Happy International Women in Engineering Day! Today, June 23rd, marks the 11th annual celebration of this important occasion. To honour the day, we sat down with Nelisiwe Mathebula, Senior Business Development Manager at Yellow Door Energy and a seasoned engineer with over 15 years of experience. Nelisiwe shared her inspiring journey in engineering and offered valuable advice for the next generation of women entering the field.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at Yellow Door Energy.
What does a typical day look like for you as a Senior Business Development Manager?

My role is intended to channel renewable energy, in particular Solar PV and BESS solutions to the market through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).  On a daily basis, I engage with potential renewable energy offtakers within various strategic sectors, assisting them to effectively achieve their energy strategies, whether it be energy cost reduction, energy security or decarbonization goals. Furthermore, I work closely with various departments such as the Engineering team and Legal team during the development of an optimal solution for the customer.

This year’s theme for International Women in Engineering Day is “Together we engineer.” What does this theme mean to you personally, and how do you see collaboration shaping the future of engineering?

Engineering is a process of problem solving through scientific principles, so it is key to note that at the core of every Engineer is the desire to find solutions to any problem. Thus, I believe it is important that we all adapt this way of thinking despite the profession that one occupies – in whatever you do, find a solution and ways to improve and enhance whatever you are tasked with. Take a safety pin for example: it was invented by a man who had financial constraints, and in the midst of his frustration, he twisted a piece of wire which led to a discovery of this simple yet great invention that still exist in our modern times. This should remind us that even in the midst of challenges the is always an opportunity to find a solution, thus Together we Engineer.

Within the Engineering sector, collaboration between various Engineering disciplines has always been at the heart of every solution. You cannot build a power station with Electrical Engineers only, you need Civil, structural, mechanical Engineers amongst many other key disciplines to get to the solution. All Engineering masterpieces have been developed through collaboration. Furthermore, for any Engineering solution to make it into the market and fulfil its purpose, it relies on other professions outside the Engineering sector to get it there, so again collaboration is a key driver of success.

In the spirit of Together we Engineer, I must take this moment to honour women who are not Engineers but operate in the Energy sector, women who embrace our roles in the sector and help us elevate to the pinnacles we aim to reach.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the game changers I have been introduced to in Yellow Door Energy, from our recruitment team who open doors of opportunities for us, to Forbes Padayachee, our South African CEO, who leads with intellect and wisdom, to the commercial intelligence team who help us navigate the market with ease, our marketing team who channel us to opportunities in the market and create these platforms for our voices to heard, our office managers who ensures that our work environment is conducive and our legal & risk soldiers who help us de-risk the deals we work on.

Can you share a moment in your career when you faced a significant challenge as a woman in engineering? How did you navigate or overcome that situation?

As a woman in Engineering, you are met with challenges as early as your first class in university, where you are undermined if you choose to look feminine and not fit in with the narrative that women in Engineering are “tomboyish”.  When I started my career 16 years ago, I was confronted with the sad reality that I have to prove myself and my worthiness to occupy the role I was fulfilling and shockingly this emanated from other women more than it did from men. My lack of desire for validation & acceptance from others helped me to navigate this unfortunate challenge. I chose to be unapologetically feminine in a manly environment and channelled my energy towards developing my skills as an Engineer.

From your experience, what are some of the main obstacles women face in the engineering sector in South Africa? Have you seen progress in recent years?

There is a belief that women are given their roles and not earned, thus often women are expected to constantly prove their worthiness to occupy their roles despite their qualifications, experience and proven track record. Furthermore, in some instances their growth is measured on their ability to be submissive to their male colleagues instead of their ability to deliver on their appointment. Having said that, I must acknowledge that in my journey within the sector the ratio of men who have treated me with respect and dignity as a fellow Engineer surpasses those who did not. Most of the Engineering knowledge and skillsets I have acquired has been poured over my cup by male colleagues and mentors.

There has certainly been progress in recent years in how women are treated within the Engineering sector; less women feel the need to seek approval to be recognised for their worth or the need to overcompensate to be taken serious in the sector, which is quite refreshing to witness.

