Kiran Sidhwani has become an inspiration for all the women of remote under-privileged regions of Pakistan, who wish to make a difference in their community. After completing her engineering degree, she has become the first woman engineer ever to be appointed at the Thar Coal project, which is a pride for people living in that region.
The 23-year old young girl completed her BS degree from Mehran University of Engineering Technology and began working for her dreams. Once she came to know about the job opportunities available at Thar Coal project, she applied for the job. Although she had the option to try her luck in metropolitan cities but she decided to serve the people of her region instead.
Her journey began when she got selected among a pool of 4,000 candidates. Kiran became successful at every step of the long recruitment process and managed to bring her best to the table. Although many times she doubted herself but came out strong later. She said:
“I proved that a Thari girl is equally competent, despite all the issues she faces in the region”
She was the only girl who worked at the site out of the total 25 selected candidates. She explained:
“When I came for the final interview my father insisted I would have to commute every day as he wouldn’t allow me to live near the site where many other officers and workers live”
However, she was persistent in her decision as she wanted to stay at the site. She said:
“I wanted to reside at the site so I could visit the mining site easily and learn in the field. I didn’t want to live in my comfort zone by just confining myself to office work so I persuaded my father to allow me to stay there”
Although her father was very reluctant to send her daughter to stay near the site office but after meeting the officials he gave his approval. Kiran now resides near the site and visits her parents every fortnight. Feeling the plight of women in Thaparkar, she wants to prove herself and encourage women to come out of their comfort zones.
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Breaking the stereotypes
Not only Kiran Sidhwani fought for her own passion but she has also broken the stereotypes prevalent in Tharparkar region. She expressed her concern that it is very important to change the mind-set of people in that region. There are dozens of non-governmental organizations currently working on this issue but still a lot needs to be done.
She explained her story by stating:
“Just like most parents, my parents also wanted me to study medical as engineering is too difficult a profession for a girl. It was the first challenge I faced but after continued efforts I succeeded in persuading them. I told them it’s not just medical or teaching professions where women can work and excel. It is actually their passion that leads to success”
Kiran has been the first girl from her community (Lohana Hindu community) to pursue her career in engineering or to ever attend a university for that matter. She received her preliminary education from her hometown Mithi and later went to Mehran University of Engineering Technology to complete her bachelors.
Her education is not the only inspiring element in her personality as Kiran enjoys volunteer work as well. Furthermore, she participated in the first Female Dump Truck Driver programme launched by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company near Islamkot town in Thar.
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Kiran Sidhwani took the initiative to travel to many villages and encourage women to work and earn a livelihood. She added:
“Not all women who are working as dumper drivers are poor or in dire need of money. It is just that they want to work and earn a living for themselves and improve the lives of their families.”