Engineering has long been considered a male-dominated field, but efforts are underway to break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Despite progress in recent years, a significant gender gap persists. This blog explores the current state of women in engineering, discusses the challenges they face and proposes strategies to inspire and empower more women to enter the field as seen through my journey to becoming a Professional Engineer.
In my role as Senior Principal and Practice Leader at Sain, I’ve gained valuable insights while championing and assisting women in the AEC industry. For me and my journey, I owe gratitude to the guidance and inspiration that my women mentors have given me, and to those who served as my role models. At Sain, we are committed to actively backing women in the industry, which is evident through our involvement in organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction and BirminghamCREW. In addition, we are committed to initiatives such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. Recognizing the challenges faced by women in AEC, we must continue our work by offering unwavering support to those aspiring to build successful careers in this field.
The Gender Gap in AEC
Upon contemplating my journey, I’ve observed substantial gender disparity in the AEC industry. While attending engineering classes, I was disheartened to find that the number of women was remarkably low. This pattern is not exclusive to my own experience. Despite women constituting more than half of the workforce with bachelor’s degrees, only 27% of the Architecture and Engineering workforce are women, and only 10.9% are involved in the construction sector.
Commonly held beliefs frequently indicate that many women do not pursue the engineering profession because of the misconceptions that women do not find satisfaction in constructing things as well as the the perception that only individuals excelling in math and science should choose such a career path.
Despite these challenges, there is a global push for special activities and events designed to encourage young women to pursue these careers. Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, a part of the Engineers Week initiative sponsored by Discover E, is an engineering event that we host locally with Birmingham area schools. This event aims to inspire young girls to consider a career in engineering, challenge stereotypes, and foster a love for these fields.
Why Support Matters
Supporting women in the AEC industry is not just about numbers; it’s about diversity and recognizing the unique skill sets women bring to the workplace. Diversity is essential for innovation and problem-solving, and we cannot achieve true diversity without more women in these fields. Women contribute fresh perspectives, creativity, and resilience – qualities that are invaluable in a dynamic industry like ours.
As a woman navigating the challenges of the AEC industry, the presence of other women in my professional network has been a game-changer. Women often face unspoken and unwritten rules that can create tension, such as concerns about being too quiet, overly aggressive, or emotional. Simply observing how other women present and assert themselves in various settings has been instrumental in navigating these challenges.
Furthermore, female role models serve as proof that there are no glass ceilings in the AEC industry. Seeing successful women in leadership positions has encouraged me to believe that if she can do it, so can I. It’s not just about breaking barriers; it’s about showing that women can thrive in this field despite the challenges.
A Supportive Community
One of the most significant aspects of female support in the workplace is the shared experience of being a working mother. Navigating the challenges, emotional ups and downs, and the general exhaustion that comes with juggling a career and family is more manageable with the support of fellow moms in the workplace. Having a network of women who understand the unique struggles and joys of balancing work and family life is invaluable.
In summary, the empowerment of women in the AEC industry goes beyond mere equality; it involves cultivating a more dynamic and enriched professional environment. Through active support and encouragement of women, we play a crucial role in constructing a diverse and inclusive industry that will benefit everyone.