For years, electrical engineering has been considered a “male domain”, but Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuc Han, a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Lilama 2 International College of Technology, is proving that women not only can thrive but also excel in this field.
Ms. Han (in the middle) instructing her students practicing half-wave rectifier
Since her school days, Han had a strong passion for physics, which led her to pursue degrees in electrical engineering at Quy Nhon University. “I knew from the start that being a woman in a technical field would come with obstacles, especially in physically demanding subjects like machining, drilling, and installation. I had to put in extra effort and spend more time keeping up with my male classmates,” she recalled. Yet, through determination, she built a successful career in both academia and working in industry.
After earning her master’s degree, she worked as an electrical designer before returning to education as a lecturer. Over the years, she has trained students in mechatronics, automation, circuit design, and sensor technology, seeing firsthand that women possess unique strengths that make them valuable contributors to the engineering field.
“Engineering is not just about physical strength; it requires precision, creativity, and problem-solving skills—qualities that both men and women can develop. Many female students have demonstrated exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and creativity, enabling them to excel in technical drawing, circuit board installation, and system inspection”, Han emphasised.
Ms. Han also acknowledged that beyond physical challenges, societal stereotypes remain a significant barrier for women in technical fields. “Many parents still hesitate to let their daughters pursue technical careers, see engineering as too demanding for women”, Han shared.
TVET Program – A New Approach to Vocational Training
Participating in the “Reform of TVET in Vietnam” (TVET) program in 2015 was a major turning point in Ms. Han’s teaching career, significantly enhancing her professional skills and perspective on technical vocational education. Her mindset, vision, and knowledge were elevated, aligning with the teaching requirements of Germany’s standardized training program. “Previously, teaching at colleges was quite disconnected from real-world industry practices. But thanks to the TVET program, this gap has been narrowed,” she noted.
Through a six-week advanced mechatronics training course at “Further Education Academy of Erfurt Bildungszentrum gGmbH” in Germany, Ms. Han diversified her teaching methods, implemented German-standard training programs, and adapted curricula to meet industry demands. As a result, students could integrate seamlessly into the workforce without requiring extensive retraining by companies.
Changing Perceptions About Women in Technical Fields
According to Ms. Han, attracting more women into technical fields requires a shift in societal perception, “This perception should be changed! More women are successfully establishing careers in technical fields, taking on key roles, and proving their capabilities equal to those of men”. Additionally, schools and businesses must provide more concrete support for female students. “It’s not just about providing scholarships or financial aid. We need to create environments where women feel empowered to apply their skills and succeed,” she suggested. “With better support policies, strict adherence to occupational safety, and attractive salaries, more women will enter these fields.“
Han took pride in provide support and mentoring to female students pursuing the technical vocation path.
“Many young women are highly capable, but social prejudices and career difficulties hold them back. I want them to be more confident and bolder in entering this field“, she shared
She told us about the time where with her support, a female student from a disadvantaged background who worked tirelessly to excel in industrial electrical training and earn a scholarship. “She didn’t just perform well academically – she excelled in hands-on practical work. She never relied on assistance from male classmates but took on challenges independently. She is a shining example of how women can succeed in technical fields with determination and perseverance“.
Through her dedication, Han is not only training skilled engineers but also breaking stereotypes and creating more opportunities for women in engineering. With passion and determination, she is shaping a future where women are recognized, valued, and celebrated in technical professions.
* The Programme “Reform of TVET in Viet Nam” is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Government of Viet Nam.
