As South Africa marks Women’s Day on 9 August, ABB Electrification is proud to honour the extraordinary contributions of women across its operations in South Africa. This year’s theme, in line with the Generation Equality campaign, calls for accelerated action to dismantle systemic barriers and foster gender equality by 2030.
For ABB, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are not just values; they are critical to innovation, progress, and long-term success.
Across engineering, technology and manufacturing, women at ABB are not only breaking boundaries, but they are also shaping the future. Meet two inspiring leaders, Dineo Maphaka and Natasha Archary, who are driving impact in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Meet Dineo Maphaka
Dineo Maphaka, production manager in the Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) department at ABB Electrification, oversees fabrication, panel assembly, wiring, and dispatch operations. Her role balances precision, people management, and production excellence.
“I am responsible for making sure that production runs smoothly on time, balancing safety, while maintaining continuous improvement,” says Maphaka. “I lead a hardworking team on the factory floor, and together we make sure that the switchgear produced meets the highest quality standards. My job is to manage both the people and the process, creating a culture where delivery, accountability, and teamwork thrive.”
Maphaka’s journey began as a wireman technician. With a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, a certificate in CNC for Lathe machines, a short course in Operations Management from UCT, and most recently, graduating from ABB’s global IGNITE leadership development programme, she has steadily progressed to become the first woman to lead production in her unit.
She is passionate about the deeper meaning behind Women’s Day and gender equality. “To me, ‘Women’s rights are human rights’ means visibility, value, and voice without conditions. It is a tribute to every woman who was told ‘you can’t’ and did it anyway. It is real, it is bold, and it is long overdue.”
But the road has not been without challenges, “Sometimes you do not just face the scepticism and doubt – you walk through it daily. It comes in many forms, from passive aggression to resistance, sometimes silent and sometimes loud. I overcome all this by refusing to shrink, rising above it all because I always believe in my capabilities.”
She credits her late grandmother as her greatest inspiration. “Though she had no formal education, she still stood taller than most. She carried the wisdom of generations; her work ethic was endlessly inspiring. She taught me to never fold under pressure or tradition, and today I carry that legacy into spaces where women were once invisible.”
Maphaka believes companies like ABB can open more doors for women through intention and action. “It starts with intention. Open more doors for women by creating safe, supportive spaces and promoting STEM to young girls through school partnerships. Starting the Diversity & Inclusion Forum was a big step as it shows commitment to real change.”
To young women entering STEM, she shares this empowering advice: “Your starting point does not define your finish line. Always remember that your journey matters, and your presence has a purpose.”
And her final thoughts on Women’s Day? “In 2025, Women’s Day is more than tradition, it is a call to action. It reminds us to break down barriers, support each other fiercely, and keep building a world where no woman is left behind. Fixing each other’s crowns is how we lead forward.”
Meet Natasha Archary
Natasha Archary is the newly appointed project operation manager for ELDS ABB South Africa, where she is responsible for overseeing all project execution activities, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and financial goals.
“I lead a cross-functional team made up of skilled professionals from various backgrounds,” she explains. “Each member brings a unique skill set, and I am focused on creating an environment where collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement are part of our everyday culture.”
Archary’s journey spans from her early days at Eskom as a junior protection technician to becoming a project manager and now a senior leader at ABB. Her qualifications include a BTech in Electrical Engineering, along with numerous accolades such as Best and Most Effective Job Observations, Excellence Awards, and ABB’s Best Newcomer 2023.
She reflects on the significance of Women’s Day: “Women’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a reminder. A reminder of how far we have come, and how far we still need to go to achieve true equality. It is a day to honour the resilience, strength, and contributions of women across all fields, especially those who have had to push through barriers just to be seen, heard, and respected.”
For Archary, the phrase “Women’s rights are human rights” resonates deeply: “It means recognising that women deserve the same dignity, freedom, and opportunities as anyone else. Professionally, it drives my commitment to breaking stereotypes and challenging bias. It is about ensuring that talent and skill, not gender, determine opportunity and growth.”
Like many women in engineering, Archary has had to challenge stereotypes. “Early in my career, I often felt the need to prove my capabilities more than my male counterparts, simply to be taken seriously. There were instances where I doubted myself. I overcame these challenges through resilience, continuous learning, and result-driven performance. Over time, I have learned that being a woman in engineering is not a limitation, it is a strength.”
When asked who inspires her, Natasha has a powerful answer: “All women inspire me. Whether it is women breaking barriers in boardrooms, leading in engineering fields, raising families, building communities, or simply showing up every day with resilience and strength.”
She emphasises the importance of mentorship and representation. “Create mentorship networks and leadership development programmes that connect junior women professionals with experienced mentors. Highlight and celebrate successful women within the organisation. Representation matters. When women see others thriving in engineering, project management, and executive roles, it reinforces that they, too, belong and can succeed.”
To the next generation of women in STEM, Archary offers this message: “Believe in your voice, your skills, and your place in the room. You do not have to fit a mould; your unique perspective is your strength. There will be moments of doubt, but let your work, your integrity, and your confidence speak louder.”
ABB Electrification’s commitment to gender equality
ABB Electrification recognises that building a more inclusive and diverse workforce is essential to achieving its mission of safe, smart, and sustainable electrification. From leadership development programmes like IGNITE to internal forums that promote DEI, ABB continues to invest in creating equitable opportunities for all.
“On Women’s Day 2025, we salute the women who are breaking new ground and leading us into a more equal, empowered future – one circuit, one switchgear, and one project at a time,” ABB said.
