The International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated annually on the 23rd of June. The theme for 2024 (INWED 2024) is "Enhanced by Engineering." The theme encapsulates the fundamental essence of engineering, which involves the strategic application of scientific principles and advanced technology to resolve diverse human problems and challenges.

Women engineers have actively engaged with the theme of Enhancement by Engineering. Historically, female engineers have created things that have helped to shape our world, often items designed to make routine work easier. For example, Margaret E. Knight, a self-taught engineer, known as "the lady Edison," invented the paper bag machine in 1868, revolutionising the packaging industry and making everyday tasks simpler. Another notable example is Emily Warren Roebling who played a critical role in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, overseeing the project and ensuring its completion.

In recent years, female engineers have made tremendous strides and contributions in various fields, showcasing their skills, expertise, and innovation. For instance, Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman astronaut, is also a chemical engineer who has worked on numerous technological advancements in medicine and environmental sustainability. Additionally, Yvonne Brill, a pioneering rocket and jet propulsion engineer, who developed the hydrazine resistojet, a propulsion system that improved satellite performance and reliability.

Encouraging more diverse groups of students to train in STEMM subjects is essential for sustained and targeted engineering actions that will enhance human wellbeing. To promote diversity in STEMM careers, it's important to address factors that lead to underrepresentation. One effective approach is to implement gender equality strategies, such as those outlined in the UK-led Athena Swan Charter to increase diversity and inclusivity among staff and students in the higher education sector. However, it's also essential to focus on retaining this diversity within the workforce beyond.

The University of Warwick School of Engineering is a hub for enhancement. Teaching, research, and innovation within the school are geared towards improving capacity building and improving products, processes, and systems for all. Outputs cut across different streams such as Civil and Environmental Engineering, Systems, Information and Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical, Materials and Process Engineering, and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Our alumnae from the School of Engineering are making fantastic and diverse contributions in the Engineering sector. For example, Louise Hardy (BSc Engineering (Civil), 1988) contributed to enhancing sports through her work on the London 2012 Olympic Park and enhanced transportation through her work on the High-Speed One (HS1) railway. Louise was one of 12 people who led the Olympic Park project, working with more than 15000 people on the project and recording a rare feat of no causalities during the construction of the Olympic games. One of our recent graduates, Florian Fidegnon-Edoh (Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering), founded and led the Warwick Women’s Engineering Society with support from the School of Engineering. She currently works to improve innovation and manufacturing activities. Meanwhile our Warwick University Satellite Engineering Team (WUSAT) has a proud history of launching many fantastic careers, and consistently being one of the most diverse and inclusive student teams in the School over many years of operational success. You can read more about what our WUSAT alumnae have been up to on our website:

Women in Engineering: WUSAT

As we celebrate INWED 2024, it's essential to acknowledge and honour the contributions of women in engineering who continue to enhance our lives and shape our futures. Their innovative solutions and relentless pursuit of excellence embody the true spirit of engineering, seeking to enhance quality of life and increase opportunities for people around the world. We recognise and thank all the people who enable diversity and support inclusivity in our workplaces.