International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on 8 March, recognises the achievements of women across industries globally, and calls for continuing progress towards gender equality. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ highlights the power of generosity, mentorship, and opportunity in creating lasting impact.
Representatives of the Power Grids Education Trust leadership and some of the young students who have benefitted from the trust’s support.
The theme resonates for Hitachi Energy South Africa with the work it is doing in partnership with the Power Grids Education Trust. Through this partnership 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 workforce
The Power Grids Education Trust, established in 2021, plays a valuable 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 women who are STEM students.
Nokuzola Morata, Trust Administrator, explains that the trust was created to improve access to education and opportunity. “It was formed to contribute in a meaningful and sustainable way to 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 capabilities needed to transition successfully into industry. The impact has already been significant. According to Morata, about 95% of beneficiaries have successfully completed their studies and secured job placements. This highlights the students’ determination and the effectiveness of the trust’s support.
Michelle Sampson, Finance Director at Hitachi Energy South Africa and founding trustee of the Power Grids Education Trust, says 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,” she says. “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. Ross-Anne Adams, currently pursuing a Master’s Degree 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 valuable mentorship and guidance, inspiring me to pursue my master’s degree,” Adams says.
She adds that the representation and visibility of women in the STEM fields is important. “Young girls should see engineers who look like them. Representation matters. When women are visible in engineering and leadership, it helps others realise this path is possible for them, too.”
Similarly, Orini Malefura, who completed her Honours Degree 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. It also gave me confidence. It felt like someone believed in my potential and was investing in my future,” says Malefura.
Today, 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,” says Orini.
Sharing knowledge, opportunity, and support
The founding philosophy of the Power Grids Education Trust 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 addressing this challenge by investing in young women with the talent and determination to succeed,” Williams says. By covering tuition costs and providing mentorship opportunities, it enables students to focus fully on their studies without the financial pressures that often derail promising careers.
She adds that the alumni network of beneficiaries has created a powerful multiplier effect. “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 women engineers has been deeply meaningful. After nearly four decades of teaching electrical engineering at several 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 provide hope and support to deserving young women pursuing their dreams in engineering,” says 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,” she says.
Empowering women in the energy sector
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.
For more information visit: Hitachi Energy South Africa
