Engineering has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but the times are changing. Increasingly, women are breaking barriers and making significant contributions to engineering, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the industry. However, there is still much work to be done in achieving true gender diversity in the sector.
Why Diversity in Engineering Matters
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical component of success in any industry, particularly in engineering, where the best solutions come from a variety of perspectives. Here are a few reasons why diversity, especially gender diversity, is vital in engineering:
- Innovation through different perspectives: Diverse teams are proven to drive more innovative solutions. Women often bring different approaches to problem-solving, which can lead to more creative and efficient outcomes.
- Bridging the skills gap: The engineering industry faces a significant skills shortage, and encouraging more women into the field can help close this gap. By tapping into underrepresented talent pools, companies can ensure they have access to the best minds available.
- Improved collaboration and teamwork: Studies show that diverse teams tend to collaborate better and perform more effectively. Women often bring valuable interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, making team-based projects more successful.
- Building a more inclusive future: Encouraging women to pursue engineering careers helps break down outdated stereotypes, inspiring future generations to follow suit and creating a more inclusive industry for all.
Celebrating Influential Women Engineers in the UK
Many incredible women have made their mark in engineering, paving the way for future generations. Here are a few of the UK’s most influential women engineers:
- Dame Ann Dowling: As a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cambridge, Dame Ann Dowling is one of the most respected figures in the industry. Her research in combustion and acoustics has had a huge impact on reducing noise and emissions in aircraft and cars. She was also the first female president of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
- Yewande Akinola: An award-winning engineer, Yewande Akinola specialises in sustainable water management and the design of sustainable urban spaces. She’s been a passionate advocate for diversity in engineering, using her platform to inspire young women and people from minority backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM.
- Roma Agrawal: A structural engineer who worked on The Shard, Roma Agrawal is a leader in her field and a champion for women in engineering. She’s written extensively about her experiences in the industry and is an advocate for encouraging girls to take up STEM subjects from a young age.
- Shrouk El-Attar: An electrical engineer and activist, Shrouk El-Attar was named one of Forbes’ “Top 30 Under 30” for her contributions to technology and advocacy for refugees in STEM fields. Her work is a prime example of how diverse backgrounds can enrich the engineering world.
Building a Diverse Engineering Workforce
At GPW Recruitment, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in engineering. We believe that creating opportunities for women in the sector is crucial for driving innovation and filling the skills gap. But we can’t do it alone.
We encourage you to actively seek out diverse talent, whether you’re filling permanent roles or temporary contracts. A more inclusive workforce leads to better collaboration, creativity, and business success.
If you’re a woman interested in a career in engineering, or if you’re looking for your next opportunity, we want to hear from you! We work with a variety of forward-thinking companies that value diversity and are keen to bring more women into their teams. Together, we can shape the future of engineering.
Let’s continue to build an industry where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute their unique skills. For more information on how GPW Recruitment can support your recruitment needs or help you find your next role, get in touch with our team today!
jobs@gpwrecruitment.co.uk
0144 454 300