On 23 June, the world once again marks International Women in Engineering Day — a moment not just for celebration but for reflection, reckoning and resolve. The day calls attention to the remarkable contributions of women in the engineering sector, a field historically dominated by men and yet increasingly shaped by the vision, innovation and persistence of women. But as we acknowledge how far we have come, we must also confront the distance that remains.
Women are underrepresented in engineering roles globally — particularly in leadership positions. Structural inequities, implicit biases and lack of early encouragement continue to hold back many capable and passionate young girls from even considering a future in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). In this context, International Women in Engineering Day is not just a ceremonial gesture; it is an urgent reminder that systemic change requires sustained attention and commitment.
“International Women in Engineering Day is a chance to celebrate the women who are building, designing and innovating not only on the front lines, but behind the scenes, often in spaces where we are still underrepresented,” said Natalie Rutgers, VP of Product, Deepgram. “It’s a chance to recognise the creativity, empathy and perspective that these women bring to the table, not only through comments and discussion, but both loud and quiet influence.”
Rutgers’ words reflect a truth that often goes unsaid — that contributions come in many forms. While some women engineers take centre stage in labs and boardrooms, many more shape innovations quietly, acting as the structural supports of teams and projects. Rutgers emphasises the breadth of experience among women in engineering: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with women who knew they were destined to be engineers, and others who lived many different lives before landing in the field. That range of perspectives is critical, and it results in women often being the backbone of many teams.”
This diversity of background is not a weakness but a strength. Still, access remains uneven. Subtle societal cues often deter young girls before they even begin — a reality that Jamie Hawkins, Marketing Director, DH2i, knows all too well. “When young girls are told, subtly or directly, that STEM is not for them, we all lose,” Hawkins said. “I was lucky. I had people around me who championed my curiosity, who didn’t flinch when I broke things just to understand how they worked, who believed in my entrepreneurial drive even before I fully understood it myself. That kind of encouragement changed my life.”
Hawkins’s story underlines how vital early encouragement can be — not just from parents and teachers but from society at large. Role models matter. Representation matters. And so does accountability. Hawkins challenges those in leadership not to sit passively: “On International Women in Engineering Day, I challenge everyone — especially leaders — to ask: What are you doing to make space, lift others up and build the kind of culture where the next generation of innovators can thrive? It starts with us.”
That starting point, however, can vary widely depending on the environment — some workplaces do more than others to foster inclusion and support. Chrissay Brinkmann, Solutions Engineer, Leaseweb USA, recalls how her path into engineering was free of many of the hurdles others faced. “I was lucky to grow up with people, women and men, who never questioned my place in STEM,” she said. “They didn’t treat it like something unusual or out of reach. They just cheered me on, challenged me in the best ways and helped me see that my voice and ideas belonged in this space.”
Brinkmann’s reflection is both heartening and rare. She points to the culture at Leaseweb as one that genuinely supports diversity and inclusion — not as a slogan but as a way of solving problems and fostering innovation. “When people with different perspectives come together, the ideas get richer… the questions get sharper… and the solutions get better. It’s just that simple,” she said.
The benefits of diversity are well documented — not just in social outcomes but in business performance. Multidisciplinary teams that include diverse perspectives tend to outperform homogeneous groups when it comes to problem-solving and innovation. Yet progress remains stubbornly slow. While women comprise nearly half the workforce, they account for only around 16% of engineers in the UK and US, and even fewer in senior technical roles.
Jennifer Rojas, Director of Operations, Leaseweb Canada, echoes a similar sentiment. For her, 23 June is a deeply personal milestone. “June 23 isn’t just a day on the calendar. It’s this really powerful reminder of what’s actually possible when women are truly seen and supported in engineering and tech,” she said. Her career, like many others, was shaped by mentors who stepped in when confidence lagged and opportunities seemed distant. “It helped me take chances I probably wouldn’t have taken otherwise, follow what I was curious about and start imagining a future that felt bigger… and actually doable.”
Rojas also highlights the importance of companies “walking the walk” — not merely posting about diversity on social media but building teams and cultures that live it every day. “Celebrating women in engineering isn’t just about fairness. It’s about building smarter, better teams. And I hope the next generation sees that and knows: there’s absolutely room for you here.”
So as we approach Women in Engineering Day 2025, the stories of Rutgers, Hawkins, Brinkmann and Rojas serve as both tribute and testament. They remind us that while progress is real, it is also fragile — sustained only by vigilance, commitment and intentional action. If we are to see more women shaping the future of energy, transport, infrastructure, AI and beyond, we must nurture those possibilities at every level — in schools, homes, workplaces and boardrooms.
The call is not just to celebrate, but to act: to challenge the norms that exclude, to champion those on the margins and to ensure that engineering, as a discipline and as a profession, is built for everyone.
Because when women thrive in engineering, we all do.