Your current role focuses more on business development than technical engineering. What inspired your transition, and what engineering skills have proven most valuable in your business role?

My passion for continuous development and my inquisitiveness to learn without boundaries has led to my multiple career pronouns as a Technician, Proposals Engineer, Project Manager, Senior Associate, Synergy Strategist, Consultant, Energy Manager and Senior Business Development Manager. In every role I have been privileged to occupy, each experience prior has been a prerequisite that empowered and gave me skillsets and knowledge that has led to my success in each role. Much like electrons that flow through a conductor when potential difference better known as voltage is applied, I have allowed my potential to guide me through my career path which has resulted in this multifaceted Engineer that I am today.

What advice would you give to young women who are just beginning their journey in STEM or considering a career in engineering? Is there something you wish you had known when you were starting out?

When choosing a career in Engineering, it is key to understand that you do not choose it merely because you are good at math and science but understand that you must be called to serve as an Engineer. Much like doctors & nurses are called to heal and educators are called to teach, Engineers are called to constantly find solutions to improve the way of living. At your core you must have the desire to find solutions, once you have that you will be able to face any challenge that a career in Engineering comes with.

Lastly, to play in the field of Engineering, it is not about physical strength but rather your mental strength!

OTW by Vans has joined forces with FDMTL for their sixth collaboration. Known for their intricate denim and traditional Japanese techniques, FDMTL aligns with Vans’ commitment to quality and heritage. The collaboration, featuring an Old Skool 36 EK and Half Cab 33 EK allows OTW to incorporate unique, artisanal elements with premium materials.

The concept of the launch is based on a traditional Japanese handcraft technique called Sashiko, which involves decorative stitching over layers of fabric. OTW by Vans x FDMTL created a Sashiko-inspired pattern using Vans Engineered Knit technology.

Featuring true white stitching and punched eyelets, the Old Skool 36 EK features an outsole highlighted with a Citadel hue and Marshmallow foxing. The Half Cab 33 EK features these elements with a custom FDMTL woven hang flag.

OTW by Vans x FDMTL is available from May 30 at select OTW by Vans stockists

The Old Skool 36 EK and Half Cab 33 EK is set to release at Shelflife on 19th June at retail locations in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and at shelflife.co.za.

About OTW by Vans

OTW by Vans is the most aspirational expression of Vans rooted in celebrating skateboarding’s impact on culture. OTW by Vans pushes the boundaries of product design and brand experiences with innovators from skateboarding, art, fashion, design, and entertainment. OTW by Vans products are sold through a curated selection of global wholesale partners and at vans.com/otw.

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About FDMTL

FDMTL mainly produces denim garments, which are made in Japan, the worldwide manufacturing capital for denim. Those uncompromising products are carefully crafted with incredible attention to detail that is difficult to achieve through mass production methods. Finest quality clothing becomes polished with wear.

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At a time when always-on lifestyles lead to burnout, a new form of luxury is taking centre stage: slow travel. Defined by a deeper, more mindful approach to exploring the world, slow travel favours quality over quantity and lingering longer in one place rather than rushing to tick off your to-do list.

“It takes a particular sort of slowness to notice things. The more you hurry and stress, the more you miss the magic, and care less about what you are seeing and feeling,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa. “This is the essence of the slow travel movement, which pushes back against a world that demands constant motion.”

Citing Rome as an example, she says: “Instead of whizzing from the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel, and the Trevi Fountain in one day, slow travel invites you to take extended time exploring lesser-known regions and truly be in those places. It means taking time to slow down your steps. To sip a coffee made by a barista who’s name you’ve taken the time to learn. To deliberately notice tastes, colours and sounds, and not take your itinerary too seriously.”

According to Skift’s 2025 Travel Outlook report, slow travel isn’t just another trend. It’s the future of luxury travel, officially dubbing 2025 ‘the year of long getaways.’ Their research notes a continued increase in the average length of holidays, with 76.2% of survey respondents preferring single-country trips

Turner and her team of travel experts highlight abundant evidence to suggest we’re going through an evolution in how people want to experience the world. “Presence, comfort, and care have become more valuable than a good deal – as has travelling in a way that leaves you feeling enriched, not exhausted,” she adds. “In fact, Flight Centre’s latest survey shows that 80% of our global travellers prefer less crowds. Slow travel is all about time, space and intention.”

