This International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) celebrated annually on 23 June, we acknowledge the women who apply creativity and insight to their roles at WesCEF every day.
INWED is a powerful reminder of the vital contributions female engineers make. Now in its 13th year, INWED celebrates the theme ‘engineering intelligence’. The theme recognises that engineering isn’t technical expertise – it’s the ability to think outside the box to tackle complex challenges and deliver practical outcomes for our business.
This INWED we would like to shine a light on some of WesCEF’s female engineers who apply this brilliantly: Mechanical Engineer Delight Mwenje and Manager Data & Digital Akshita Sri Vatsavaya (an Electronics and Communication Engineer by trade).
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Delight shares her journey so far, including what sparked her interest in engineering and how it brought her to WesCEF.
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“I’ve always been curious; growing up, I constantly asked why questions. Although I wasn’t initially interested in engineering, I had a sense of achievement around figuring things out and was encouraged by my dad to look into aeronautical engineering. That sent me down a Google rabbit hole, with the interest eventually bringing me to Australia to study as this course was not offered in Zimbabwe at the time. I later completed my master’s in mechanical engineering and, after graduating, joined CSBP as a vacation student. After the Vacation Program, I stayed on and I’ll be reaching 5 years soon!
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside and learn from people across the business as part of the rotation requirements for the Graduate Program. The rotation from Sodium Cyanide to Ammonia AN has been a great way for me to contribute to a variety of projects, in diverse teams that reflect the world outside. I fall into several categories that are often associated with diversity, and appreciate a workplace where people feel comfortable being themselves.
One project I’m particularly proud of was supporting the Ammonium Nitrate Emulsion (ANE) plant. Working closely with operators and other engineering disciplines, we installed a bypass line that removed the need for manual intervention when manufacturing a product required by our customers. The outcome was a safer process and a more practical way of operating the plant. What made it especially rewarding was seeing the idea progress from a discussion to a real improvement that benefited both the plant and the people working in it.”
Akshita offers some of her experiences so far, including the highlights and challenges.
“Having been with WesCEF for over 11 years, my journey has involved progressive growth across both technical and leadership roles. I have a strong appreciation for delivery on the ground as well as the broader strategic value that engineering, data and technology can create for the business. I joined WesCEF as a Senior Applications Developer and have grown through a range of roles across Shared Services, Kleenheat and Covalent to now lead the Data and Digital teams.
While we have been delivering traditional AI projects for several years, the recent shift in the AI landscape has become central to my role. Balancing the potential of AI as a business enabler, while ensuring it is used safely and responsibly – and with human judgement has been particularly meaningful to me.
One career highlight I am proud of is implementing a modern data platform alongside a governed reporting environment for WesCEF. This established stronger foundations for analytics and AI adoption across the business. The AI governance and adoption initiatives that followed have further enabled our broader AI strategy and maturity journey. Collectively, this work helps ensure that innovation at WesCEF is practical, responsible, and aligned to business value.
What I value about engineering is the way it combines analytical thinking with creativity and continuous learning. While engineering is about solving practical problems (design, processes, tools etc.), I have been able to apply these skills to organisational problem-solving. This approach has brought great outcomes. It brings broader perspectives, encourage constructive debate, and lead to balanced decision-making. Women, especially, often bring perspectives shaped by different lived experiences, which helps teams create solutions that are thoughtful, practical and inclusive.”
Both women offered advice to young women considering a career in engineering.
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My advice to young women considering a career in engineering is to stay curious and back yourself. Do not feel constrained by narrow ideas of what an engineering career should look like. Engineering opens many pathways, and your perspective can add real value in multiple ways. – Akshita
Honestly, just do it. It’s the advice I’d give any young woman considering engineering, and it’s probably the advice I’d give my younger self too. Don’t let self-doubt make decisions for you. If you’re interested in something, put your hand up, and give it a go. – Delight
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Thank you to Akshita and Delight for offering a glimpse into the creativity, problem-solving and purpose behind your work.
Across Australia, women’s representation in engineering is 16% (based on statistics from Engineers Australia). At WesCEF, women’s representation across engineering at 22%. Despite being above the national average, there is still work to be done in supporting women already in this space and encouraging future talent to lean in.
This INWED is about acknowledgement and celebration of the female talent across the business, but also about momentum. Thanks to all the female engineers and their many contributions to the workforce. We look forward to learning about your future successes, while continuing to build a stronger, more inclusive business together.