Your air-con breaks down and you call for a technician but to your surprise, a female technician shows up at your doorstep with her toolbox! This is becoming a common practice in Zambia! Meet Sarah Nakanyika a female Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) technician and pioneer of women-empowerment in the RAC sector in Zambia.
Impacts of female leadership
Sarah’s exceptional work and influential voice in the cooling industry make her a leading figure in protecting the Ozone Layer. Through continued practical training, awareness campaigns, and mentorship, female technicians become knowledgeable of new refrigeration alternatives and technologies and skillful in how to detect, handle, and dispose of harmful gases that are environmentally-damaging.
As a leader of Zambia’s women RAC group and her own business, she empowers other women to support each other and unite efforts to provide better and more efficient installations, repairs, and troubleshooting services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
For Sarah and her team, contributing toward protecting the environment and fostering female leadership in the RAC industry is a continuous effort. It is evident that career successes and environmental protection have little to do with gender.
Pathway to professional success
As one of the industry’s role models, Sarah sees RAC as substantial in safeguarding public health, well-being, as well as the environment. While the RAC industry is predominantly male and prejudice against female professionals is still evident, Sarah proves her worth by consistently delivering good results. She demonstrates determination, focus, and integrity in serving her clients. Being both a mentor and a lifelong learner has put Sarah ahead of the game, and her impact and value-added mindset have made her unstoppable.
Sarah's tips for young girls and women
“Set your goal and never quit adding values. Continue working hard with determination and passion.” Results, learn, repeat – she believes – is the key to success and can get anyone anywhere!
This article was written on the occasion of International Women's Day, 8 March 2024
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