Constance Mapenzi (27) is one of the increasing number of women who are trying to get into plumbing at Kenya Water Institute. But they still struggle to get a foothold in a male dominated profession.
Watched a plumber fixing a toilet and got inspiret
”I thought it was interesting and asked him if I could help. In the time that followed, I started to help him with some tasks and learned from him. I was given a part of the small income, he could earn. It didn’t take long before it was clear to me that I also wanted to be a plumber,” Constance Mapenzi says.
First female plumber in the hometown
“I’m so happy to have this opportunity to become the first female plumber I my hometown. It’s really great, and I’m going to prove to everybody that a young woman like me can handle this kind of job,” Constance Mapenzi says. She is hoping for the one-year advanced course at KEWI when she finalizes her basic training.
A business dominated by men
“In general men have better chances of getting the jobs for skilled workers because the business is dominated by men. Usually the women get the office jobs in administration, but there are women who get the skilled jobs,” Veronica Muhia says. She is a teacher at KEWI.