Bridging the gender gap in engineering
Published: 27 June, 2023
The field of engineering has long been dominated by men but the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce has never been more crucial. This was highlighted at a recent event in the lead-up to International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2023 (23rd June). Dr Hayaatun Sillem, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, led the panel of female leaders to explore the challenges around female representation in industry to discuss how to broaden the appeal of engineering careers to women.
Despite progress in promoting gender equality across various industries, the field of engineering still faces a considerable gender imbalance where women remain vastly underrepresented, accounting for only a small fraction of the workforce. This was highlighted at the INWED event and suggested that to address this issue concerted efforts are needed at various levels. The panel discussed that it begins with encouraging young girls to consider STEM subjects early in their education. By fostering a supportive environment and debunking gender stereotypes associated with engineering, young girls can be inspired to pursue careers in this field. Interestingly, Susan Scurlock, Founder of Primary Engineer, also highlighted that the majority of shortlisted finalists from its annual Leader Award competition where children are asked to identify a problem and draw a solution to it, were girls.
Therefore, it was highlighted that educational institutions, including universities and colleges have a significant role to play in creating an inclusive environment for female engineering students. Scholarships, mentorship programmes, and networking opportunities tailored to women can help break down barriers and provide the necessary support and guidance to aspiring female engineers.
Increasing the number of women in engineering is also not just about achieving gender parity which was also highlighted; it is about harnessing the benefits of diversity. When women are included in engineering teams, a wider range of perspectives, ideas, and problem-solving approaches emerge. This diversity fosters innovation and leads to more effective and sustainable solutions.
Moreover, the lack of diversity in engineering perpetuates a cycle of underrepresentation. Without female role models and mentors in the field, young girls may struggle to envision themselves pursuing engineering careers. By increasing the visibility of successful women engineers and providing support networks, more women can be encouraged to enter and thrive in the industry. International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is a key event to help counter this problem as the need for more women in engineering in the UK is undeniable. By promoting inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and providing the necessary support, the industry as a whole can create a more diverse and equitable engineering workforce
Aaron Blutstein, Editor
