On International Women in Engineering Day, professional body Engineers Ireland is looking to the engineering sector to work with academia and professional bodies to support and nurture female engineering talent. 

While the Higher Education Authority reports that 23% of engineering graduates are now women, only 12% of the profession are female.

Director general Caroline Spillane (pictured) said: “International Women in Engineering Day provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the significant contribution women in the engineering sector make around the world.

“This day also presents us with an opportunity to reflect, and it is clear that more must be done collectively to carve out pathways and to develop supports to increase the number of female engineers working in industry.

“Breaking down barriers and encouraging girls to enter the profession and young women to remain in the sector is crucial. We believe that more collaboration and creative engagement between professional bodies, engineering organisations and the education sector must take place to support our talented and qualified female engineers and to prevent quality engineers leaving the profession.”

In Association with

A webinar conducted to mark the occasion heard from Theresa Askins and Stephanie Quinn from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, outlining their own career journey to date and offering advice on “inventing yourself and your brand”.

the organisation's STEPS programme has created resources for families to discover Ireland's engineering and heritage history using download challenge packs, with hands-on activities based around three heritage sites: Parke’s Castle, the Hill of Tara and the Rock of Cashel.  

With over 25,000 members, Engineers Ireland was established in 1835 and is one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering, and they range from engineering students to fellows of the profession.

Spillane added: “Whether early-career engineers or senior leaders, all engineers should play their part as allies for their female counterparts. I would encourage all engineers to join our Women in Engineering Group and to actively volunteer with our STEPS programme to help inspire future generations of engineers.

“By working together, we can nurture our future engineering talent and help female engineers create a clear pathway for progression.”

Photo: Transition Year students at the STEPS Girls’ Summit event in 2020. .