International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on 8 March, recognises the achievements of women across industries while calling for continued progress towards gender equality. This year’s global theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ highlighted the power of generosity, mentorship and opportunity in creating lasting impact.
For Hitachi Energy South Africa, the theme resonates deeply. Through its partnership with the Power Grids Education Trust, the company is helping to empower young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), demonstrating how investing in talent today helps build a more innovative and inclusive future.
Investing in women to strengthen the STEM pipeline
The Power Grids Education Trust, established in 2021, plays a vital role in supporting previously disadvantaged young women studying STEM disciplines. The Trust holds a 30% shareholding in Hitachi Energy South Africa, and the dividends it receives from this stake are reinvested into bursaries, mentorship programmes and development opportunities for talented female STEM students.
Nokuzola Morata, Trust Administrator, said the Trust was created to meaningfully improve access to education and opportunity. “The Trust was formed to contribute in a meaningful and sustainable way toward enhancing the standard of living and empowering previously disadvantaged individuals. Our primary focus is supporting young women pursuing careers in STEM, equipping them with the skills and opportunities to succeed and become leaders in their industries.”
Beyond financial support, the Trust provides mentorship and professional exposure, helping beneficiaries develop the confidence and leadership capability needed to transition successfully into industry. The impact has already been significant. According to Nokuzola, about 95% of beneficiaries have successfully completed their studies and secured job placements, highlighting both the students’ determination and effectiveness of the Trust’s support.
Michelle Sampson, Finance Director at Hitachi Energy South Africa and founding trustee of the Power Grids Education Trust, said the initiative reflects the spirit of Hitachi Energy’s commitment to the ‘Give to Gain’ theme. By directing dividends from Hitachi Energy South Africa into the Trust, the organisation is investing directly in the next generation of women engineers.
“When we give opportunities, mentorship, and financial support to young women pursuing STEM careers, the impact extends far beyond the individual,” says Sampson. “We gain stronger talent pipelines, more diverse perspectives, and a future workforce equipped to solve the complex energy challenges of tomorrow.”
The power of mentorship and representation
For many of the women supported by the Trust, access to mentorship and networks has been just as transformative as the financial support itself. Ross-Anne Adams, currently pursuing a Master’s in Electrical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand, says the Trust’s guidance played a pivotal role in her academic journey.
“The bursary relieved significant financial pressure, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and research. Beyond financial assistance, the Trust provided invaluable mentorship and guidance, even inspiring me to pursue my master’s degree,” said Adams.
Her experience reflects a broader challenge within the engineering sector: women often remain underrepresented in STEM fields. Representation and visibility, she believes, are critical to changing this. “Young girls should see engineers who look like them. Representation matters deeply. When women are visible in engineering and leadership, it helps others realise that this path is possible for them, too,” says Ross-Anne.
Similarly, Orini Malefura, who completed her Honours in Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, says the Trust’s support helped her focus on achieving her goals. “The support removed a major financial burden and allowed me to concentrate on my studies. More than financial assistance, it gave me confidence. It felt like someone believed in my potential and was investing in my future,” said Malefura.
She hopes her journey will encourage other young women to enter engineering and leadership roles. “If I can mentor or encourage even one young woman to pursue STEM boldly, that would mean everything.”
Giving knowledge, opportunity, and support
The philosophy behind the Trust closely aligns with the ‘Give to Gain’ theme of IWD 2026, which emphasises how sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunity can unlock collective progress. Lesley Williams, Chair of the Power Grids Education Trust and a board member of Hitachi Energy South Africa, says the initiative addresses a critical gap in the STEM pipeline.
“Girls occupy only around 30 percent of roles in STEM careers globally. The Trust contributes to solving this pipeline challenge by investing in young women with the talent and determination to succeed,” said Williams. By covering tuition costs and providing mentorship opportunities, the Trust enables students to focus fully on their studies without the financial pressures that often derail promising careers.
Williams added that the alumni network of beneficiaries has become a powerful multiplier of impact. “The young women who have completed their studies are increasingly becoming peer mentors for new beneficiaries. They share knowledge, guidance, and encouragement, creating a growing network of support.”
A lifelong commitment to empowering women
For Dr. Mercy Iwisi, a trustee of the Power Grids Education Trust and former academic at the University of the Witwatersrand, supporting aspiring female engineers has been deeply meaningful. After nearly four decades of teaching electrical engineering across multiple universities, she says the Trust offers an opportunity to help students in ways that were not always possible in academia.
“As a lecturer, it was always painful to see talented students forced to abandon their studies due to financial constraints. Through the Trust, we can now provide hope and support to deserving young women pursuing their dreams in engineering,” said Dr. Iwisi.
She believes mentorship and early encouragement remain key to closing the gender gap in STEM. “There is still a shortage of women in STEM due to factors such as limited mentorship, stereotypes, and a lack of resources in many schools. Addressing these challenges requires sustained effort across education, industry and society.”
Building a future where women lead in STEM
For Hitachi Energy South Africa, initiatives such as the Power Grids Education Trust demonstrate how organisations can translate commitments to diversity and inclusion into meaningful action.
By investing in education, mentorship, and opportunity, the company is helping to create a new generation of women engineers, researchers, and innovators who will shape the future of the energy sector.
Nokuzola Motata believes this investment has implications far beyond individual careers. “Empowerment is not just about funding education; it is about creating sustainable pathways for women to lead, influence, and transform industries. When we invest in educating and empowering young women in STEM, we are not only changing individual lives; we are shaping the future of our economy and our communities.”
As International Women’s Day reminds us, progress happens when individuals and organisations commit to sharing opportunities and amplifying voices. Through the Power Grids Education Trust, Hitachi Energy South Africa is demonstrating exactly what ‘Give to Gain’ means in practice by empowering women today so that society as a whole can benefit tomorrow.
