’re building bridges, designing technology or solving global challenges, your voice and perspective are needed in this field.

Engineering isn’t just about math and science—it’s about creating, innovating, and making the world better. If you have that spark, let it guide you. You are capable of more than you can imagine, and the world is waiting for what you have to offer. So take the leap. The journey might not be easy, but it will be worth it. You’ve got this.

Interviewer : What basic skills or knowledge should younger students focus on to prepare for a future in Manufacturing Engineering?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : To prepare for a future in manufacturing engineering, younger students should focus on developing these basic skills and knowledge, just to mention a few, that will give you an upper hand

1. Strong Foundation in Math and Science
Understand core concepts in mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus) and science (physics and chemistry), as they are essential for solving engineering problems.

2. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Practice breaking down problems into smaller parts, thinking logically and finding creative solutions.

3. Computer Skills
Learn basic computer applications and, if possible, get familiar with tools like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to understand the design process. YouTube is very helpful when it comes to self teaching.

4. Communication Skills
Develop the ability to explain ideas clearly, both in writing and speaking, as engineers work in teams and need to share their ideas effectively. Sometimes students can have brilliant ideas but speaking up and getting the idea across is a challenge, this is quite common with engineers, but with practice it can be fixed.

5. Curiosity and Hands-On Learning
Engage in DIY projects, school workshops, or robotics clubs to understand how things are built and how they work. This makes you a better engineer because you learn by doing, don’t be a “theoretical engineer “. Starting with these basics will create a strong foundation for future success in manufacturing engineering.

Interviewer : How can girls build confidence in their abilities to succeed in Engineering-related fields?
Mtondera Vitu-Faith Manda : To every girl out there dreaming of a future in engineering, know this: You are more than capable of succeeding in this field. Confidence isn’t something you’re born with, it’s something you build, step by step, and every challenge you overcome adds to your strength.

Start by mastering the basics. The more you understand, the more powerful you’ll feel. Every equation you solve, every concept you grasp, is a victory and each victory builds your belief in your abilities. Remember, engineering is all about problem solving, so embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Don’t shy away from tough tasks tackle them with determination. When you push through difficult moments, you prove to yourself that you can handle anything that comes your way.

Find mentors who believe in you and surround yourself with a community that lifts you up. They will help you see your potential even on days when doubt creeps in. Celebrate your small wins, whether it’s finishing a project or acing a test, because every success, no matter how small, is a testament to your progress.

And don’t let anyone or anything tell you that engineering is only for certain people. The field needs you your unique perspective, your ideas your passion. Break those stereotypes. Own your space, because you belong here.

Mistakes will come, but remember: they are not failures, they are lessons. Each mistake is a stepping stone toward success. Embrace them, learn from them and keep moving forward.

Visualize your success, see yourself thriving, leading projects and changing the world with your ideas. The path won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. You have everything it takes to succeed. Keep pushing, keep believing and know that the world of engineering is waiting for you.

You are powerful, you are capable and you have the potential to change the world. Go after it with everything you’ve got.