International Women in Engineering Day 2024: Why It Matters and How It Started

International Women in Engineering Day is a significant event that highlights the contributions of women in the engineering field. This is a day to celebrate the achievements of women in engineering as well as inspire future generations.  

In this article, we will cover: 

• The history and origins of Women in Engineering Day. 

• The importance of celebrating women in engineering. 

• Key facts about female engineers in Canada. 

• Potential reasons for the obvious gender gap. 

Join us in recognizing and celebrating the incredible women who are shaping the future of engineering. 

The History and Origins of Women in Engineering Day 

International Women in Engineering Day traces its roots back to the establishment of the Women's Engineering Society (WES) in the United Kingdom in 1919. WES was founded by a group of pioneering women who had worked as engineers during World War I. Their efforts were aimed at sustaining the involvement of women in engineering professions, which saw a dramatic rise during the war as women took on roles traditionally held by men. 

To commemorate its 95th anniversary, WES launched National Women in Engineering Day (NWED) in 2014 to celebrate the achievements of women engineers and to encourage more young women to consider engineering as a career. This initiative has since grown into an international celebration, recognized by UNESCO in 2016 as International Women in Engineering Day (IWED).  

IWED, celebrated annually on June 23rd, aims to raise awareness of the contributions of women engineers, promote gender diversity in engineering, and inspire future generations of female engineers. 

Why Women in Engineering Day Matters 

IWED reflects the ongoing struggle and progress toward gender equality in engineering, highlighting both historical and contemporary achievements of women in this critical field. Celebrating Women in Engineering Day not only honours these contributions but also serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging more inclusive practices within the engineering profession. 

Overall, International Women in Engineering Day aims to: 

• Encourage Diversity: Engineering has traditionally been (and still is) a male-dominated field. Celebrating women in engineering promotes diversity and inclusion, leading to more innovative solutions and a better representation of society. 

• Inspire Future Generations: Highlighting the achievements of women engineers serves as an inspiration for young girls, showing them that a career in engineering is both attainable and rewarding. 

• Recognize Past Contributions: This day acknowledges the vital contributions of women in engineering, which are often overlooked in history and industry. 

Canadian Women in Engineering: Key Facts 

• Only 25% of all STEM positions are held by women. 

• Less than 15% of STEM managers are women. 

• As of 2024, women make up around 13% of all registered engineers (P.Eng.) in Canada. 

• Female enrollment in engineering programs has steadily increased, with women constituting  20-30% of undergraduate engineering students across Canadian universities. 

• Engineers Canada's 30 by 30 initiative aims to increase the representation of newly licensed female engineers to 30% by 2030. 

Why is There a Gender Gap in Engineering? 

Despite advancements, a notable gender gap persists in engineering, influenced by several intertwined factors. 

Cultural and societal norms play a significant role in shaping career aspirations. From a young age, girls are often steered away from STEM fields due to entrenched stereotypes and a lack of female role models in engineering. This cultural conditioning can dampen their interest in pursuing engineering careers. 

Educational barriers also contribute to this disparity. Girls receive less encouragement to take advanced courses in math and science, leading to fewer women enrolling in engineering programs at universities. The educational environment can further exacerbate this issue, as women may feel isolated or unsupported in predominantly male classrooms. 

Additionally, workplace dynamics and organizational culture can make it hard for women to succeed in engineering careers. Problems like gender bias, lack of mentorship, and unequal chances for promotion create a tough environment for women engineers. These issues often result in more women leaving the field. 

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM from an early age, creating supportive educational environments, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures are essential steps toward bridging the gender gap in engineering. By tackling these issues, the engineering field can become more diverse, innovative, and representative of society as a whole. 

RJC Engineers' Celebration of Women in Engineering Day 

RJC Engineers is proud to celebrate Women in Engineering Day by highlighting the achievements and contributions of our female engineers. RJC is deeply committed to supporting female engineers and promoting gender diversity within the engineering field. Our initiatives include: 

• Employee Resource Group - RJC Women: A group who helps to raise awareness, bring support, and provide a forum for learning and discussion around women in engineering. This group organizes internal events, provides a supportive network to voice ideas and bring forward suggestions for improving workplace policies and cultures, and help build community. 

• Maternity and Paternity Top Up: Our policy includes top-up pay for RJCers taking maternity and parental leaves, positioning RJC in the top ranks of Canadian Engineering firms in this regard.  

• Workshops and Seminars: We host and participate in webinars, in-person sessions, and workshops aimed at encouraging women and girls to pursue engineering careers and excel in them. We also host internal events for women and allies, covering topics like leadership and work-life balance. 

• Promoting Camp Engies: Camp Engies is a volunteer-led camp that introduces young girls to engineering through engaging activities and mentorship. RJC Engineers actively supports and promotes this initiative to inspire the next generation of female engineers. 

Celebrate Women in Engineering Day, Every Day! 

International Women in Engineering Day is more than a celebration; it's a call to action to promote diversity, inspire future generations, and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in STEM. By supporting events and initiatives that highlight women in this field, RJC hopes to pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.