Today is International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) – a global celebration of the women shaping the engineering and manufacturing industries and an opportunity to encourage even more women and girls to consider a career in the sector.
This year’s theme is Engineering Intelligence which is a fitting one because everyday we see the intelligence, skill and precision that the women on our team bring to their work.
A workforce we're proud of
Engineering remains a male dominated industry. In the UK, women still make up only around 17% of the engineering workforce – a figure that hasn’t shifted as much as it should over the years. It’s a statistic that’s easy to read past until you see if reflected in real workplaces, real teams and real people.
At Stewart Technology, we’re proud to have a large number of talented women across our business – in production, quality, engineering, sales, marketing and leadership. Their skill and attention to detail is felt in every single product that leaves our factory, whether that’s a medical device, a piece of industrial instrumentation or a security system.
It also says something that some of our longest serving members of staff are women. Their experience, knowledge and dedication over the years has played a huge part in shaping the company we are today and is a brilliant example of the kind of long-term, rewarding careers this industry can offer.
Why representation matters
INWED exists because representation matters. When a young girl sees a woman thriving in engineering or manufacturing it gives her the belief that this could be her too. That belief is often the first and most important step towards a career in the industry.
It’s something we’ve always tried to encourage in the women on our team – the belief that there is no limit to what they can achieve here, whether that’s on the factory floor, in a technical role or in a leadership position. We’ve seen first hand how that belief can lead to genuinely brilliant outcomes.
We spoke to some of our talented women at Stewart Technology
To mark the day, we asked a couple of the women across our business to share their thoughts and advice for other women in the industry.
Shannon Taitt, Head of Sales, Marketing and Business Development –
“Don’t let it overwhelm or intimate you. You have just as much right to be here as anyone else and honestly, it’s even more impressive when you make your mark in a male dominated field. That’s not something to shy away from, it’s something to be proud of.”
Joanna Marciniak, Material Buyer –
“Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Engineering is about learning, solving problems and working as a team, and your contribution matters just as much as anyone else’s. Stay curious, keep developing your skills, and be proud of what you achieve.”
A thank you to the women at Stewart Technology
To every woman across our business – thank you. Thank you for the skill, the care and the precision you bring to work every single day. Thank you for proving time and time again, that talent in this industry has no gender.
To any young woman or girl reading this who is considering a career in engineering and manufacturing – there is a space for you here. There is a place for you in this industry and we hope days like today help you believe it too.
Happy International Women in Engineering Day!
