My name is Brunelle Ngo Njehemle. I currently work in management support at the environmental and social department of NHPC in Cameroon. This is a project to build a 420-megawatt hydroelectric power plant on the Sanaga River.
The energy sector in Cameroon is characterized by insufficient production but has significant potential resources of natural gas, hydroelectric power, and other renewable energies (solar, biomass, wind). As a result, the Nachtigal Amont project I’m currently working on has been set up to help solve the energy deficit problem. This important additional source of stable electricity production by 2020 will enable industrial growth and access to quality energy for the Cameroonian population. I’ll let you discover this project in this video 🙂!
My missions in this project consist of ensuring the preservation of the environment and the socio-economic development of the local populations affected by the project to ensure their new livelihoods. For example, the residents living around the Nachtigal Falls are mostly engaged in sand selling, and because of the Nachtigal project, their professions are being halted. At this level, I ensure that these inhabitants receive financial offers to start new economic activities such as agriculture.
To get here, after obtaining a scientific baccalaureate, D series (Biological Sciences), I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and plant physiology, then a master’s degree in Environmental Science at the University of Yaoundé 1.
Passionate about nature, I believe that the development of any country should be done with the preservation of the living environment in mind. The most difficult part in my journey has been to lead various project teams to take into account environmental and social causes in their action plans.
Moreover, it also happens that my place as a woman in this field is questioned. For example, in 2011 it was rare to see a woman on a construction site in a very remote area of the country. As a result, my colleagues didn’t see me as an environmentalist and didn’t take me seriously in my work. They would exclaim, saying: “A woman on a construction site? That’s unbelievable!”
Thanks to my professionalism and passion in accomplishing my tasks, I managed to earn respect. It is therefore essential to break these prejudices and show that there are no jobs reserved for men.
Because of the guidance received during their education, some young girls limit themselves in their choice of careers. Some think that “being a scientist is not compatible with beauty, marriage, and children. On this subject, I think it all depends on planning. For my part, once at home, I wear the hat of a mother and” wife.
Outside of work and home life, I practice gym with my husband. With him, we form a great team, supporting each other in our projects.
Believe in yourselves, girls, and keep working hard to achieve your dreams. Above all, tell yourselves that nothing is easy. If you have good skills in science, don’t hesitate to go for it. Don’t let stereotypes built around professions affect you. You are capable of accomplishing anything you want!
Article written by Angela Y.
Brunelle NGO NJEHEMLE: Producing energy while protecting our environment is possible
