We Are Born To Shine – Yara Victória Mabuie

With an effort to not limit our coverage to Anglophone countries, we present our very first guest from Mozambique; Yara Victória Mabuie.

Hi Yara, it is such a pleasure to have you with us today
Hi, Winnie! I honestly don’t know how to express my gratitude for this opportunity. Thank you for reaching out to me. I am happy to share my story with the world.

Thank you, Yara! Kindly introduce yourself to our audience
My name is Yara Victória Mabuie from Mozambique. I am a Project Assistant at Enermina Magazine at Mozambique Energy Intelligence. I am also a member of Shekinah Fiéis, a Christian group dedicated to human development, to awaken our skills in all areas of life.

Kindly walk us through your journey from childhood into energy
I grew up as a quiet child😹; only playing with dolls most of the time. My father, who is a Telecommunication Engineer, was my biggest inspiration while growing up. I mostly liked the way he acted when faced with challenges.

When it comes to STEM, my first love was Chemistry in Grade 8. I remember being the best Chemistry student in Grade 10 that year. That gave birth to my decision of following an Engineering career path. Also, I always could easily understand Mathematics and Computing.

In Grade 11, I decided to follow Biology Science because I was confused after falling in love with Biology but still wanted to be an Engineer. So the following year, I chose to do Geological and Mining Engineering, which was a new course in the university.

Tell us about some challenges you faced on your journey
My biggest challenge was during my internship. I entered a mostly male-dominated field. This birthed feelings of intimidation and discomfort because I was mostly surrounded by men.

How are you able to overcome challenges as an African woman in Energy and Engineering?
My father was my greatest inspiration! I am also encouraged by my desire to make a difference. I am the first female engineer in my family and then my young sister and my cousin decided to follow me. Right now they are doing the engineering degrees.

If it has nothing to do with engineering, how do you spend your time?
Outside work, I am a writer of women’s literature. I use my writing to exercise activism and fight against domestic violence, sexual harassment at work, and premature unions. I was on a project recently to write stories for 6th and 5th-grade kids.

What is your favourite quote?
My favorite words are from Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.

What are your words of encouragement for a young girl in STEM?
Girls must fight for their dreams! Our society as Africans has taught us that we must be silent and just take care of the home. However, I believe that as women, we were born to shine and be places and positions of our desire.

Thank you, Yara! I am excited to be writing about someone, a woman specifically, from Mozambique. We wish you more success on your engineering journey.