In a world that moves quickly and demands efficiency, slow travel is proving to be the ultimate rebellion. Here’s a list of destinations to reclaim a sense presence and find joy in the journey:

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a something-for-everyone destination, where you can skydive, ski, shop, and sip sundowners on the beach all in one day, but there’s no need to. This sprawling metropolis is best explored with intention to fully appreciate it all.

“Just eight hours away, Dubai is a well-connected single-trip destination where South African travellers can stay longer to wring all the richness from their Dubai Pass,” says Turner.

For South Africans yearning for a bit more than glitzy skyscrapers, and bustling shopping malls, Bur Dubai provides a glimpse into the soul of old Dubai.

“Tucked along Dubai Creek, this historic quarter reveals the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing and pearling village,” Turner explains. “It’s a wonderful place to slow down, and let your thoughts stretch out through its winding alleys, traditional souks, and wind-tower houses. Most visitors don’t even know Bur Dubai exists!”

Northern Cape, South Africa

Aligning with the slow travel movement is astro-tourism, a form of travel focused on the night sky – and its celestial wonders.

Turner highlights how South Africa’s Northern Cape is leading the way: “This previously overlooked province is brimming with quiet roads, star-spangled skies and after-dark experiences where you can reconnect with the cosmos,” she explains.

“At the ultra-luxurious Tswalu Kalahari, guests can bed down under the heavens on raised sleep-out platforms. Resting beneath the Korannaberg Mountains, this destination stands as South Africa’s largest privately protected reserve and is home to rare nocturnal species like the aardvark and pangolin.”

Stellenbosch, South Africa

South Africa is also embracing the slow travel movement, as seen in Stellenbosch’s Stay and Play Winter campaign, which encourages visitors to ‘kuier’ a little longer in the Cape Winelands.

“In winter, Stellenbosch becomes a place where time seems to slow, offering an alternative to the faster-paced Cape Town lifestyle. As the second oldest town in the country, you can peel away the layers of its local history and really take the time to immerse yourself in the town’s culture, cuisine, wine, art, and nature,” says Turner.

Kyoto, Japan

“With the Japanese yen at its weakest in decades, there’s never been a better time for South Africans to explore Japan. It’s more accessible than ever,” says Turner, who pinpoints Kyoto as a destination to embrace slow travel.

“Kyoto has its modern, fast-paced side, but I recommend experiencing it the way it’s meant to be: thoughtfully and intentionally,” she adds. “I personally love how beautifully it has preserved its culture and history. Think hidden temples, bamboo groves, and intimate tea ceremonies.”

She recommends staying in a ryokan (traditional inn) and sampling multi-course kaiseki dinners to experience true Japanese hospitality.

As the world pushes forward, Turner emphasises that travel is becoming less about reaching destinations and more about embracing the journey.

“Slow travel reflects a growing shift in what people consider to be ‘luxury’: more time, more space, and genuine connection. By choosing to slow down, immerse deeply, and savour every moment, travellers are not only creating more meaningful experiences but also fostering a more sustainable and mindful approach to seeing the world,” she concludes.

For many, body care begins only when skin starts to feel dry, tight, or uncomfortable. It’s a familiar cycle – irritation sets in, and only then do we reach out for relief. But what if skincare wasn’t just about reacting? What if it became part of your everyday ritual? A quiet but powerful act of self-care that helps prevent dryness before it even begins.

Preventive skincare is gaining momentum among South Africans, and for good reason. Much like brushing your teeth or applying sunscreen, daily body care can have a cumulative effect, helping you maintain healthy, resilient skin over time. Especially in today’s world, where frequent handwashing, hot showers and environmental stressors are part of daily life, our skin deserves consistent support. This growing awareness, coupled with rapid urbanisation and population growth, is also expected to fuel the expansion of South Africa’s cosmetics industry in the years ahead.

