Female Mechanic Workshop

Overview
NANA is dedicated to breaking gender stereotypes in auto repair, empowering women through training, job opportunities, and creating a supportive, women-friendly environment in the automotive industry.
Goal
Deliver exceptional auto repair services using quality parts, modern tools, and a data-driven approach.
Vision
NANA aims to transform the auto repair industry into an inclusive space where women excel and thrive, redefining the future of mechanical engineering.

Key Strategies:

  • Challenge Gender Norms: Redefine auto repair as a career for everyone.
  • Empower Women: Provide jobs, training, apprenticeships, and internships in mechanical engineering.
  • Women-Friendly Workshop: Create a welcoming space for female mechanics and clients.

Objectives:

  • Train skilled, disciplined mechanics
  • Build a modern, efficient garage
  • Improve operations through documentation
  • Offer quality, affordable spare parts
  • Promote gender sensitivity and inclusivity

Our Activities

  • Training Female Mechanics: Practical sessions, presentations, assessments, and support (financial, driving, and skill development).
  • Garage Modernization: Enhancing operations, upgrading tools, and staff training.
  • Quality Spare Parts: Providing affordable, high-quality parts.
  • Efficient Operations: Streamlined documentation, organized workspace, and performance tracking.
  • Gender Inclusion: Promoting a women-friendly, inclusive environment.

Our Achievements and Initiatives

  • Activity Documentation: Organized via Google Drive and physical records.
  • M&E Plan: Developed to track progress and improve efficiency.
  • Female Apprentice Support: Provided transport fare, driving skills, and garage attachments.
  • Practical Training: Hands-on sessions during vehicle repairs.
  • Learning Programs: Self-study, online sessions, and topic presentations.
  • Operational Management: Improved shop management strategies.
  • Modern Tools: Reviewed, purchased, and implemented tool maintenance strategies.
  • Female Empowerment: Established Sokoto State’s first female-led garage, commissioned by Mr. Jelani Aliyu (NADDC DG).

Challenges and NANA's Solutions

  • Public Perception:
    Challenge: Auto repair is seen as a masculine, dirty job.
    Solution: Public campaigns via radio, social media, and events promote the message: “Auto repair is brainwork, not brawn—modern tools make it accessible to women.”
  • Incompetent Tutors:
    Challenge: Limited hands-on experience among tutors.
    Solution: Partnered with Polytechnic tutors for structured training, supported by online resources like YouTube, service manuals, and reference materials.
  • Barriers for Female Mechanics:
    Challenge: Limited access to technical education and resources.
    Solution: Developing a local eLearning server and translating key materials to ensure inclusivity, while respecting copyright laws.