The Role of Women in Engineering and Hiring Female Engineers

Breaking Barriers Women in Engineering

For centuries, men have dominated and represented the engineering field. Women have long been underrepresented in most of the engineering fields. From designing skyscrapers to complicated HVAC designs, history boasted male engineers’ names rather than women engineers. But the power of womanhood has shattered the stereotypes and smashed the glass ceiling in recent years. Yes, women are making significant endeavors in the engineering landscape with their knowledge, wisdom, strength, and leadership.

This article, especially on the occasion where we are celebrating International Women’s Day, sheds light on the journey of women in engineering. Exploring the barriers, the incredible achievements and progress, ongoing efforts for women’s inclusion, and the spotlight on amazing women who have already paved the way for many aspiring women engineers.

Why Women in Engineering Are Underrepresented

1. Societal Stereotypes

Our society has a fixed mindset and perception about engineering roles, assuming that women are not suited to work on engineering sites and workplaces. These stereotypes discourage women from pursuing engineering careers and make them feel excluded from engineering roles. A 2021 UNESCO report highlights that societal biases, especially in STEM fields, remain a global issue that requires active dismantling.

2. Lack of Role Models

A visible shortage of women engineer role models in our society makes it difficult for aspiring female engineers to envision their future in the field. For example, while Edith Clarke made historic contributions, many young women today still struggle to see such figures in their immediate environments. Without role models to look up to, choosing engineering as a career path becomes challenging.

3. Implicit Gender Bias

Unconscious stereotypes, prejudices, and gender bias persist in workplaces and society, affecting processes like recruitment, hiring, promotions, and rewards. Research from McKinsey & Company reveals that women often face disproportionate challenges at higher levels of engineering roles, resulting in unequal career development opportunities. This makes hiring female engineers and fostering their growth even more critical for organizations committed to diversity.

4. Work-Life Balance

Women are often expected to shoulder caregiving responsibilities alongside homemaking duties. This perception can make engineering roles, which demand long hours, strict project deadlines, and high-stakes projects, seem incompatible with their personal lives. Companies like Deloitte have found that offering flexible work arrangements can significantly alleviate this challenge.

Other barriers include:

• Lack of mentorship and support: Women often lack access to professional mentorship programs that are crucial for career development.
• Hostile work environments: Engineering workplaces can sometimes perpetuate exclusionary practices.
• Educational barriers: Access to quality STEM education for girls remains uneven in many regions globally.
• Lack of representation in leadership: Women are still underrepresented in decision-making roles across the engineering sector.

Current Statistics of Women in Engineering

As of 2022, women comprised approximately 16% of professionals working in architecture and engineering occupations (Source: Fictiv).

The Society of Women Engineers notes a rise in engineering bachelor’s degrees awarded to women, reaching around 21% in recent years. This progress highlights increasing interest among women but also underscores the importance of translating academic achievements into active engineering careers. However, graduation doesn’t always lead to careers in engineering. According to LinkedIn Pulse, approximately a quarter of women engineering graduates do not enter the engineering field after graduation. These statistics emphasize the importance of hiring female engineers to ensure better representation across all engineering disciplines.

Women’s representation varies across disciplines:

• Biomedical engineering shows the highest participation at 46%.
• Mechanical engineering has one of the lowest representations, with women comprising less than 10%.

For a deeper dive, Career Explorer’s report provides additional data and insights.

Why Women in Engineering Matters: Benefits of Gender Inclusion

The importance of women in engineering goes beyond gender equality. Their skills, diverse thought processes, innovative ideas, and problem-solving abilities contribute significantly to team success and project outcomes. Here’s why gender inclusion in engineering should be prioritized:

1. Diversity of Perspectives

Women professionals bring a variety of perspectives, ideas, approaches, and strategies to projects. For instance, mixed-gender teams at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have demonstrated how diverse viewpoints lead to innovative problem-solving during space missions. Hiring female engineers ensures access to these diverse perspectives that enhance creativity.

2. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation

Studies, including those from Harvard Business Review, indicate that gender-diverse engineering teams demonstrate superior creativity, problem-solving, and innovation, underscoring the value of inclusiveness. These teams foster an environment where diverse knowledge and ideas lead to groundbreaking innovations.

3. Improved Decision-Making

Gender-diverse teams enhance decision-making capabilities by combining diverse skills and communication styles. Women’s collaborative approaches complement male counterparts, resulting in robust and well-rounded solutions. Companies like General Electric (GE) have reported improved project outcomes after committing to gender diversity initiatives, which often include hiring female engineers to create more balanced teams.

4. Role Models for the Next Generation

Women leaders in engineering inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM. For instance, Reshma Saujani’s organization, Girls Who Code, demonstrates the power of visibility in encouraging the next generation to break stereotypes and enter engineering fields.

Best Practices to Build an Inclusive Future

How can we develop a welcoming environment for women in engineering? Here are actionable methods to build a women-inclusive workforce:

1. Promote STEM Education for Girls

Encouraging girls to pursue STEM education at an early age is essential. Initiatives like the “Million Women Mentors” program have successfully engaged young girls through workshops, mentorships, and training programs, fostering interest in engineering careers.

2. Foster Mentorship and Support Networks

Establishing mentorship programs connects women engineers with peers and mentors. For instance, the Society of Women Engineers offers online mentorship platforms where individuals can seek advice, share experiences, and build supportive communities. Such initiatives also create a supportive environment for hiring female engineers and ensuring their professional growth.

3. Implement Gender-Inclusive Policies

Develop and enforce recruitment policies that eliminate gender bias. Include diverse interview panels to ensure fair hiring practices. Companies like Intel have implemented family-friendly policies, such as flexible work schedules and comprehensive parental leave, to promote work-life balance for all employees. These steps also facilitate hiring female engineers by creating an attractive and supportive workplace.

4. Acknowledge and Celebrate Achievements

Recognize contributions and career milestones publicly through emails, social media posts, and rewards. Highlighting achievements boosts morale and fosters an inclusive work culture. For example, IBM’s “Women in Technology” program celebrates women engineers’ accomplishments, inspiring others to follow suit.

Success Stories: Inspiring Women Engineers in History

1. Edith Clarke

• First female electrical engineering graduate from MIT.
• Patented the Clarke Calculator, which solved electric power transmission issues.
• Became the first female electrical engineering professor at the University of Texas.

2. Emily Roebling

• Known for her role in completing the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883.
• Excelled in project management, construction, and mathematics to lead the bridge’s construction.

3. Hedy Lamarr

• An actress and brilliant inventor.
• Developed a signal encryption technique that became a precursor to modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

4. Ada Lovelace

• Recognized as the first computer programmer.
• Envisioned the potential of Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, laying the foundation for modern computing.

5. Bertha Benz

• Innovator and pioneer in automotive engineering.
• Undertook a historic 194-kilometer journey that proved the viability of the first automobile, solidifying her place in history alongside Carl Benz.

Denken Solutions for Women Inclusion

Denken Solutions is dedicated to fostering gender inclusion and empowerment in the workplace. Integrating proven strategies such as mentorship programs, flexible work policies, and celebrating achievements, Denken actively supports initiatives that bridge the gender gap in engineering. We believe in diversity and equal opportunities for all. By partnering with Denken Solutions, organizations can unlock the full potential of women engineers and create thriving, innovative teams. Hiring female engineers can be a critical step in building a more diverse and successful workforce.

Are you searching for women engineers to empower your dream team? Partner with Denken Solutions today and embrace the power of diversity for a brighter, more innovative future.