During the span of my career, I have experienced situations which proved that gender bias in the engineering industry still exists. There are still individuals that hold a deep-rooted belief that engineering should remain a field reserved for men, exacerbated by mainstream media. Despite efforts to create change, as long as this mindset persists, discrimination against women engineers in the workplace will continue. 

I believe it is crucial to continue fighting gender bias by enabling women to grow and hold positions of leadership. The glass ceiling is not a new phenomenon and one that is yet to be completely abolished.  This invisible barrier prevents women from reaching senior leadership positions, despite possessing the requisite skills and qualifications. For decades, societal norms have perpetuated the notion that engineering is a man’s job. This has led to an underrepresentation of women in the industry and an environment where our contributions are undervalued. Now is the crucial time to provide an accurate representation of women engineers. This will not only inspire the younger generations but also empower women who experience impostor syndrome.  Engineering companies need to recognise the value that women engineers provide through the delivery of edge-cutting projects and boosting innovation. 

Becoming a (woman) leader  

In the dynamic world of engineering, where innovation is a shared goal, leadership plays a crucial role in leading teams toward success. The position that I hold at Aeristech as the Head of Engineering and Product Development is the first role in my career where I manage my own team. Despite the challenges that come with shattering the glass ceiling, the continued support I have received, and my own set of skills enabled me to thrive as a leader. 

 Here’s the most important lesson I have learned so far: at the heart of effective leadership lies a fundamental skill, communication. As the engineering landscape continues to evolve, the ability to communicate effectively is increasingly recognised as the cornerstone of successful leadership. Having the ability to listen, take in information from lots of sources and people, and make a firm, clear decision is the crux of every leader’s role. In engineering, where collaboration across multidisciplinary teams is essential, strong communication skills can bridge the gap between technical expertise and visionary leadership. As a woman in a leadership role, I have seen this done both very well and very poorly in the various roles I have had during my career and even outside work. The distinction between effective and ineffective communication often marks the difference between a thriving team and one that struggles to meet its goals.  

One of the key practices I’ve adopted is maintaining an open-door policy at work. This approach encourages team members of all levels to talk to me and feel safe discussing difficult matters. By creating an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, I aim to build a culture of transparency and trust. This not only improves team morale but also empowers individuals to contribute their ideas and perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions.  

As the engineering landscape continues to evolve, the role of women in leadership will become increasingly vital. Women leaders can pave the way for a more inclusive future in the engineering industry. 

Learning from the past and shaping the future  

Women in engineering have always been at the forefront of innovation, drawing lessons from the past to shape a fair future for all. While my contributions to the field may seem modest, I’ve found that small actions often have the most significant impact. As a strong advocate for the engineering industry, I engage with STEM education and outreach by running student competitions, hosting university lectures, and organising activities at schools and events to inspire the next generation.  

After delivering my talks, I often hear back from the attendees interested in becoming an engineer. Some students have even stayed in touch, and it’s satisfying to see them start their engineering careers. The recognition I have received by being named among the Top 50 Women in Engineering, Inventors, and Innovators in 2022 brings me a lot of satisfaction. It emphasises the importance of visibility in challenging stereotypes and encouraging more women to enter the field. 

In addition to my efforts, I draw inspiration from figures like Ada Lovelace, who is often celebrated for her contributions to computer programming. Her work translating Charles Babbage’s technical paper made complex concepts accessible to the public, highlighting the vital role communication plays in engineering. Lovelace’s example demonstrates the importance of diverse skills beyond technical expertise. Engineering requires not just innovation and design but also excellent leadership. 

The multifaced nature of the engineering industry creates a need for diverse teams that can bring unique perspectives and talents to the table. By embracing this diversity and learning from historical figures and contemporary experiences, we can create a future in engineering where varied skills drive innovation and excellence.  

Advice to younger self  

To all aspiring women engineers, here’s a piece of advice I wish I had received when I was starting my career: Do not make other people’s issues your problem. Focus on your own tasks and career aspirations, and do not let negativity from others distract you from your goals. Remember, you are the architect of your journey.    

I understand that this is often easier said than done. However, maintaining a clear focus on your path is essential. In addition to this, I believe all engineers should be advocates for their peers. We are stronger when we work as a cohesive team. It benefits us to uplift one another and support each other’s growth, regardless of backgrounds or personal circumstances.   

Together, we can create an environment where everyone can excel. By embracing collaboration and mutual support, we not only enhance our success but also contribute to the advancement of the entire engineering community. Focus on your aspirations, support your peers, and build a brighter future for everyone in engineering.   

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