2 minute read - 23rd June 2025
INWED 25: Survey shows women in engineering are uniting to support and inspire
To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, EngineeringUK and the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) have released new survey findings highlighting the extensive support networks being used by female engineers, plus their determination to inspire the next generation.
In a recent survey of WES members, the majority of women reported being engaged in some form of support network. 67% said they are members of a professional body, and 57% are members of a membership network outside of their organisation. Encouragingly, almost half (45%) are involved in mentoring, and 38% are involved in informal support from other women in engineering.
One respondent commented: “It is good to have a global-to-local network of women engineers who will support each other and encourage using different paths and mentor schemes according to young women’s interests, ambitions, and aspirations.”
New survey findings show the extensive support networks being used by female engineers and their determination to inspire the next generation / Picture: Getty/iStock
Another commented: “I mentor a number of young women, mainly I speak to them about following their passions and not letting anything hold them back. I also explain the practicalities of following the field of engineering, subjects to study, interview tips and general confidence building.”
The survey findings also highlight what female engineers would like to see the community doing more of to inspire more young women to enter the sector. Among the top three responses were: promote the wide range of careers available in engineering, especially those that make a positive difference in the world (78%); support teachers with better training and resources to talk about engineering careers (76%); and start engaging children earlier, in primary or early secondary school (69%).
One WES member commented: “The sooner you start the conversation, the better – early years engagement with this is so important.”
Other popular suggestions included showcasing more visible female role models in engineering and technology (64%) and challenging gender stereotypes in education, media, and wider society (62%).
The WES survey shows 45% of female engineers are involved in mentoring, and 38% are involved in informal support from other women in engineering / Picture: Getty/iStock
Susan Robson, interim CEO at Women’s Engineering Society, said: “Support networks and visible role models are vital not only for retaining and progressing women in engineering, but for inspiring the next generation. Seventy per cent of women also cite that mentoring and sponsorship are critical for progression, and networks can be a key enabler for these. International Women in Engineering Day reminds us just how powerful that collective impact can be.”
Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, added: “Female representation in the sector is growing, but at a slow rate that will not meet workforce needs. Women now take up 16.9% of roles, up from around 10% in 2010. It’s moving in the right direction, but we need to build commitment and momentum to make a bigger difference faster. We’ve partnered with the Royal Academy of Engineering, Women’s Engineering Society (WES), BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) to address this. Through this gender pathways project, we are working with over 40 organisations with the collective mission to drive up the number of young women on pathways into engineering and technology at 18. Together, we will focus on key areas influencing girls and young women’s engineering and technology career choices.”
