Empowering Women in Infrastructure Engineering: Insights from the Municipal Engineering Institute

Women’s Growing Presence in Infrastructure Engineering

Over the past ten years, South Africa has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of women entering the field of infrastructure engineering, as reported by the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA). In 2005, women made up just 12% of the institute’s professional members. Fast forward a decade, and that figure climbed to 23%. Today, in 2025, women represent 30% of IMESA’s membership.

Natural Progression, Not Quotas

This growth is not attributed to formal gender policies or quotas, but rather to evolving societal norms and increased opportunities within the engineering sector. IMESA’s efforts to raise awareness about the profession and provide unwavering support for engineers have played a significant role in this transformation.

IMESA president Geoff Tooley stated, “We’ve never implemented specific gender equity strategies or formal policies around this. What we’ve built is a professional home for municipal engineers, fostering technical excellence, ethics, and community services as our common ground. Inclusion has followed naturally.”

Celebrating Women in Engineering

To celebrate this surge in female participation, IMESA is organizing events across the country and launching the #IMESAseesU – Women in Engineering campaign. This initiative showcases personal stories of women who have forged successful careers in municipal engineering, often against considerable odds, emphasizing the professional achievements and significant impact of female members and leaders.

Trailblazer: Bhavna Soni

Among notable figures is Bhavna Soni, who made history as IMESA’s first female president. She serves as operations director for the organization’s Young Professionals and Membership portfolio. With over 27 years in eThekwini Municipality’s water and sanitation services, Soni’s journey was anything but conventional. After moving to South Africa from India, she started her engineering career in the private sector before transitioning to public service.

Reflecting on her early career, she notes, “When I joined, female engineers were extremely rare. However, my passion for physics, maths, and problem-solving drove me. In the municipal planning division, I recognized my potential impact, particularly in urgent water infrastructure needs.”

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Women in engineering often face challenges in male-dominated fields. Soni credits family support, professional mentorship, and a focus on solutions as her keys to success. “There are always obstacles,” she says. “I believe in moving forward and speaking up. Engineering is about solving problems—both technical and human. Gender should never limit anyone.”

Jeanine du Preez: Creative Pathway to Engineering

Jeanine du Preez, leader in Urban Mobility and Roads Infrastructure Management
In Cape Town, Jeanine du Preez has dedicated over two decades to municipal engineering. Her journey began at the South African Army Women’s College, where she discovered the Corps of Engineers. “I’ve always loved creative pursuits like drawing and architecture,” she notes. “Engineering allows me to merge creativity with technical skills.”

As a district head for Urban Mobility and Roads Infrastructure Management at the City of Cape Town, she emphasizes the confidence and personal growth she gained from IMESA. “It’s about more than networking; it fosters leadership skills.”

Sharing her observations on gender equity, Du Preez acknowledges the industry’s evolution. “Though it was male-dominated when I started, I’ve never felt sidelined due to my gender. Many organizations focus on creating diverse teams where skills matter far more than gender.”

Addressing Challenges: Matseliso Fosa

Matseliso Fosa, Professional Engineering Technologist and IMESA Council member
Matseliso Fosa, from IMESA’s Northern Provinces branch, approaches her work with a strong academic foundation. As a Professional Engineering Technologist, she recently obtained her Master’s degree, concentrating on strategies to retain women in construction. “While there’s been progress, the representation of women in leadership roles remains disappointingly low,” she observes.

Fosa’s passion for engineering sparked in childhood, and despite facing workplace challenges, she persevered. “I remind myself of my purpose: improving community infrastructure and service delivery.”

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She advocates for systemic changes to foster gender equality in engineering. “Organizations must create genuine promotion paths for women and not settle for symbolic gestures. Equality should be structural, ensuring fair hiring and a respectful work atmosphere.”

Breaking Down Barriers

Soni echoes the importance of a professional community focused on expertise rather than gender. “IMESA provided the opportunity for leadership, and that has opened doors for me.”

Though their experiences differ, these women agree on the necessity of visibility, support, and self-belief in empowering future generations of female engineers.

“Leadership starts at home,” Soni reflects, emphasizing the need to raise children to appreciate each other’s contributions. To foster future leaders, Du Preez believes in leading by example and encouraging young women to embrace their potential.

As Fosa advises aspiring female engineers, “Be your own role model, seek help, work hard, and remember that change is coming—because we are actively changing it.”

Are you ready to support the next generation of women in infrastructure engineering?