Dear Editor
Globally, only 16.5% of engineers are women. Historically, the field of engineering has been a typically male environment. STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at school were viewed more as male subjects, while females gravitated towards the humanities subjects. It can be argued that females were encouraged to study non-STEM subjects. The humanities are more a collection of disciplines than a single discipline. Disciplines that focus on the human condition, from a philosophical or artistic perspective, are generally included in the humanities. These include fine arts, performing arts, literature, philosophy, religion, and history. This gender biased perspective and reality must be interrogated. Engineering is about innovation and problem solving. The field of engineering requires multiples perspectives and as such women and girls should be encouraged to pursue careers in engineering.
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is celebrated annually on June 23rd to honour the outstanding achievements of women engineers and to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in engineering. The day highlights the contributions of women to the engineering field and promotes gender diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
INWED is an international awareness campaign that celebrates the work and achievements of women engineers. It aims to inspire the next generation of female engineers and promote gender equality and diversity in engineering professions.
This year’s theme is “Together We Engineer”. The theme is perfectly aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #5 that speaks to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
International Women in Engineering Day was launched for the first time in the United Kingdom in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) to celebrate its 95th anniversary. Since that launch, the day has grown enormously over the subsequent years to the point where it received the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) patronage in 2016. In 2017, International Women in Engineering Day became international for the first time due to the interest and enthusiasm developed by the international audience and participants in the previous years.
Global education systems have a vital role to play in foster a culture that is supportive of girls pursing STEM subjects. Unfortunately, many counties only pay lip service to girls in STEM.
Female mentors are crucial for encouraging women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Mentorship programmes can provide valuable support, guidance, and role models, helping women navigate the challenges and build confidence in these traditionally male-dominated areas.
It is critical to encourage girls to consider engineering careers and to help fill the substantial future job opportunities predicted for the engineering sector.
On this the International Women in Engineering Day, let us collectively support initiatives that empower women and girls in STEM.
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.
Yours truly
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
#InternationalWomenInEngineeringDay
#INWED
