Behind every bridge, building, water system and technological breakthrough are engineers shaping the future. Yet around the world, women remain underrepresented in one of society’s most influential professions. This International Women in Engineering Day, the spotlight falls on a South African educator whose work has helped open the doors of engineering to thousands of aspiring professionals.
On 23 June 2026, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) joins the global celebration of women making an impact in engineering by honouring Professor Anne Fitchett, recipient of the Engineering Research Capacity Development Award at the prestigious 2025 NSTF-South32 Awards, widely known as South Africa’s “Science Oscars.”
For more than two decades, Prof Fitchett has dedicated her career to making engineering education more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of students and society. Her influence reaches far beyond lecture halls and classrooms. It can be seen in the careers she has helped launch, the opportunities she has created and the future engineers she has inspired.
Building Pathways Into Engineering
As a Retired Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Prof Fitchett has spent years championing student success.
During her tenure as Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment from 2004 to 2023, she played a pivotal role in reshaping how students enter and experience engineering education.
One of her most significant achievements was leading the implementation of the Common First Year programme at Wits. The initiative was designed to ease the transition from school to university, strengthen academic foundations and improve student success rates across engineering disciplines.
For Prof Fitchett, education has always been about more than academic performance.
“I’ve always believed our role as educators goes far beyond the lecture hall. We are here to nurture lifelong learners and future problem-solvers who can carry the profession forward with innovation and integrity,” she says.
Making Engineering More Accessible
Engineering remains one of the most demanding fields of study, and many talented students face financial, social and logistical barriers that can prevent them from entering the profession.
Recognising these challenges, Prof Fitchett helped develop an alternative part-time undergraduate engineering programme. This pathway allows students to pursue their studies while balancing employment and financial responsibilities.
The programme has expanded access to engineering education for individuals who may otherwise have been unable to pursue their ambitions.
Her commitment to inclusion extends even further.
Working closely with the Wits Disability Rights Unit, Prof Fitchett contributed to initiatives aimed at improving universal accessibility across the university environment. These efforts help ensure that students with disabilities can fully participate in learning and campus life.
The result is a more inclusive engineering community that reflects the diversity of South Africa itself.
Developing the Next Generation of Researchers
While improving access to undergraduate education has been a cornerstone of her career, Prof Fitchett has also made a lasting contribution to engineering research.
Since joining the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, she has coordinated final-year research projects and supervised numerous master’s and doctoral candidates.
Many of her former students now contribute to engineering innovation, research and industry leadership both in South Africa and internationally.
For Prof Fitchett, the greatest reward lies not in accolades, but in seeing others succeed.
“The most important thing is that their work feels meaningful. Success isn’t only in the numbers. It’s in the conversations years later, when someone tells you that something you did helped shape their career.”
That philosophy has helped create an environment where students are encouraged not only to solve technical challenges but also to understand the broader social impact of engineering solutions.
Why International Women in Engineering Day Matters
International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the achievements of women engineers while highlighting the importance of increasing female participation across engineering disciplines.
Established by the Women’s Engineering Society in the United Kingdom, the annual observance has grown into a global movement that promotes diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity within the profession.
Its message has never been more relevant.
Engineering plays a critical role in tackling some of humanity’s greatest challenges, including climate change, sustainable infrastructure, energy security, water management and technological advancement.
To solve these challenges effectively, the profession needs diverse perspectives, innovative thinking and inclusive leadership.
While progress continues, women remain underrepresented in many engineering fields around the world. International Women in Engineering Day therefore serves as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder that more work remains to be done.
Inspiring Future Engineers
The NSTF believes creating a stronger engineering workforce begins with encouraging more young people, especially girls and young women, to explore careers in science, technology and engineering.
By celebrating leaders such as Prof Fitchett, the organisation hopes to inspire future generations to pursue engineering studies and contribute their skills to solving real-world problems.
The NSTF also encourages learners, educators, industry leaders and policymakers to continue building supportive learning environments that expand access to engineering education and careers.
As South Africa looks toward a future shaped by innovation, sustainability and technological advancement, leaders like Prof Anne Fitchett demonstrate the transformative power of education.
Her legacy is not only measured by programmes launched or students graduated. It is reflected in every young engineer who now sees a pathway forward, every researcher inspired to innovate and every barrier removed in the pursuit of opportunity.
On International Women in Engineering Day 2026, her story stands as a powerful reminder that engineering is not simply about building structures. It is about building people, creating possibilities and shaping a better future for all.
