International Womens Day – recognition of how far we’ve come but how much further we have to go. A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So, let's all choose to challenge. Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.

As a sector engineering is vastly underrepresented at only 12% of the engineering workforce according to the 2020 Engineering UK report, however women have been contributing to the range of fields in engineering throughout history. In the 1841 census over 100 women were working in the field of engineering and made huge contributions during World War One however the Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act forced many women out of the industry as male engineers were given their positions back. This is why in 1919 the Womens Engineering Society was set up in the UK and still supports and encourages women in the sector today.

The Women’s Engineering Society is a charity and professional network of women engineers, scientists and technologists. Their aim is to raise the profile of female engineers and work to support and inspire women in the industry to achieve across all levels. WES holds a number of events for students and professionals; they also host the Top 50 Women in Engineering awards, which is announced two days before International Women in Engineering Day which falls on 23rd June. This event incorporates 250 separate events around the world. The Day aims to encourage women to study engineering, support women already in the field to achieve their potential and work with organisers and influencers to promote gender diversity and equality in the workplace.
Through our relationships with the Women’s Engineering Society and STEM Returners (an organisation dedicated to assisting people return to work following a career break), Light Source People ensure diversity and actively promote talent attraction to support women in the sector.

How will you help forge a gender equal world?

Further Reading

Women in engineering | Science Museum

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY 2020 - International Women in Engineering Day (INWED)