That decision launched a journey full of challenges. Victoria entered a completely unfamiliar field as the only woman in her class. She faced doubt, fear, and pressure from classmates who questioned her ability to handle heavy tools like the angle grinder.
Her instructor even suggested she transfer to a class with more women so she would feel more comfortable. Victoria refused:
With time and dedication, she discovered that metalwork was not as difficult as people made it seem. Her instructor played a key role, encouraging her to develop her skills. She was often the first to demonstrate practical exercises, earning both confidence and the respect of her peers.
After completing her training, Victoria joined Muhandule Serviços on 15 September 2025, facilitated by Swisscontact. During her internship, she applied her knowledge in practice and learned new techniques in a professional environment.
Like any learning process, Victoria faced obstacles. One of the biggest was achieving precision in cutting. On the other hand, she discovered a passion for welding - an area where she stood out and showcased her talent.
Throughout her journey, Victoria drew strength from key people - especially her instructor and her mother - who believed in her dreams and encouraged her to stay strong and never give up.
Thanks to her dedication and performance, Victoria caught the company's attention after her internship and was offered a permanent position. Today, she is a full team member at Muhandule Serviços and remains motivated to deepen her expertise in metalwork.
Her message is clear:
...stories like Victoria’s continue to emerge, demonstrating how determination and persistence can turn challenge into a sustainable career.
This project is financed by the Medicor Foundation, Happel Foundation, and Linsi-Foundation. It is part of the Swisscontact Development Programme, which is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA.