IIUM confers Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical-Automotive) degree upon the only two female graduands

By, Afifah Syahmina Nordin 

GOMBAK, 22 November 2024: During the seventh session of the 40th IIUM Convocation Ceremony 2024 on 19 November at IIUM Gombak, two remarkable ladies, Siti Aisyah Binti Galip and Siti Khadeejah Binti Ismail, made history by breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. They stood out as the only female graduands to receive their Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical-Automotive) (Honours).

Their achievement marks a significant step towards breaking gender barriers in Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). In an exclusive interview with IIUMToday, Siti Aisyah and Siti Khadeejah expressed their relief and congratulated each other for being able to graduate. The two first crossed paths in their second year and quickly formed a close bond after that.

They both shared that Mechanical-Automotive was not not their first choice, as at first they wanted to pursue Mechanical Engineering instead. But at that time, the Kulliyyah only offered Mechanical-Aerospace and Mechanical-Automotive degree programs. From their experiences, the bachelor’s program taught them 30 percent automotive courses and 70 percent mechanical courses. 

“The lecturers were more attentive towards us in class as they were concerned about our well-being as the minority,” said Siti Khadeejah. Male students also offered to help when it came to handling heavy objects and materials. 

“It is important to be a brave and fearless person,” said Siti Aisyah as she believed that these characteristics will help them when they feel excluded. As the minority, they once felt sad because they were not be able to study with others who were male as they needed to mind the gap between themselves.

The two female graduands agreed that their strong support system helped them endure tough times and gave them emotional support throughout their study, especially their families. Besides that, they emphasized the importance of having an understanding partner, noting that their field requires collaborations between both genders to succeed.

Siti Aisyah and Siti Khadeejah encouraged female students to take the degree if they were interested despite it having a larger number of male students. The Kulliyyah will provide students with an academic advisor to help guide their studies and there are many female lecturers who will help students too so it is bearable.

Lastly, they both shared heartfelt messages for other female students who study courses in STEM. “Nothing is impossible to do in this world if others can do it,” said Siti Khadeejah. “Even if we are women, we are also capable of doing it like men,” continued by Siti Aisyah. ***