(Virtual Showroom) In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day 2025 (INWED) on 23 June, ABB is proud to highlight the stories of two inspiring women shaping the future of engineering through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to inclusivity. Held annually, INWED is a global awareness campaign that celebrates the work and achievements of women engineers, while promoting greater opportunities and addressing the skills shortage in the field. This year’s theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, is a powerful call to action for collaboration, diversity, and unity in engineering. Meet Divine Mutebu and Beauty Bele, two dynamic engineers at ABB Electrification, whose journeys into the world of STEM are as impactful as the roles they now hold.

Divine Mutebu: Engineering with Purpose

With an honour’s degree in engineering, Divine found herself at the intersection of two passions, namely technical problem-solving and strategic communication. Today, she applies both as part of ABB Electrification’s marketing and technical development team, helping to bridge the gap between complex engineering solutions and client needs.

“I have always loved understanding how things work,” says Divine. “Engineering gives me the tools to create smarter, more sustainable solutions that can improve everyday life.”

But her path was not without challenges. Early in her career, Divine had to juggle full-time work with her academic commitments. “It required a lot of discipline, but I was fortunate to have a strong support system in my family and my manager Ettienne Delport, who guided me through it all,” she shares.

That experience reinforced her belief in the value of teamwork and mentorship, principles she sees reflected in this year’s INWED theme. #TogetherWeEngineer speaks to the strength of community, she says. “The best solutions are born from shared ideas and inclusive teams.”

Divine’s career highlights include her technical contributions to complex wiring systems and her involvement in ABB’s Encompass network, which promotes employee resource groups (ERGs) including Women, Pride, Black Professionals, and Young Professionals. “These spaces are vital for fostering inclusion and creating a sense of belonging,” she adds.

Looking ahead, Divine sees herself stepping into leadership roles, mentoring young engineers and advancing innovative product strategies. For girls considering STEM careers, her message is clear: “Believe in your potential. Stay curious and persistent. Your voice matters, and you belong in this space.”

Beauty Bele: Driving Change Through Power Systems

For Beauty, engineering was a calling from a young age. After earning her honours degree in electrical engineering from the University of Johannesburg, where she majored in power electronics and systems, she knew ABB Electrification was the perfect fit. “I have always been drawn to power distribution systems,” she explains. “That is what led me to this role.”

The journey has not been without its hurdles. “At first, the rapid pace of new technologies and tools was overwhelming,” she admits. “But staying curious, being proactive, and learning from my mistakes helped me adapt. Taking ownership changed everything.”

Her tenacity has paid off. One of her proudest moments came when she contributed to a major project as a junior electrical engineer, working across teams to develop innovative solutions.

Professionally, Beauty is driven by her passion for emerging technologies, from AI to the Internet of Things, and their potential to revolutionise engineering systems. “Integrating these trends into our work will be a game changer for accuracy and connectivity,” she notes.

Beauty also emphasises the need to dismantle persistent biases in the industry. “Imposter syndrome and stereotypes are real challenges,” she says. “But I have seen meaningful change. More women are entering the field, support networks are growing, and role models are stepping forward.”

Mentor Rutendo Mapapiro has been instrumental in her growth. “She always encourages me to aim higher and believe in my capabilities,” she says. Beauty hopes to become that source of encouragement for others, particularly in five years when she envisions herself as a technical lead or project manager actively involved in DEI initiatives.

Her advice to young girls? “Be creative, be curious, and believe in yourself. Engineering is about solving problems and making an impact. You have the power to shape the future.”

Engineering a More Inclusive Tomorrow

ABB is committed to building an inclusive engineering community where everyone can thrive. In South Africa alone, nearly 50% of engineers hired by ABB Electrification since 2017 have been women. The company supports gender diversity through bursaries, hands-on training, and mentorship programmes, ensuring that future generations of girls have both the resources and the role models they need to succeed.

It firmly believes that excellence in engineering comes from diversity of thought, background, and experience. Therefore, its goal is to create opportunities that empower all women to reach their full potential in STEM. As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day 2025, the voices of women like Divine and Beauty remind us that engineers are not only shaping the world around them, but inspiring others to do the same.