Feature: China funded modern railway fulfils career dreams of Kenyan women

Teresia Macharia's modest upbringing in a farming village in central Kenya taught her time honored virtues like hard work, patience and fortitude.

While growing up, Macharia was exposed to harsh realities of patriarchy that confined women and girls to the margins, hence her resolve to study hard in school and reverse the status quo.

The humanities graduate from the University of Nairobi in her mid-20s is among a growing army of young female professionals employed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) that is constructing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Kenya and its neighbors.

During an interview with Xinhua on Monday ahead of the International Women's Day to be observed on Tuesday, Macharia said that she felt honored to be part of an elite team of female professionals involved in the implementation of China funded modern railway project.

"I have a background in humanities and tourism but my basic knowledge of Chinese language secured me a job with CRBC.The company deployed me in its human resource department," said Macharia.

She revealed that her day job involves hiring and supervising new staff to ensure they lend impeccable service to the Chinese construction firm.

Before joining CRBC, Macharia briefly worked for a Nairobi-based Equipment Company.

The eloquent young professional told Xinhua that securing employment with CRBC marked a milestone in her life.

"My stint at CRBC has been professionally fulfilling. Besides improving my skills in management, I have gained from exposure to different cultures and work ethics," said Macharia.

She added that construction of the Standard Gauge Railway has opened new opportunities to skilled Kenya young women.

The implementation of China funded modern railway project that has entered homestretch has unleashed immense benefits to Kenyans from all walks of life.

Female professionals in particular have secured gainful employment to the delight of their immediate families and friends.

Sarah Mumbi, a 26 year old aeronautical engineering graduate from a prestigious Chinese University found career fulfillment when she joined CRBC in January.

She is a personnel secretary with CRBC and the experience of supervising a talented team of local technicians has been rewarding.

"I have very supportive Chinese and Kenyan bosses whom I would like to emulate in my future career ventures. It has been a great experience working at CRBC to implement a mega infrastructure project that will transform this country," Mumbi told Xinhua.

Like millions of young Kenyan women, Mumbi overcame huge odds to study a course that is male dominated.

"Our society still regards engineering as a province of boys and the few girls who have broken the glass ceiling to pursue this course are often under-appreciated," Mumbi regretted, adding that she intends to prove doomsayers wrong by offering quality service to her employer.

Her two months stint at CRBC has not only broadened her world views but also sharpened her knowledge in civil works.

"What I appreciate most here at CRBC is the unfettered access to new skills and knowledge that would add value to my future career path. I am now well versed with railway technology," said Mumbi.

She aspires to work in aviation industry and mentor young girls to boost their appreciation of engineering courses.

Female technicians have secured well paying jobs with CRBC and are unbowed in their quest to hone their skills in railway construction.

Bathseba Kerubo, a welder at the Standard Gauge Railway since November last year is at ease while working in a competitive and male dominated field.

The mother of three was trained in a state-funded technical school and has a wealth of experience in welding.

"I love my current job and have no immediate plans to switch to another one. There are few female welders in my department but I hope my work will stand out and inspire young girls to join on board," Kerubo said.

She added that a stint at the Standard Gauge Railway has been rewarding in many fronts.

"Am satisfied with the monthly salary while the work schedule is flexible. The skills that I have gained so far will be very useful in future. In short, I find myself securing good jobs even after the Standard Gauge Railway is completed," Kerubo told Xinhua.

Her younger colleague, Miriam Cherono was upbeat about the future thanks to skills gained while working as a plant operator at CRBC since March last year.

"My engineering course is at least being put to productive use since I got a job at CRBC as a plant operator. The experience there is thrilling more so to a female technician," said Cherono, a 23 year old graduate from a Nairobi-based vocational training institute. Enditem