Avellon Williams
SIERRA LEONE- Carpentry isn’t just for men. Nyillah E. Cawray is a young Sierra Leonean undergraduate who aims to challenge the stereotypical narrative about females in the male-dominated profession of carpentry. She has extensive knowledge of woodworking and styles, aside from her educational career.
Nyillah Cawray was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital city. The Annie Walsh Memorial School was where she received her secondary education.
Cawray graduated from Fourah Bay College with a BA in Political Science.
As a young girl growing up, Cawray, found woods and their technicalities fascinating and appealing. Her passion quickly became apparent in her teens and she gave in to her dream.
Well, Nyillah Cawray didn’t start just yet. It took her four extra years before she decided to attempt carpentry. Her attempt at carpentry was hindered by sexist attitudes toward the trade.
“I noticed my passion for wood at age 16-17 but it took me 4 years to start doing what I love”. “This was because of the sexist nature towards carpentry, especially in Sierra Leone,”
For two years, Cawray sought training and opened a workshop using the knowledge she acquired. Carpentry is now her proud profession. The goal of her work is to change the narrative and perception of women in the profession.
“I am doing this to build it to a point where I can make money and also be an inspiration to other young women.”
“I want to take this business to the next level and train and employ other young people, especially women,” she said.
Every day, Nyillah Cawray faces sexist stereotypes as part of her many challenges. Moreover, carpentry is seen as a dirty profession or the domain of low-class individuals. These are negative connotations associated with technical jobs.
Nevertheless, Nyillah Cawray is about to change everything.
There is generally an impressive response or perception of Nyillah Cawray among the public. Many men admire her courage, and many women look up to her as an inspiration.
Asked where she sees herself and her work in the next five years, Cawray smiled and replied, “In the next 5 years I know the old stereotype towards skills workers and females in the construction industry will be much more different.”
So far, Cawray’s decision to venture into carpentry hasn’t been regrettable. An international competition sponsored by the World Bank awarded her 30 million Leones. In her advice to young people, Nyillah Cawray offers three tips.
“Keep going for what you want”
“Everyone should have a particular Skill Set”
“Put God in all you do”
