The Future Is Female: Why Women Engineers Are Essential to Progress

“Young girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can’t be what you can’t see.”
- Sally Ride, physicist and first American women in space

Throughout history and across the globe, women have defied stereotypes and overcome obstacles to make groundbreaking contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Their stories not only highlight personal achievement but also serve as powerful inspiration for the next generation of girls.

June 23rd marked International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), a global celebration of the achievements of women in engineering and a call to inspire the next generation of female engineers. This year’s theme, "Together We Engineer," highlights the vital importance of collaboration and inclusivity in shaping the future of engineering.

Despite progress, the gender gap in science and engineering remains stark. On average, women hold only 28% of positions in STEM fields worldwide. In emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, female representation is even lower, especially in leadership roles. This issue has become increasingly urgent as technology and AI take center stage in the global economy and daily life.

The Ongoing Debate: Why Are There So Few Women in STEM?

The reasons are complex and interconnected:

• Gender stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing science and math from an early age.

• Lack of visible role models and mentors for young women in STEM.

• Barriers to education and professional development opportunities for women.

• Workplace cultures that are not always inclusive or supportive of women’s advancement.

Why Closing the Gender Gap Matters?

The lack of women in engineering and technology is not just a matter of fairness; it limits innovation and perpetuates biases in products and services—especially in AI—that can have wide-reaching consequences for society. Diverse teams bring broader perspectives, leading to more creative, ethical, and effective solutions.

How Can We Address This Challenge?

Solving this issue requires a holistic and sustained approach:

1. Reimagine STEM Education

• Update curricula to be more inclusive and free from stereotypes

• Integrate stories and examples of successful women in STEM.

• Encourage collaborative projects that engage girls and boys equally.

2. Mentoring and Visibility

• Establish mentorship programs connecting young women with experiences female engineers

• Increased the visibility of women leaders in science and technology.

3. Inclusive Workplace Policies

• Promote proactive hiring and career development for women.

• Offer flexible working conditions and recognize women’s achievements.

• Foster a culture of respect and inclusion at every level.

4. Support Campaigns and Partnerships

• Back global and local initiatives that promote gender equality in STEM, such as INWED and programs from international organizations.

5. Address Bias in Technology

• Ensure diverse teams are involved in developing new technologies.

• Use representative data sets to train AI and other systems, minimizing bias.

Together, We Engineer a Better Future

This year’s theme, "Together We Engineer," is a powerful reminder that engineering thrives when everyone’s voice is heard. Promoting women’s participation in STEM is not just a social responsibility; it’s an opportunity to build a more innovative, equitable, and human-centered future.

Your Next Move: Action Station

How can we help more women become part of Engineering?  Today is the perfect day to start that conversation and take action!  Let's engineer the future, together!

Until next time, let's continue to innovate and inspire change in engineering for a more inclusive future.