At a bustling automobile workshop in the New Garage area of Makurdi, Benue State, 21-year-old Cynthia Omede is challenging long-held stereotypes in a profession traditionally dominated by men.

With three years of hands-on experience repairing vehicles, removing engines and tackling complex mechanical faults, the young woman from Ogbadibo Local Government Area has earned the respect of many colleagues. Yet, she believes her skills would receive greater recognition abroad than in Nigeria, where she continues to battle prejudice and harassment.

Cynthia said her passion for automobile mechanics began while she was in Junior Secondary School Three (JS3). Against her parents’ wishes, she abandoned tailoring lessons and secretly enrolled as an apprentice at a mechanic’s workshop.

Her decision surprised both her family and her first trainer.

Her apprenticeship was not without setbacks. After spending a year at her first workshop, where there were few vehicles to work on, she moved to another garage owned by Peter Aku.

She recalled that Aku initially doubted whether a woman could cope with the demands of the trade. However, after two years under his mentorship, she now confidently handles demanding mechanical tasks, including removing and reinstalling vehicle engines.

Although she admitted she is still learning engine timing, Cynthia expressed confidence that she would master the skill with time.

Despite her growing expertise, she said she continues to encounter stereotypes from some male colleagues and customers who believe automobile repairs should remain a man’s job.

She recalled how fellow apprentices were shocked the first time she helped remove an engine, with some attempting to discourage her from continuing. Rather than respond with anger, she said she chose to let her work speak for itself.

According to her, while her determination has inspired some young women to consider becoming mechanics, many eventually abandon the idea because of the physically demanding nature of the work.

Beyond the physical strain, which she said has caused recurring back pain, Cynthia identified sexual harassment as one of the biggest challenges she has faced.

She alleged that some wealthy customers, sometimes accompanied by police officers, requested her phone number under the guise of offering assistance, only to expect a romantic relationship in return.

She recounted one painful experience in which a man invited her to what she believed was a business meeting, only for her to discover he had taken her to a hotel.

“I went home heartbroken after spending my transport fare on what turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments of my apprenticeship,” she said.

According to Cynthia, rejecting such advances often comes at a cost.

She claimed that some customers stopped acknowledging her, refused to allow her to work on their vehicles or spread false rumours about her after she turned them down.

Despite these experiences, she said she remains committed to her values.

“My focus is on building a career, not chasing relationships. I believe the right partner will come when the time is right, but for now, my priority is to become a highly skilled automobile technician,” she said.

Cynthia also praised her mentor, Peter Aku, describing him as a father figure who has consistently supported and protected her.

She said he has defended her against inappropriate comments from customers and often assisted her financially by providing meals and transport fare whenever she needed help.

“That kind of encouragement has kept me going during moments when many people would have given up,” she added.

However, Cynthia believes her future lies outside Nigeria.

She said persistent gender discrimination, harassment and societal prejudice have convinced her that better opportunities exist abroad.

“My biggest dream is to specialise in Japanese automobiles by moving to Japan, where I believe my talent will be appreciated without the stigma of being a female mechanic,” she said.

As she continues repairing vehicles in Makurdi, Cynthia says she holds on to one hope—that someone will help her relocate to Japan and fulfil a dream she believes can flourish beyond Nigeria. (The Nation)