International Women in Engineering Day 2025: Celebrating Progress and Inspiring the Future
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is a globally recognized event celebrated annually on June 23 to honor the achievements of women in engineering and encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in this field. In 2025, INWED marks its 12th anniversary, continuing its mission to promote gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) . Organized by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), the day serves as a platform to highlight the contributions of women engineers, address the gender gap in the profession, and inspire the next generation of female innovators . This year’s theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and the collective effort needed to reshape the engineering landscape .
The Significance of INWED 2025
Engineering remains one of the most male-dominated professions globally. In the UK, only 16.5% of engineers are women, a statistic that underscores the persistent gender disparity in the field . Despite progress in recent years—such as a 17% increase in female applicants for engineering degrees in 2023—women are still significantly underrepresented, particularly in senior roles . INWED plays a crucial role in challenging stereotypes, showcasing female role models, and advocating for systemic change to create a more inclusive industry.
The day is not just about recognition; it is a call to action. Governments, educational institutions, corporations, and professional bodies worldwide organize events, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns to engage young girls and support women already in the field . By amplifying the voices of women engineers, INWED helps dismantle barriers and fosters an environment where talent—regardless of gender—can thrive.
Historical Background and Evolution of INWED
The origins of INWED trace back to 1919, when the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) was founded in the UK. This was a pivotal moment following World War I, as women who had taken on engineering roles during the war were forced out of the profession due to societal pressures and legal restrictions . Pioneering women like Lady Katharine Parsons, Rachel Parsons, and Margaret Rowbotham established WES to advocate for gender equality in engineering, ensuring that women could continue contributing to the field .
INWED itself was launched in 2014 as National Women in Engineering Day to commemorate WES’s 95th anniversary . The initiative quickly gained traction, and by 2017, due to growing international participation, it was rebranded as International Women in Engineering Day . In 2016, UNESCO granted INWED patronage, further solidifying its global significance . Over the past decade, INWED has expanded to include events in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, India, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda, reflecting its worldwide impact .
The 2025 Theme: #TogetherWeEngineer
This year’s theme, #TogetherWeEngineer, highlights the power of collaboration in driving innovation and fostering inclusivity. Engineering is inherently a team effort, and diverse perspectives lead to more creative and effective solutions . The theme encourages:
Mentorship and Networking: Connecting experienced women engineers with young professionals and students to provide guidance and support .
Corporate and Institutional Engagement: Companies and universities are urged to implement policies that promote gender diversity, such as flexible work arrangements and leadership development programs .
Global Solidarity: Recognizing that gender equality in engineering is a universal challenge that requires collective action across borders .
Organizations like Penspen, SWE (Society of Women Engineers), and IABSE (International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering) are actively participating by showcasing female engineers’ stories and hosting panel discussions . For example, Penspen is spotlighting women like Shobhina Teotia (Operations & Testing Manager), Maria Romero (Analytical Chemist), and Rachael Williamson (Account Manager) to illustrate the diverse career paths within engineering .
How INWED 2025 is Being Celebrated Worldwide
INWED is marked by a wide array of activities designed to engage different audiences:
1. Educational Initiatives
Schools and universities organize STEM workshops, coding bootcamps, and career talks to introduce young girls to engineering. Programs like SWENext (by the Society of Women Engineers) host events where students participate in hands-on projects, such as building structures with toothpicks and clay, to spark interest in engineering.
2. Corporate and Professional Events
Companies hold webinars, panel discussions, and networking sessions featuring women engineers sharing their career journeys. For instance, WES’s "INWED Talks" features conversations on inclusivity and innovation in engineering . Additionally, organizations like IABSE release video messages from female engineers worldwide, offering inspiration and advice .
3. Advocacy and Policy Discussions
Governments and NGOs use INWED to push for policy changes, such as better parental leave policies and anti-discrimination measures in STEM workplaces . The AXIS Pledge, signed by companies like Penspen, commits to improving gender diversity in engineering .
4. Social Media Campaigns
Hashtags like #INWED2025, #ShapeTheWorld, and #WomenInEngineering trend globally as individuals and organizations share stories of female engineers . In 2024, INWED-related posts reached 1.1 billion impressions, demonstrating its massive digital footprint .
Challenges and the Path Forward
While INWED celebrates progress, significant challenges remain:
Retention of Women in Engineering: Many women leave the profession mid-career due to workplace biases, lack of advancement opportunities, or difficulties balancing work and family life .
Stereotypes and Cultural Barriers: Persistent myths—such as "engineering is only for men" or "women aren’t good at math"—discourage girls from pursuing STEM education .
Global Disparities: In some regions, cultural norms restrict women’s access to engineering education and careers entirely .
To address these issues, experts recommend:
Early Exposure: Introducing girls to engineering concepts in primary school .
Mentorship Programs: Pairing young women with established engineers to provide career guidance .
Workplace Reforms: Implementing flexible work policies, unconscious bias training, and leadership development initiatives .
Conclusion: A Call to Action for 2025 and Beyond
International Women in Engineering Day 2025 is more than a celebration—it is a movement toward a future where engineering is truly inclusive. By recognizing the achievements of women engineers, advocating for systemic change, and inspiring the next generation, INWED plays a pivotal role in reshaping the profession.
As Dr. Tina Vejrum, the first female president of IABSE, aptly stated: "Diversity cannot stand alone if there is not inclusion. We need to inspire young girls to study engineering and take an active role in shaping tomorrow’s sustainable societies." .
This June 23, let us all—governments, educators, companies, and individuals—commit to #TogetherWeEngineer and build a world where every aspiring engineer, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.
Photo from: Unsplash
0 Comment to "International Women in Engineering Day: Empowering Women Engineers Worldwide"
Post a Comment