‘They think we can’t do it’: Namosi woman breaks barriers in engineering

At just 24, Vanessa Dunn has already challenged stereotypes in a male-dominated industry.

The Namosi woman was one of only two women among 84 students who graduated from the Mechanical Engineering programme at the Centre for Appropriate Technology and Development (CATD).

On Monday, Ms Dunn demonstrated her skills to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his tour of the newly opened Vuvale Skills Hub in Walu Bay.

She said being one of three women who started the course was challenging in a field traditionally dominated by men.

"I do face a lot because being a female in a male-dominant field, it's hard because they think that we can't do it," she said.

"So, with that you have to like ignore the negative and keep on the positive mindset."

24-year-old Vanessa Dunn

Photo: Leon Lord

Ms Dunn said her family’s background in mechanics inspired her to pursue the trade, which she completed in about a year.

"Keep on going, even though the road is hard and some of the obstacles that they would like remain in man field," she said, encouraging other women to pursue similar careers.

She said meeting Mr Albanese during the hub tour was a proud moment.

"I'm happy to meet someone as high as him and get to know people," she said.

CATD director Aporosa Silatolu said the hub, operated under the new Pacific Australia Skills program, would widen pathways for indigenous students like Ms Dunn.

The programme offers automotive, electrical, carpentry and plumbing courses at Nadave in partnership with the Pacific Australia Skills initiative.

Feedback: kaneta.naimatau@fijisun.com.fj