Meet Ajayi Oluwatosin Lagos Lady Mechanic, Redefining Workplace Gender Stereotypes
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, so do the roles and responsibilities of those who work within it. Among those who have broken the gender barrier in this industry are female mechanics, who have become increasingly common in recent years. Despite the traditionally male-dominated nature of the field, women have proven themselves to be just as skilled and knowledgeable as their male counterparts.
One such woman is Ajayi Oluwatosin Idera, a Lagos-based Lady Mechanic, who has been working in the industry for over a decade.
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Oluwatosin got her start in the field as an apprentice at 13 in a local auto shop before proceeding to earn a degree from the university as an engineer. After graduation, she decided to pursue a full-time career as a mechanic and hasn’t looked back since.
Enjoy excerpts of her exclusive interview with Apples Bite Magazine.
Seeing that you’re in a profession that is typically male-dominated, do you experience gender malalignment or disadvantage?
Some customers tend to doubt my ability to deliver, simply because I am female. I come across them as not being knowledgeable enough, but, usually, a trial ends up winning them over. They end up becoming retained customers who often recommend my services to their contacts.
How would you describe yourself?
One attribute that describes me is being inquisitive. I think it is one attribute that has brought me this far in my career. I always seek to understand how gadgets and appliances work.
Do you consider yourself a tomboy? /Does a lady have to be a tomboy to fit into this line of career?
I don’t consider myself a tomboy, and a lady doesn’t have to be a tomboy to fit into my line of career. I am as lady as it gets.
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Do you multitasker?
Yes, I multitask a lot.
What is a typical day like for you?
My typical day is a rollercoaster. It starts with a lot of work demands. My schedules are always tight.
What part of your childhood prepared you for this line of career?
As a kid, I had a keen interest in repairing faulty household appliances. That was where it all started.
How do you like to organize your day?
I’m not an organized person. Usually, I face the day’s challenges and demands head-on, without necessarily organizing my day.
What are your greatest strengths?
My strength is my talent for my career.
And what are your greatest weaknesses?
Although it’s not a weakness per se, I’ll say it is my perfectionist tendencies. It makes me too hard on myself.
Where would you like to be in five years?
In the next five years, I want to be on top of my game. I want to be renowned for my achievements in my field of practice.
How do you handle negative feedback from customers?
It’s not important, I gloss over it easily. Moreover, there’s none. All I have are satisfied clients instead.
What do you like to do outside of work (Leisure)?
Sleep and have quality time with family.
Relationships, are you dating?
Yes, I am
Does your career come in between your relationship?
No, it doesn’t
Seeing that your customers are mostly males, do you get advances from them?
Yes, I do, but wisdom is profitable to direct.
Did you get a formal education to become an automobile engineer? Or you learned informally?
I learned both formally and informally. I began at 13 by registering for a two-year apprenticeship program with a roadside mechanic workshop. Then, when I became of age, I studied mechanical engineering at the university. Also, I still take other specialized certificate courses, to keep improving myself.
How did you discover your passion for mechanicatronics technology? How did you develop an interest in this line of career?
It has been quite a journey to get to this point. From that inquisitive young girl that always wonders what works gadgets and home appliances to seeking knowledge both formally and informally. It has been a long walk discovering and nurturing talent.
How long have you been in this line of career?
19 years now.
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What advice would you give yourself five years ago?
Invest in BTC (Bitcoin)
Is there anything in your work history you would like to change?
No. I appreciate the experience.
Do you think this line of work gives you time for social life?
It doesn’t really. But I try.
What is your position in the family?
I am the third of five children.
Is there a family influence on your choice of career?
None at all.
If you could change one thing about your personality, what would that be?
Nothing to change, I am content with whom I am.
If you’re not in this line of career, what else would you be doing?
If I wasn’t a mechanic, I’d be an Aeronautic Engineer.
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Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