How to stop dry skin before it starts

Skin doesn’t just dry out for no reason. Harsh climates, low humidity, and repeated exposure to water or soap can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. This can lead to that familiar tight, flaky or itchy feeling. Once the skin barrier is compromised, it struggles to hold onto moisture, making dryness a chronic issue rather than a seasonal inconvenience.

That’s where preventive care comes in. Supporting your skin barrier before it breaks down is important. It starts with smart ingredients that hydrate, protect, and strengthen the skin.

The power of Urea, Ceramides and pH5

One of the most effective tools in the preventive skincare arsenal is Urea, a natural compound already found in healthy skin. It’s a moisture magnet, drawing hydration into the skin and helping the skin retain it.

Products like Eucerin’s UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Lotion combine Urea with Ceramides and deep moistuirisation improves the skin water binding capacity. This formula doesn’t just soothe dry skin but is designed to prevent it from drying out. With intensive moisture from the first application, deep hydration, and a stronger skin barrier that locks in lasting comfort, it delivers a triple-action solution for dry, vulnerable skin.

Similarly, ranges like the Eucerin pH5 range are specially formulated to maintain the skin’s optimal pH balance, which is important for skin resilience. Eucerin pH5 products help sensitive, irritation-prone skin stay calm, comfortable, and more resistant to environmental triggers.

Skincare as self-care

Incorporating preventive body care into your daily routine is more than just a skin decision, but also a wellness one. Taking a moment each day to nourish your skin encourages a deeper connection with your body and reinforces the idea that self-care is about intention, not indulgence.

Plus, the benefits are more than skin-deep. Consistently cared-for skin feels softer, more comfortable, and more confident. All day, every day.

The bottom line about skincare

You don’t have to wait for dry, uncomfortable skin to appear before acting. With the help of dermatologically proven ingredients like Urea and ceramides, Eucerin’s dry skin range empowers you to shift from reaction to prevention, turning skincare into an everyday act of protection and care.

The year 2025 marks 30 years since the landmark Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action was adopted in 1995. Despite rising anti-rights and anti-gender pushes, some progress on these bold promises gives hope and strength, to strive for achieving SDG5 fully by 2030 or earlier.

“As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action this year, we are called to reflect not only on how far we have come but how far we must still go. The Beijing Declaration was a bold promise to the world’s women and girls that their rights, dignity and health would be non-negotiable, that promise remains unfulfilled,” said Nazneen Damji, Chief (ad interim), Governance and Participation Section, and Senior Policy Advisor, Gender Equality, HIV and Health, UN Women.

“Universal health coverage cannot be truly universal if it does not prioritise gender equality and human rights. Health systems that ignore the unique needs and barriers faced by women and girls are not only unjust, they are ineffective,” she said in her video message at a special Side Event alongside WHA78 organised by Global Centre for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Planned Parenthood Federation, Fos Feminista, CNS, and partners.

“We are facing a rising coordinated push back on women’s and girls’ health and rights, particularly their sexual and reproductive health and rights. In just the past few months we have seen drastic funding cuts, impacting not only civil society and governments, but also UN agencies that provide abortion care and life-saving HIV treatment. This is not just a budget issue, it is a crisis of political will. Let us be clear: sexual and reproductive health and rights are not optional, they are fundamental human rights and yet only 56% of married women aged 15 to 49 can make decisions about their own reproductive health. This is not a statistic, it is a reflection of deep-rooted structural inequalities and harmful social norms that continue to deny women agency over their own bodies,” said Nazneen Damji of UN Women.

