Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day 2025
23rd June 2025
June 23rd proudly celebrates International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) - the incredible women shaping the future of construction and engineering.
This year’s theme, #WeEngineerTogether, highlights the power of collaboration and diversity in driving innovation. Diversity isn’t just a checkbox - it’s the foundation for better design, more efficient delivery, and a more inclusive built environment for everyone.
Women in Engineering and Construction
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in engineering and construction. In the UK, women make up just 16.5% of engineers and only 14% of the construction workforce (SheBuilds). This gap widens in site-based and technical roles, where only 1% of skilled tradespeople are women (Housegrail).
Leadership roles show similar disparities: less than 9% of senior engineering positions are held by women (The Access Group).
These statistics underline the urgent need for greater gender diversity in engineering to foster innovation and better reflect the communities we build for.
Real Women, Real Stories in Engineering
Alexandra Canham-Croom - 'Follow Your Passion'
Alexandra, Principal Mechanical Engineer at GDM Building Consultants Ltd, encourages young women considering engineering:
“If you're passionate about designing, solving problems and contributing to the future, then engineering can be a rewarding career. Follow your passion and find mentors and allies who can support your growth and aspirations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions (no question is silly) and be yourself.”
Mary-Ann Clarke - Engineering Life in Verse
Mary-Ann Clarke, Director of Data Centre Delivery at AECOM, shares her day-to-day juggling act through an original poem, capturing the dynamic balance of career and life:
"It’s spreadsheets, calcs, design work,
Checking specs, reports - they’re all perfecting.
A meeting with a special client,
A workshop to ensure compliance,
Mentoring a newfound grad,
Presenting now the next big fad.
But take time. Reflect. Enjoy each moment.
I believe these are the right components
To lead a life as mine so far.
So one day soon you’ll all be stars."
Androniki Koutsoulli - Break Boundaries, Build Futures
Androniki from HDR leaves us with a powerful call to action:
“Remove all boundaries and become a great engineer! There is so much to contribute and even more to gain from a fulfilling career, being part of exceptional teams and seeing your hard work come to life. Be excited to make the world better than we found it.”
Positive Trends: Growth of Women in Construction
There’s cause for optimism. Recent data shows that 37% of new construction recruits are women (CHAS, Women In Construction Week).
This encouraging growth signals that, with targeted support and pathways, the gender gap in construction and engineering can narrow - creating a more balanced, innovative workforce.
Why Representation Matters in Engineering
Representation goes beyond numbers - it inspires the next generation. When young women see successful engineers who look like them, they’re more likely to pursue and thrive in these careers.
Mentorship, allyship, and inclusive networks are crucial to supporting women through challenges and advancing diversity in the industry.
To truly engineer together, we must:
- Champion mentoring and sponsorship programs
- Celebrate visibility and everyday leadership stories
- Encourage boldness and ambition in future engineers
The future of engineering needs diverse minds - problem-solvers, creators, and leaders - to build an industry that reflects the society it serves.
Join the movement. Celebrate women in engineering together.
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#INWED25 #WeEngineerTogether #WomenInEngineering #ConstructionDiversity #EngineeringCareers