Australia Award winner a champion for women engineers in Timor-Leste

Australia Awards scholarship winner Nelida Jandira Fernandes Alves plans to put her skills to work back home in Timor-Leste.

Nelida is currently studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) at the University of South Australia and is specialising in water.

She chose to specialise in water so she can use her knowledge to contribute to Timor-Leste’s development.

Nelida said:

“It’s not just that engineering is a male-dominated field but you, as a female, should also ask yourself – if men can do it, why can’t I?”

“The more diverse the people who are working together, the more creative the solutions will be. I strongly encourage women not to be scared to do this course because engineering is just like any other course – you just need to be dedicated.”

Read more on the Australia Awards website.