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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
For a deeper dive, Career Explorer’s report provides additional data and insights.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
How can we develop a welcoming environment for women in engineering? Here are actionable methods to build a women-inclusive workforce:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.