Empowering Women in Engineering

Did you know that in 2020, a fifth of all engineering bachelor's degrees went to women? That's a 19% increase from 1970! The percentage of women in engineering related roles has also risen from 10.5% in 2010 to 16.5% in 2021!

Traditionally, the field of engineering hasn't had as diverse a workforce as it could. But guess what? Studies show that diverse teams are actually more innovative and successful. So, it's not just about fairness, it's about unlocking the full potential of the entire engineering force!

 Today, there's a growing effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels welcome and empowered to pursue a career in engineering. This creates a richer environment for innovation and problem-solving, benefiting everyone involved.

As we celebrate International Women's Day with the theme "Inspire Inclusion," it's crucial to acknowledge the achievements of the remarkable women engineers who are already shaping our world. We must also strive to empower the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering, fostering a future where all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to excel in this dynamic and impactful field.

Female Icons in Engineering

Here are some inspiring women engineers who have paved the way:

• Dr Shirley Ann Jackson: She is the first African American woman to have earned a doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics and championed diversity and inclusion in STEM fields throughout her career.
• Dr Mary Jackson: One of NASA's first Black female engineers, whose calculations helped guide the Apollo missions to the moon.
• Hedy Lamarr: Yes, the Hollywood legend! Invented a frequency-hopping technology that became the foundation for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. At the beginning of World War II, along with composer George Antheil, she co-invented a radio guidance system for Allied torpedoes that used spread spectrum and frequency hopping technology to defeat the threat of radio jamming by the Axis powers. Talk about multi-talented!

These are just a few examples of the brilliant women who are changing the face of engineering.

Interview with one of our Female Engineering Contractors: 

We also asked to spoke to one of our female contractors who work in the engineering field:

What's the most rewarding aspect of your current role working in the pharma business?

“Learning about different areas of the business and in particular the science side including studies, research, the equipment & processes used. Biopharma is a complex, fascinating industry with so many specialist roles. There is so much to learn, ALL THE TIME”

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?

“It’s a fascinating business to work in with great opportunities if career progression and ambition is what you want/have. It is also cut throat, long hours, relentless work and pressure so it is important to take a step back every so often and smell the roses. You will never be out of work as an engineer.”

If you could change one thing about the culture of engineering for women, what would it be?

“Ensure there are more women entering the field of engineering to balance out the gender numbers. It is important to have a gender balance as both bring tremendous characteristics to a team which is good for the team and business results. Allow Men and Women to play to their strengths rather than making them ‘the same’.”

Want to find out more?

If you're already in the field, mentor younger women and advocate for fair treatment in your workplace. Organisations like the Society of Women Engineers offer scholarships, mentorship programs, and tons of helpful information.

Support companies that champion inclusion - look for organisations that are actively working to create diverse and welcoming workplaces. At Quanta, we're committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe a diverse workforce fuels innovation and drives success. We have 30 years of experience matching the perfect person to the perfect role for a variety of industries. We always have engineering roles, so if looking to kickstart your engineering career properly, contact us now or browse our roles. 

Remember, the future of engineering is bright! Let's break down barriers, inspire each other, and keep building  a world where women in engineering not only exist, but thrive and become the next generation of leaders and innovators!