The 12th edition of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is being observed across Australia on Monday June 23.
This year’s INWED is celebrated under the theme ‘Together We Engineer’.
Women make up just 16 percent of Australia’s engineering workforce and only 12 percent in construction.
“These figures don’t reflect a lack of talent. They reflect structural barriers and outdated ideas of what an engineer looks like,” Engineers Australia chief executive officer Romilly Madew said.
“Innovation thrives on diversity. Engineering must be seen as a career for everyone regardless of gender, background or birthplace.”
Helping push the change, Engineers Australia said it is investing in its Inspiring Future Engineers program.
The initiative aims to demystify engineering, highlight the diversity of career opportunities available and showcase role models to engage high school students.
“It shows young people that engineering isn’t just boots and hard hats. It’s about addressing global challenges like climate change, designing sustainable communities and building systems that work for everyone,” Madew said.
Skills shortage among the younger generation of engineers
Australia needs an estimated 60,000 more engineers by 2035.
Facility managers, in particular, rely heavily on skilled engineers across disciplines to design, operate and maintain complex systems that keep buildings and infrastructure running efficiently and safely.
Yet, domestic student commencements in engineering have flatlined since 2014 and fewer young people are taking the advanced maths subjects needed to enter the profession. It leaves the country heavily reliant on skilled migration to meet the demand.
Engineers Australia said INWED should serve as an event that highlights the ongoing need to create pathways that attract and retain more women in engineering.
“Not only are we celebrating the achievements of women, but we’re also examining the numbers, challenging the narratives and focusing on what comes next,” Madew said.
The number of female engineering graduates increased by 53 percent between 2012 and 2022. More girls are reported to now be choosing STEM subjects.
More women are believed to be mentoring others, and organisations are recognising that diversity isn’t just good policy, it’s essential for building future-ready teams.
“It’s a great time to be an engineer. However, we’re not just here to celebrate the few. We’re here to make engineering a clear and visible path for every girl who wants to follow it,” Madew says.
Read more: New program to boost influx of young engineers
