Shell Bulenga, a busy service station on the outskirts of Kampala along the Fort Portal Highway, is home to more than just fuel pumps and tyre gauges. This is where Mariam Nanjeru, an unassuming lady, with grease-streaked hands and a heart full of determination, has been quietly revolutionising the male-dominated world of mechanics.

At the crack of dawn, while most of us are still rubbing sleep from our eyes, Mariam is already elbow-deep in Shell Advance engine oil. Her commitment to her craft is evident as she meticulously inspects each car and boda-boda (motorcycle taxis) that drives into the service bay. Seven years at Shell Bulenga have honed her skills, transforming her from a supermarket attendant previously, to a trusted mechanic.

Mariam’s journey began long before she set foot in the service bay. Back in her high school days, she chose motor vehicle mechanics as a vocational subject. Her fascination with engines and gears led her to an internship at an automotive garage near her parent’s home during her senior year vacation. Armed with an academic certificate and a passion for all things mechanical, she set out to prove that gender should never dictate one’s abilities and passion.

But the journey wasn’t easy. Customers, conditioned by societal norms, hesitated to entrust their vehicles and boda bodas to a female mechanic. Mariam faced scepticism by male customers, raised eyebrows, and whispered doubts by her female counterparts. And yet she persisted. Slowly but surely, her reputation as a trustworthy and professional mechanic grew. Customers began to see beyond her gender, recognising her expertise and commitment to her job.

‘Kapo Tatya Mbeera’, the latest promotional campaign launched by motorbike engine oil brand Shell Advance, that aims to empower and reward boda-boda riders, found a fervent advocate in Mariam, especially among her regular customers who now seek her opinion on the best oils. She passionately commends the virtues of Shell Advance—the engine oil that keeps these two-wheeled engines running smoothly. “It is not just about winning prizes,” she says about the promotion. “Shell Advance cleans motorbike engines with its active cleansing technology, boosts performance, and ensures reliability. No foaming, no fuss—just a longer-lasting engine.”

Beyond the paycheck, Mariam cherishes the intangible rewards of her profession. She has forged friendships with loyal customers who now request her services by name. Her experience and knowledge of lubricants have expanded, and she’s kept pace with ever-evolving engine technologies through online learning and consultations with fellow mechanics. Her exceptional customer care skills have won over customers, and her confidence has soared.

Looking ahead, Mariam dreams of opening her own garage, a space where she can train other women interested in joining the profession. She believes in the importance of mentorship and encourages other women to pursue their interests in mechanics without fear. "Believe in yourself and seek mentorship wherever possible," she advises. Her vision is to create a supportive environment that nurtures talent and fosters gender equality in the automotive industry.

Mariam Nanjeru is not just a mechanic; she is a trailblazer, a role model, and a testament to what can be achieved with determination and passion. Her journey at Shell Bulenga is a shining example of breaking barriers and redefining what is possible, one engine at a time.