Friday 23 June 2023 is International Day of Women in Engineering. Diversity makes engineering stronger, more creative and more responsive to a rapidly changing world.
Monash University Faculty of Engineering Dean, Professor Yiannis Ventikos, said engineering educators and those in engineering leadership positions around the world all know about the amazing success stories of women making their mark through engineering in all kinds of sectors, industry, academia, or in government.
“Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, we are reminded that we must continue to build on the representation of women in our profession.
“Engineering can lead to rich and fulfilling careers for women who can and do, become very successful. Often reaching the very top of the profession and having a real impact not only to the field of Engineering but to society as a whole.
“At the same time, we are very aware of the chronic problem of women under-representation. We also happen to have a chronic, and now very pressing, shortage of engineers in practically all sectors.
“I am encouraged that at Monash, we have many examples where this representation is much better, approaching parity, like our Pink Nova Rover Student Team, High Powered Rocket and Formula 1 student teams where strong presence and leadership by young women engineers highlights to the world that engineering is for everyone, engineering needs everyone, engineering benefits everyone.
“Diversity makes engineering stronger, more creative and more responsive to the most pressing needs of diverse communities and industries in a rapidly changing world.”
Dr Elahe Abdi, Director of Robotics in Medicine and Interaction Laboratory and the Robotics Education Liaison Representative at the Australian Robotics and Automation Association said one way to attract more women to engineering, is to increase the visibility of those who are already active in this field.
“A diverse representation in engineering R&D is essential to ensure the products/outcomes meet the needs of all the end users.”
Monash University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering Lecturer and Researcher, Dr Faezeh Marzbanrad agreed, saying promoting greater representation of women in engineering is pivotal for integrating their unique perspectives and needs into solution design.
“By embracing diverse voices and experiences, we empower engineering to serve and uplift all individuals, transcending longstanding barriers to gender-inclusive innovation.”