Every year on June 23rd, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day all over the world. This is an occasion to acknowledge and commend the outstanding accomplishments of female engineers across various engineering segments. This significant day is not just about celebrating past and present successes, but also about motivating the up-and-coming generations while breaking down gender biases in the field of engineering.
The day creates a platform to highlight the impactful work of women engineers globally and further promotes the pursuit of engineering careers among women and girls.
History of Women in Engineering Day
Every year on June 23, we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED). This day plays a crucial role in drawing global attention to the notable successes of women in engineering and the wealth of career opportunities available in the engineering sphere.
INWED got its start in 2014, brought to life by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the UK to mark the society’s 95th year. The event was christened National Women in Engineering Day (NWED) and was exclusively observed in the UK.
The initiative quickly garnered considerable attention and recognition, leading to a worldwide appreciation and celebration. Consequently, in 2017, it was rebranded to International Women in Engineering Day to better reflect its global reach.
The creation of this day was largely in response to the significant under-representation of women in the engineering profession. Although strides have been made over the years, the engineering field remains predominantly male.
Of course, attempts to revolutionise women’s involvement in engineering precede INWED. One significant milestone was the establishment of WES in 1919, after World War I, set up in response to women demonstrating that they, too, were capable of succeeding in technical and engineering work.
Initiatives like INWED are crucial in upturning gender stereotypes, advocating for greater equality, and inspiring future generations - all goals that INWED fervently champions.
Women in Engineering Day Timeline
Emily Roebling's Contribution
Emily Roebling steps in to oversee the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge construction after her husband fell ill.
First Female Engineer Graduate
Elizabeth Bragg became the first woman to receive a bachelor's degree in engineering, by the University of California, Berkeley.
Women in World War II Engineering
With many men serving in World War II, women were widely recruited into engineering roles to support the war effort.
Percentage Increase of Women in Engineering
The percentage of women awarded engineering degrees increases from 1% in 1975 to nearly 20%.
International Women in Engineering Day
The National Women in Engineering Day from the UK expands to be an international event, promoting the profiles of women engineers worldwide.
Current Progress in Women Engineering
Women constitute about 28.8% of those employed in science and engineering occupations in the United States according to the National Girls Collaborative Project.
Ideas to Celebrate Women in Engineering Day
Engineering Empowerment Speeches
Invite renowned female engineers from various fields to give insightful and motivating speeches that shed light on their respective experiences and the importance of female representation in engineering.
Engineering Workshops
Organize interactive workshops where female engineers guide attendees through exciting hands-on engineering projects, helping participants to understand the practical aspects of an engineer's work.
Recognition Award Ceremony
Highlight the accomplishments of noteworthy female engineers in your organization or community by granting them awards of recognition. This can serve as a means of encouragement and inspiration for aspiring engineers.
Engineering Career Fair
Host a career fair focusing on engineering opportunities for women, this can include booths from companies seeking to support women in engineering.
Documentary Screening and Discussion
Screen a documentary focusing on the achievements and challenges of women in engineering. This can be followed by a discussion and question-answer session.
6 Interesting Facts About Women in Engineering
Substantial Increase in Women in Engineering
Since 1970, the percentage of engineering degrees awarded to women has increased from just 0.3% to nearly 20% in recent years. Despite this, there is still a huge gender gap in the field.
The ‘Queen of Water Supply’
Ellen Swallow Richards, an industrial and environmental chemist, was the first woman to be admitted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and later became the first American woman to earn a degree in Chemistry.
Engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge
Emily Warren Roebling stepped in as the first woman field engineer and technical leader of the Brooklyn Bridge when; her husband, the chief engineer, fell ill. The bridge was completed in 1883.
NASA’s Human Calculator
Katherine Johnson, a mathematician and physicist, was a central figure in NASA's early space missions. Despite the racial and gender barriers of the time, she excelled in computing orbital mechanics. Her calculations helped put a man on the moon.
The Woman behind Kevlar
Stephanie Kwolek, a chemist at the company DuPont, invented Kevlar in 1965. This strong, lightweight, and resistant material is used in bulletproof vests and other protective gear, and has saved countless lives.
Engineers Make Great Leaders
According to Harvard Business Review, women engineers are more likely to be promoted into leadership roles. They found that because these women have proven their competence in a male-dominated field, they are often seen as equally competent to lead.
Women in Engineering Day FAQs
Next Women in Engineering Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 23rd | Friday |
| 2024 | June 23rd | Sunday |
| 2025 | June 23rd | Monday |
| 2026 | June 23rd | Tuesday |
| 2027 | June 23rd | Wednesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every June 23rd | |
Women in Engineering Day Word Search
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