Gen Z mum defies gender stereotypes to etch her place in Ugunja's welding space

Women defying odds taking up jobs meant for men.[Standard] At only 24, Beatrice Achieng, a mother of one from Ugunja in Siaya County, is breaking gender barriers with every spark from her welding machine. In a trade long dominated by men, she stands out as the sole female welder in her workshop along the Kisumu-Busia Road, forging a living in steel and proving that passion, not gender, defines success. "I am a welder, and this is what I've been doing for the last two years," she says, her voice firm and confident, above the noise in the workshop. "I really love this job so much. It's my passion, it's my livelihood, and it's what makes me wake up every morning with purpose." Like many young women, Achieng once envisioned herself in the beauty industry. After completing secondary school, she planned to pursue a course in cosmetology and make a living styling hair. But reality soon set in. "The salon industry was flooded," she recalls. "I saw how everyone was doing it, and I asked myself-do I want to follow the crowd, or do I want to try something different? That's when I changed my mind. I wanted to do something unique, something society doesn't expect from women." Her answer was welding. Choosing welding wasn't just about survival; it was a deliberate act of rebellion against societal expectations. "People say welding is a craft for men. I wanted to prove them wrong. For me, it was about breaking gender stereotypes and showing that women can do anything if they have the interest and passion." Her journey into the trade began when she was recruited by an organisation in Kisumu that trains young people in vocational skills. She immersed herself in welding, learning quickly. "It didn't take long before it was time for an internship. I was posted to a workshop in Siaya. That's where I really tested what I had learned." Her determination paid off. She impressed not just her trainers but also her supervisor. "During my internship, I gave my all. The boss noticed. When my six months were over, he told me I shouldn't go anywhere else. He said, 'Stay here, this is your place.' That's how I got retained." Two years later, the workshop has become her second home. "This is my full-time job now. It's how I pay my bills, feed my child, and live. Just like any woman running a small food stall or kiosk, welding is my business." In the workshop, Achieng works on windows, doors, beds, and other metallic products. She also paints finished pieces. "I enjoy making windows and doors most," she says, eyes lighting up. "Last year, I made one window that came out so perfectly, people couldn't stop admiring it. Honestly, I didn't even want it sold; it was like a piece of my memory." Her love for the craft is unshaken, even by the challenges. "This job needs passion, interest, and hard work. That's the only way to survive. Many women are not in this field, but I believe I'm among the very few leading the way. For me, welding is not just a job, it's part of who I am." But breaking stereotypes has come at a price. When people first discovered that Achieng was a welder, the reaction wasn't kind. "Immediately, people started shunning me," she says. "They'd whisper, 'Why is she doing a man's job? She should have gone for salon, catering, tailoring.' They made it sound like I had made the worst decision." The discrimination extended even to clients. Some refused to buy her work simply because it was made by a woman. "A client can come to order windows, and when he finds out it's my work, he'll start doubting the quality. Some won't buy at all. It's painful, but I've learnt to stand my ground." Achieng is, however, undeterred. "For me, the negativity became fuel. It made me want to work harder and prove them wrong." Today, Achieng is the only female among seven male welders in the workshop located in Ugunja Market, Siaya County. Surprisingly, she has found more acceptance inside the workshop than outside. "Working with men hasn't been a problem. They respect what I do. It's the community outside that sometimes throws words. But inside here, I'm just another welder, not 'the female welder.'" Her family, too, has been a pillar of support. "I thought my parents would be against it. But to my surprise, they were very supportive. They love what I do, and that motivates me even more." Her workdays run from Monday to Friday, often stretching from 8am to 6pm. "It depends on how busy we are. Some days are long; some days are lighter." Payment is made per piece. "For example, if a window costs Sh8,500, I can be paid Sh1,500 for making it. If I manage two in a day, that's Sh3,000. On a good week, I can earn around Sh7,000 or more." For a young mother, it's not a fortune, but it's enough to keep her going. "This job is heavy, yes, but I've gotten used to it. People think welding is just about energy, but no, it's about skill and the mind." Apart from bias, Achieng faces other challenges. Injuries from steel cuts and burns are common. "At first, I had so many cuts and scars, but now I know how to handle tools better," she says. She also has to deal with predatory clients. "Some men come pretending to order doors or windows, then later turn the conversation into asking for a relationship. I don't entertain that. I'm here to work, not to be exploited. That's why I rarely give out my personal number." Despite the hurdles, Achieng's eyes are fixed on the future. "In the next two to three years, I dream of owning my own workshop and being the director. Every night before I sleep, that's what I think about." Her vision is bigger than herself. "I want to inspire youth, especially women, to join this kind of work. Many complain that there are no jobs, but the truth is, they don't want to start small. If you have passion, you'll find a way." Her employer, John Ochieng, 42, has nothing but praise. "Achieng is a good example of what we need in society - ladies who are not afraid of challenges. She started here with basic skills but has grown into a professional. She can weld windows, motorcycles, even vehicles." He acknowledges that not everyone is cut out for the job. "They were two ladies at first, but one left because she found it too hard. That's why passion matters more than money. Achieng has passion, discipline, and a willingness to learn. That's why she's thriving." For him, her story is a lesson to Kenyan youth. "Many say there are no jobs, but that's not true. If you open your eyes, opportunities are there. Achieng proves it." In the Kenyan economy, the welding trade is a backbone of the Jua Kali sector, the informal manufacturing and construction industry that employs millions. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that Jua Kali employs over 15 million Kenyans, with welding and metalwork accounting for 20-25 per cent, or about 3 to 3.75 million jobs. With investment in training and technology, this sub-sector could create up to 50,000 new jobs annually by 2030, particularly in construction, infrastructure, automotive, and manufacturing. Materials like steel, aluminium, welding rods, and filler materials also sustain jobs across the supply chain. According to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the metal and allied sector directly employed around 30,000 people as of 2022. Despite this potential, unemployment remains a national crisis in Kenya. The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis reports that 75 per cent of the population is under 35, and between 500,000 and 800,000 youth enter the job market every year. Yet many remain jobless, with youth unemployment at 13.35 per cent in 2022. The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) paints an even starker picture. Across Africa, youth make up 40 per cent of the workforce but represent 60 per cent of the unemployed. By 2045, the number of young people will double, threatening economic stability if governments don't create opportunities. In Kenya, while overall unemployment is around 12.7 per cent, youth unemployment is estimated at a staggering 67 per cent among those aged 15-34. Over a million young people enter the labour market each year without adequate skills. Against this backdrop, women like Achieng represent more than personal success-they symbolise resilience and possibility. By daring to defy gender norms, she not only supports her family but also sets an example for others. "Steel is my thing," she says proudly, running her hands over a freshly welded window frame. "Carrying, cutting, moving-it's part of me. I know many people aren't ready for this conversation, but why should I hide? This is my job, my passion, and my pride."

Gen Z mum defies gender stereotypes to etch her place in Ugunja's welding space

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