March 12, 2025 | Wednesday
Girls in STEM, at the forefront of upending norms and driving economic development
In a field traditionally dominated by men and at a politically and socially challenging time, Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku graduated in Mechanical Engineering. After that, she became the first female engineer at the Termokos public enterprise, in a leadership position, nonetheless. In this interview, she shares with us the challenges of her professional journey, along with a message for girls and women in various professions to be courageous and determined to engage in such professions, which, according to her, are vital for the economic development of a country.
Europe House Kosovo: Ms. Valdete, you studied in a field that has been and continues to be quite male-dominated, at a time when it was even more problematic for women than it is today. How did you decide to study at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: Initially, I graduated from the Ferizaj technical school for machinery, then the Higher School for Machinery, again in Ferizaj. After that, I took a short break and in 1997 I enrolled in the Technical Faculty at the University of Prishtina.
I really loved math and physics in elementary school. Both of my parents were education workers and supported me in my choice. The technical pathways were particularly challenging even at that time, and continue to be so today.
When I came to faculty in Prishtina, there were very few girls. In my generation, in my major, I was the only girl. But it was a source of pride and we were greatly respected by both our professors and fellow students.
Europe House Kosovo: Then?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: The Technical Faculty at that time had five years of basic studies. After completing my basic studies, I continued with my master’s studies. The system changed after the war, and for us who had completed five years of basic studies, two of them were counted as master’s degrees. But still, I continued my master’s studies because I wanted to remain academically active.
Europe House Kosovo: You came to Prishtina as a student. What are your memories of that period?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: Yes, initially before the war, the dormitories were occupied and we lived in private homes. It was an incredibly challenging time for the students. But after the war, when we were able to go back to the dormitories, although we faced various difficulties, the joy of freedom and youthful enthusiasm kept us going.
Europe House Kosovo: How did the circumstances arise for you to be employed at Termokos, as the first and only female engineer?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: Actually, right after graduating, I was hired by the KFOR as a quality control engineer. At the KFOR base in today’s Arbëria neighborhood, we checked the quality of the construction work being done there. We were a team of six people, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineers.
After KFOR, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, at a time when many institutions were being built in Kosovo, had begun work on establishing the Department of Metrology, and I was recruited to work in that department. But since it was in the very early stages, staff needed to be trained to work in metrology, and the Institute of Metrology at that time was in Prizren, where I began attending training.
While I was attending training at the Institute of Metrology in Prizren, I also applied for a job at Termokos and after being accepted, I decided to continue at Termokos.
Europe House Kosovo: How were the beginnings of your work at Termokos, what position did you work in?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: In 2004, I started working at Termokos as a Maintenance Engineer, in the Mechanical Maintenance Department. However, two weeks after I started working at Termokos, the then director of the Department left his position after finding another job and I was immediately selected as the acting director of the Mechanical Maintenance Department. It didn’t take long and I was appointed as Director of the Mechanical Maintenance Department.
So, two weeks after starting work, I was placed in a management position. Leading a department with 45 employees and two engineers was a huge challenge, but I had support from my colleagues.
Europe House Kosovo: What work did this department perform?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: The Mechanical Maintenance Department has developed the network, meaning it has carried out the installation of pipelines, the installation of substations, and has carried out all necessary repairs to the network. We have also managed the necessary repairs to production equipment, namely the fuel oil boilers, because we are talking about a time when Termokos was still operating with fuel oil. Now, fortunately, a large part of this work is carried out through donations or subcontractors, but at that time, all of this work was carried out by the Mechanical Maintenance Department.
Europe House Kosovo: Do you continue to be in the position of Director of the Mechanical Maintenance Department?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: No, now I am the Enterprise’s Coordinator with other institutions. So, I coordinate the company’s communication and work related to other line institutions, such as the regulator’s office and various ministries that request reports from Termokos. It is about setting tariffs, energy balances, and the development plan of the enterprise. So, any information related to Termokos’ technical issues goes through me.
Europe House Kosovo: What work is Termokos currently doing in implementing sustainable and environmentally friendly measures?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: With the implementation of the co-generation project in 2014, Termokos is supplied with hot water from Kosovo B and is in fact no longer polluting, because we no longer operate with fuel oil boilers or any boilers. We are currently in the initial stages of the solar energy project, which is a major capital project with 50 megawatts of thermal energy and a value of over 80 million Euros. Also, the other capacity doubling project is related to the 2014 co-generation project, but now we will add another 140 megawatts, of which 40 are used for electricity and 100 from Termokos. So, Termokos will expand by 150 megawatts, 50 from solar energy and 100 from Kosovo B.
For this, on behalf of the company, I would like to thank the European Commission for helping us in every project and always standing by Termokos in development projects, such as network expansion projects, the co-generation project, and now the solar energy and capacity doubling project.
Europe House Kosovo: What message do you have for girls who are in similar professions to yours today?
Valdete Marevci-Dërmaku: I encourage all girls to pursue technical careers because many things depend on engineering. Engineers develop the country. Especially new directions for environmental protection, energy efficiency and renewable sources are extremely attractive and, in addition, are extremely important for the times in which we live.
Girls are highly committed. Everywhere, even in developed countries, energy companies that employ women and are led by women, are more successful. Because women and girls are incredibly careful, dedicated, and responsible managers. Women do not make ad-hoc decisions without analyzing them carefully.
Even in Termokos, the girls and women who are employed contribute greatly to the enterprise, because they are very dedicated to their work and are highly successful. I have one message for girls: don’t be afraid!