For much of her childhood, Mary’s future was determined for her. While still underage, she was forced into marriage with an older man, cutting short the dreams she had barely begun to imagine. Instead of enjoying the opportunities that many young girls hope for, she found herself navigating the harsh realities of adulthood long before she was ready. The experience exposed her to gender-based violence and robbed her of the freedom to shape her own future. Yet even during those difficult years, one dream refused to fade.
Mary had always been fascinated by machines. While society often viewed motor vehicle mechanics as a profession reserved for men, she saw possibility where others saw limitation. Deep inside, she believed that one day she could build a career with her own hands and earn a living through technical skills.
When the opportunity to pursue vocational training came, Mary embraced it without hesitation. Enrolling in a Motor Vehicle Mechanics Engineering course at Maralal Polytechnic marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Every lesson challenged long-held stereotypes while reinforcing something she had always believed, that ability is not determined by gender.
Through practical training, Mary acquired hands-on skills in vehicle servicing, maintenance, engine diagnostics, and repair. As her technical competence grew, so did her confidence. The workshop became more than a place to learn a trade; it became a space where she rediscovered her self-worth and proved to herself that her past did not define her future.
Today, Mary stands ready to pursue employment in the automotive industry, equipped with both the technical knowledge and determination to thrive in a field where few women are represented. She dreams of one day opening her own motor vehicle repair workshop, creating not only a sustainable livelihood for herself but also demonstrating that women can excel in careers traditionally dominated by men.
Looking back, Mary sees her journey as more than a personal victory. It is a testament to resilience and the power of opportunity to transform lives.
“I refused to let stereotypes define my future. My dream is to establish my own motor vehicle repair workshop and inspire other young women and survivors of gender-based violence to pursue technical careers without fear.”
