In a world where certain professions are still seen as male-dominated, 28-year-old Alinafe Yakobe is breaking barriers in industrial painting.
Originally from Ntcheu, but now living in Area 25A, Lilongwe, Alinafe is a single mother who is proving that women can excel in any field, regardless of societal expectations.
Her journey started in Dwangwa at Illovo Sugar, where she was selected from her family to receive hands-on training.
The program aimed to equip young people with practical skills before placing them in companies where they would handle both fieldwork and administrative tasks.
For Alinafe, the turning point came when she fully understood the concept of gender equality.
“Once I grasped what gender equality truly means, I realized that I could take on jobs that are often believed to be for men only,” she shared in an interview with ProjectM.
However, working in a male-dominated field has not been without its challenges.
“Some people assume that I am romantically involved with my male colleagues, which is frustrating. At times, I also face delayed payments when I work on personal projects under someone else’s supervision,” she explained while speaking to ProjectM.
Despite these setbacks, her job has brought her immense rewards.
“Through my work, I have helped my siblings with their education, supported my parents financially, and ensured my child’s well-being. As a family, we even managed to settle a long-standing loan, and now my parents live comfortably without financial struggles,” she said proudly in her conversation with ProjectM.
Looking ahead, Alinafe has bigger dreams. She hopes to start her own company and create job opportunities for others.
“This year, I am focused on buying my own piece of land. It’s a step toward securing my future and achieving my long-term goals,” she stated.
Alinafe Yakobe’s journey is an inspiring example of determination, resilience, and ambition. Her story, as told to Project M, proves that no career is out of reach for women willing to challenge societal norms and pursue their dreams.
