A Durban South resident has come in the spotlight this Women’s Month for her strength resilience and determination being in a male-dominated technical field.
Wendy Alerson who is a Maintenance Planning Administrator at Engen’s Durban Patroleum Hub is using this month to encourage the next generation of women to continue breaking down barriers.
Raised in the suburb of Wentworth, Alerson credits the Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) for laying the foundation for her career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and helping her develop the confidence to chase her ambitions.
She said: “EMSS didn’t just shape my academic path, it built my self-belief. It helped me cultivate problem-solving skills and a curious mindset. It was incredibly empowering and proved to me that I could succeed in a STEM field. I was part of the EMSS programme at Fairvale Secondary School, attending free extra lessons in Maths, Science and English every Saturday from Grade 10 through to matric.
“One key lesson I still carry today is the value of perseverance. I remember how we would tackle projects and sometimes fail but we never gave up. Every setback taught us something new, and that mindset has stuck with me ever since.”
After matric, Alerson joined Engen and steadily worked her way up, taking on increasingly complex roles in the Operations Department. Seventeen years on, she now serves as Maintenance Planning Administrator, managing everything from roster scheduling and inventory control to financial budgeting and monthly strategy meetings.
“It can be challenging to adapt to new financial plans while ensuring full compliance. But I’ve had proud moments too like implementing a new budget strategy that boosted efficiency. It’s incredibly satisfying to see your hard work pay off.
“I am currently furthering my studies by pursuing a degree in Environmental Management, with Engen’s support. I’ve always had a passion for the petrochemical industry and environmental responsibility. This degree gives me the opportunity to contribute even more meaningfully,” she added.
Alerson remains deeply connected to her roots and is passionate about giving back.
“Whether through mentoring or simply sharing my story, I try to show young women that with focus and resilience, it’s possible to achieve their goals, even in tough environments. My advice to young girls currently attending EMSS is for them to stay curious, ask questions, believe in yourself even when things are tough and surround yourself with people who encourage your passions,” she said.
But while there’s been progress, Alerson says more needs to be done to make technical fields more inclusive for women. “We need more female role models and mentors and we need diversity at leadership level, where decisions are made,” she concluded.