The consequences are devastating:

– Every 2 minutes a woman dies from preventable pregnancy related causes

– In 2023, over 700 women died each day from complications that could have been avoided with access to quality care

– HIV incidents among adolescent girls and young women remains alarmingly high in parts of sub-Saharan Africa where they are more than three times as likely to acquire HIV as their male peers in at least 22 countries

Gender discrimination block access to healthcare

Racism, stigma, and gender-based discrimination within healthcare settings block access to healthcare services. “Survivors of gender-based violence also need access to healthcare services. But that is often restricted for a wide variety of reasons including financial barriers, lack of capacity of the health system itself to be able to respond, social barriers like stigma and discrimination, as well as because healthcare system is at times a site of violence itself,” said Fadekemi Akinfaderin, Chief Global Advocacy Officer, Fos Feminista (International Alliance for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice).

“I tend to think myself as a privileged person – an educated and middle-class woman – but when I had both my kids, I was denied access to epidural (epidural is a type of regional anaesthesia which is often given during labour and delivery to relieve pain). I was denied epidural in a health centre because the healthcare worker wanted me to give birth like a Hebrew woman,” said Fedekemi.

“These are not isolated issues rather these are symptoms of a global system that continues to devalue the lives and health of women and girls. The newly released World Report on the Social Determinants of Health Equity confirms that gender discrimination blocks access to healthcare even when user fees are removed. Women especially those who are young poor migrants or from ethnic minorities, still avoid care because of abuse and mistreatment,” shared Nazneen Damji.

UHC is fundamental to reducing health inequalities

“We are seeing a global push back against gender equality and the principles of human rights to health which are inextricably linked. In my mandate as a UN Special Rapporteur on Right To Health, I have recommended a human rights approach for many of the thematic areas recalling the political declaration of the UN High Level Meeting and resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly 2019 on Universal Health Coverage under the theme “Universal health coverage moving together to build a healthier world.” I stress and underscore that universal health coverage is fundamental to reducing health inequalities, and ensuring just, peaceful and inclusive societies,” said Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Right To Health and Executive Director, Centre for Global Health Policy & Politics.

Dr Tlaleng added: “The world is experiencing protracted war, humanitarian crisis, economic crisis, climate crisis, genocide, all of which had an impact on the right to health. Inequality, violence, stigmatisation, discrimination and criminalisation, all are incompatible with the realisation of the right to health and therefore impact universal health coverage. Delivering on UHC in an era of push back against gender equality and human rights must consider that every human being is entitled – with no discrimination – to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, and also a life conducive to living of dignity.”

Women’s rights groups are often the first responders delivering lifesaving services

“We must recognise the vital role of women’s rights groups which are often the first responders delivering life-saving health care protection services and psychosocial support to survivors of violence. Yet their ability to serve those most at risk, especially women and girls facing intersectional discrimination, is becoming severely hampered by shrinking funding and growing backlash,” said Nazneen Damji.

Despite challenges, progress towards gender justice gives us hope and strength

Governments committed to a political declaration at the recently concluded 69th UN Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. “This political declaration is reaffirming governments’ commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action. This is a powerful reminder that women’s health remains a key priority on the global agenda. It is a moment of renewed momentum and we must seize it,” said Nazneen Damji of UN Women.

She added: “Over the past two decades, we have seen real gains, for example:

– The number of women using modern contraception has doubled

– Unintended pregnancy rate has declined by 19%

These are victories worth protecting but to sustain this progress we must invest in and scale up the best practices that got us here. We must ensure that UHC is not just about coverage, it must be about equity, rights, and justice – that means guaranteeing access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services including contraception, safe abortion, maternal care and HIV prevention.”

But, how can we protect these gains made towards gender equality and rights, and advance progress without increased domestic financing for health systems? We need to ensure that women’s health services are integral to health benefit packages, and are protected and full funded. Organisations and movements that defend women’s rights by putting women and girls at the centre of health policy – and not as passive recipients but as leaders and decision makers – must also be protected and fully resourced.

“The Beijing Platform for Action 1995 gave us a roadmap. Now, 30 years later, it is time to deliver because health for all, must mean rights for all,” rightly says Nazneen Damji.

Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Shobha Shukla is the award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service) and is a feminist, health and development justice advocate. She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College and current Coordinator of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024). She also coordinates SHE & Rights initiative (Sexual health with equity & rights). Follow her on Twitter @shobha1shukla or read her writings here www.bit.ly/ShobhaShukla)