Women in engineering unite for support and inspiration

In a recent survey of WES members, the majority of women said they are engaged in some sort of support network. Over two-thirds (67 per cent) said they are members of a professional body such as a PEI and 57 per cent in a membership network outside of their organisation. Almost half (45 per cent) are involved in mentoring and 38 per cent are involved in informal support from other women in engineering.

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One respondent commented: “It is good to have a global-to-local network of women engineers who will support each other and encourage using different paths and mentor schemes according to young women's interests, ambitions, and aspirations."

Another commented: “I mentor a number of young women, mainly I speak to them about following their passions and not letting anything hold them back. I also explain the practicalities of following the field of engineering, subjects to study, interview tips and general confidence building.”

The survey findings also highlight what female engineers would like to see the community doing more of in order to inspire more young women into the sector. Among the top three responses were: ‘promote the wide range of careers available in engineering, especially those that make a positive difference in the world’ (78 per cent), ‘support teachers with better training and resources to talk about engineering careers’ (76 per cent) and ‘start engaging children earlier — in primary or early secondary school’ (69 per cent).

Other popular suggestions included ‘showcase more visible female role models in engineering and technology’ (64 per cent) and ‘challenge gender stereotypes in education, media, and wider society’ (62 per cent).

Another respondent commented: “My aim is always to be a visible and positive role model for young women and I am passionate about making sure they have full awareness of the engineering career landscape in order to make those big career-based decisions.”

Another commented: “Encouraging a young woman to pursue a career in engineering and technology involves both inspiration and practical support.”

In a statement, Susan Robson, Interim CEO at Women's Engineering Society, said: "Support networks and visible role models are vital not only for retaining and progressing women in engineering, but for inspiring the next generation. Seventy per cent of women also cite that mentoring and sponsorship are critical for progression, and networks can be a key enabler for these. International Women in Engineering Day reminds us just how powerful that collective impact can be".

Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK said, “Female representation in the sector is growing, but at a slow rate that will not meet workforce needs. Women now take up 16.9 per cent of roles, up from around 10 per cent in 2010. It’s moving in the right direction, but we need to build commitment and momentum to make a bigger difference faster. 

“We’ve partnered with the Royal Academy of Engineering, Women’s Engineering Society (WES), BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) to address this. Through this gender pathways project, we are working with over 40 organisations with the collective mission to drive up the number of young women on pathways into engineering and technology at 18. Together we will focus on key areas influencing girls and young women’s engineering and technology career choices.”

To find out more and get involved with International Women in Engineering Day visit: EngineeringUK celebrates International Women in Engineering Day

To find out more about the work on gender pathways into engineering and technology visit: Gender pathways into engineering and technology  

To find out about becoming a case study on Neon visit: Be an engineering case study | Neon - Brilliant inspiration

The Engineer’s coverage of INWED 25 – featuring comments, Q&As and profiles – can be found here.