A Woman's Pioneering Path in the Male-Driven Auto World

A Journey of Resilience and Mastery

In the heart of Kigali, amidst rows of vehicle components, Apolonie Mukarukaka’s expertise shines through. Her ability to identify spare parts at a glance is a testament to decades of hands-on experience. She can tell you what each part does, where it fits, and often exactly where to find it. This kind of mastery is rare and comes from years of dedication, learning, and perseverance in an industry where women were once almost entirely absent.

Breaking New Ground

Mukarukaka's journey began in Kamonyi District, where she grew up in a time when educational opportunities for girls were limited. Born on March 10, 1964, in Mpungwe Village, Rugarika Sector, she credits her parents for ensuring she received an education. Starting school at seven, she completed primary school and then attended a familiale school, where she learned French, Kinyarwanda, basic English, sewing, and cooking. Though she did not progress to secondary school, this practical education would later prove invaluable.

Choosing an Unconventional Path

It was her brother-in-law who first encouraged her to consider a career in mechanics, a field dominated by men. At first, the idea seemed daunting, but Mukarukaka saw an opportunity to learn a valuable skill and carve out a different future. In the early 1980s, she enrolled in mechanical training at Sainte Famille in Kigali, studying automotive mechanics under Pierre Célestin Nyanshongore. She learned the fundamentals of engine systems, vehicle components, and their functions, even receiving basic driving lessons.

Building a Career at RwandaMotor

After completing her internship in 1984, she joined RwandaMotor, one of Rwanda’s leading automotive companies. She started in spare parts management, identifying vehicle parts, locating them in printed catalogues, and later using microfilm systems. As technology advanced, she adapted seamlessly, transitioning to computerized inventory platforms. Her background in mechanics gave her a significant advantage, allowing her to understand each component's role.

Mastering the Trade

Over the years, Mukarukaka took on increasingly complex responsibilities, including preparing quotations, processing orders, managing stock, and overseeing entire spare parts operations. Her diligence and attention to detail earned her the trust of colleagues and customers. She became known for her speed, professionalism, and unwavering work ethic. "At first, we used thick catalogues to identify parts," she recalls. "Later, technology changed everything."

A Woman in a Man’s World

When Mukarukaka entered the field, women in automotive mechanics were exceedingly rare. Yet she never saw that as a reason to hold back. There were six women in her mechanics class, each determined to prove that technical expertise was not limited by gender. Throughout her career, she mentored others, trained interns, and encouraged more women and girls to consider technical fields. One of the young men she mentored went on to master the trade, and she also taught a young woman, hoping to inspire more female participation.

Reinvention and Lifelong Learning

After retiring from RwandaMotor, Mukarukaka embraced a new challenge, joining the computer and networking sector to help install and manage computer systems in schools. The transition required her to learn new technologies and improve her English, which she studied in evening classes. Her philosophy remained the same: learning never stops.

Family, Legacy, and Resilience

Now 65, Mukarukaka is a mother of three, two sons and a daughter. She considers raising and educating her children among her greatest achievements. One of her sons has followed in her footsteps, developing an impressive knowledge of automotive spare parts. Her work enabled her to provide for her family and build a home, accomplishments she regards with immense pride.

Words for the Next Generation

Mukarukaka remains a strong advocate for hard work, particularly for young women. She encourages them not to wait for perfect opportunities or formal office jobs but to learn practical skills and build their futures step by step. Every form of honest work, she believes, carries dignity. If given the opportunity, she would still like to establish her own company, one that could train young people, especially girls, in technical and vocational skills.

A Testament to Perseverance

Mukarukaka’s life stands as a powerful testament to the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and self-belief. Her story reminds us that meaningful careers are not defined by where one begins, but by the determination to keep moving forward.