International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is on 23 June and the School of Engineering and Informatics is celebrating by highlighting the amazing work that women engineers do around the world to support lives and livelihoods every day.
Women remain vastly underrepresented in engineering due to gender stereotyping, systemic bias and a lack of visible role models. INWED aims to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in engineering and encourage more women to join the profession.
New research from Women’s Engineering Society (WES) reveals that only 16.5% of people working in engineering professions were women. These statistics demonstrate why there is a pressing need to showcase powerful women role models and highlight the diverse career paths available to women in STEM professions.
This year’s INWED theme is #INWED23 Make Safety Seen which aims to highlight the best, brightest and bravest women in engineering, those women who #makesafetyseen and are helping to build towards a brighter future.
Here at Sussex, staff members at the School have been invited to contribute an encouraging message to inspire younger generations of women and to raise awareness of the importance of supporting female students studying Engineering and Informatics. The inspirational messages and quotes are displayed on a INWED wishing tree and staff, students, and visitors are also invited to contribute. The tree, situated in Chichester 1 foyer, will be on display until early July, offering a visual representation of dreams and aspirations taking root.
The wishing tree display was suggested by Dr. Ferheen Ayaz, a research fellow in Engineering and School EDI committee member. View an interactive board with some of the inspiring comments and images that staff members have already shared.
In celebration of INWED 2023, other events and activities are also taking place:
- Students from Engineering and Informatics have been invited to attend the ‘Women in STEM’ keynote speech and Q&A from Roma Agrawal. Agrawal is a diversity campaigner, author and award-winning structural engineer best known for working on the foundations and spire of The Shard in London. The keynote session will be taking place Friday 23 June 12.30pm-1.25pm, register your attendance here.
- Additionally, the School of Engineering and Informatics has been showcasing influential women inventors on the School’s social media platforms. These incredible individuals have made ground-breaking contributions to their respective fields:
- Hedy Lamarr is known for inventing a method of transmitting radio signals.
- Deepika Kurup is recognized for developing a method of water purification.
- Lin Lanying revolutionised the manufacturing of monocrystalline silicon with a new approach.
- Patricia Bath created a medical device that enhances the use of lasers for cataract removal.
- Lucy Hughes innovated by producing a bio-plastic from waste materials in the fishing industry.
Bella Malya, Lecturer in Product Design and Athena Swan School EDI committee member, shares her reflections: "In an underrepresented industry, I have had the privilege of working alongside numerous inspirational women as leaders, professors, lecturers, engineers, designers, and more throughout the years. Witnessing their strength, dedication, and kindness has taught me the importance of perseverance and supporting others on their journeys. International Women in Engineering Day provides an excellent platform to share our stories, celebrate diversity, and inspire the next generation in their pursuit of engineering and design."
Dr. Elizabeth Rendon-Morales, Senior Lecturer in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the School of Engineering and Informatics, expresses the significance of this celebration: "INWED is a valuable opportunity for us to evaluate our efforts in supporting women staff and students, and recognise those who are making significant strides in creating a more diverse and gender-equal sector."
On International Women in Engineering Day, we invite everyone to come together to honour the accomplishments of women in engineering and work towards a future where gender equality thrives in every corner of the profession.