Every year on June 23rd, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is commemorated worldwide to honour the achievements and contributions of women in the field of engineering. Long gone are the days when Engineering was deemed to be a male’s game. INWED serves as a platform to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of women in engineering and inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in this traditionally male-dominated industry. In 2023, INWED continues to advocate for gender equality and encourage diversity in engineering with a compelling theme.
International Women in Engineering Day Theme
Each year, a different theme is associated with the day. The theme for this year’s INWED is ‘Make Safety Seen.’
History of International Women in Engineering Day
INWED was first established in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), a professional organization in the United Kingdom that has been promoting gender diversity in engineering since 1919. The inaugural celebration aimed to celebrate the 95th anniversary of WES and commemorate the remarkable achievements of women in engineering throughout history.
Since its inception, International Women in Engineering Day has gained global recognition and participation. It has become a significant platform for highlighting the accomplishments of women engineers, raising awareness about gender disparities in the field, and inspiring the next generation of female engineers.
Significance of International Women in Engineering Day
International Women in Engineering Day holds great significance for several reasons. Firstly, it recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women engineers, whose contributions have been historically overlooked or marginalized. By highlighting their achievements, the day aims to inspire other women to pursue careers in engineering and create a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Secondly, it sheds light on the gender disparity that exists in the engineering industry. Despite progress in recent years, women remain significantly underrepresented in engineering fields, facing various challenges such as unconscious bias, limited access to opportunities, and a lack of female role models. The day serves as a reminder to address these issues and work towards gender equality in engineering.
Moreover, INWED plays a crucial role in breaking stereotypes associated with engineering and showcasing the diverse range of career paths available to women in this field. It promotes the idea that engineering is not limited to a specific gender and encourages girls and young women to explore their potential in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
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