Every year on June 23, the world comes together to recognize the achievements and challenges of women in one of the most male-dominated sectors: engineering. International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is not just another date on the calendar. It is a global movement — a celebration of resilience, innovation, and progress that women engineers bring to the world. In 2025, the day serves as a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go to ensure true gender equity in STEM fields.
History: A Movement Born in the UK with Global Impact
International Women in Engineering Day was first launched in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the United Kingdom, which itself has been empowering women engineers since 1919. The event was initially celebrated within the UK, but due to its growing relevance and widespread support, INWED gained UNESCO patronage in 2016, officially becoming an international celebration.
This initiative was driven by the need to spotlight women’s roles in engineering — a field historically dominated by men. The founders at WES envisioned this day to amplify women’s voices in the industry and inspire more girls to pursue technical careers.
Importance of International Women in Engineering Day: Why It Matters More Than Ever
Despite significant strides in gender equality, women still represent only about 16-20% of the global engineering workforce, depending on the country. This gender gap is not just a matter of representation — it affects innovation, inclusivity, and economic growth.
International Women in Engineering Day brings attention to:
-
The systemic barriers that prevent women from entering or staying in engineering.
-
The success stories that often go untold.
-
The need for diverse perspectives to solve the world’s biggest challenges — from climate change to artificial intelligence.
Significance: A Symbol of Progress and a Call for Action
The day serves dual purposes:
-
Recognition – It acknowledges the contributions of women who have pioneered innovations and broken stereotypes in engineering.
-
Inspiration – It motivates future generations of girls to take up careers in STEM by presenting role models and mentors.
It’s not just about celebrating engineers; it’s about changing perceptions, breaking biases, and building a more inclusive future.
Why International Women in Engineering Day Is Celebrated
-
To raise awareness about the gender imbalance in engineering fields.
-
To encourage more girls and young women to pursue engineering and STEM subjects.
-
To honor the achievements of women engineers who are shaping our modern world.
-
To advocate for better policies supporting women in technical careers.
How International Women in Engineering Day Is Celebrated
Celebrations range from local events to global campaigns. Here are common ways it’s celebrated:
-
Webinars, workshops & conferences highlighting women’s contributions.
-
Social media campaigns using hashtags like #INWED2025 and #ShapeTheWorld.
-
School and university activities to inspire girls to take up STEM subjects.
-
Engineering firms & tech companies hosting networking events, panel discussions, and awards ceremonies.
-
Storytelling and awareness campaigns focusing on real women engineers.
Countries Where It Is Celebrated
While INWED started in the UK, it is now celebrated across:
-
United States
-
Canada
-
India
-
Australia
-
Germany
-
United Arab Emirates
-
South Africa
-
New Zealand
-
Ireland
Global participation continues to grow each year, showing a united commitment toward inclusivity in engineering.
How Citizens Involve Themselves
-
Students and teachers organize science fairs or role model talks.
-
Parents encourage daughters by exposing them to engineering kits and stories.
-
Companies spotlight female engineers via interviews or LinkedIn features.
-
Social media users share stories, quotes, or videos of inspiring women engineers using campaign hashtags.
-
Nonprofits and NGOs host community-driven events like tech bootcamps for girls.
Every shared story, event, and post contributes to a cultural shift toward acceptance and equality.
Theme for 2025: “Engineering for a Resilient Tomorrow”
The 2025 theme focuses on how women engineers are leading the charge in sustainability, climate solutions, and building adaptable technologies for an uncertain future. It aligns with the global urgency to design systems that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.
10 Famous Quotes to Celebrate International Women in Engineering Day
-
“The world needs science, and science needs women.” – UNESCO
-
“Engineering is not a man’s world. It’s a human world.” – Debbie Sterling
-
“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.” – Mae Jemison
-
“There is no innovation without diversity.” – Reshma Saujani
-
“Women have the power to change engineering – and the world.” – WES
-
“In engineering, the only limit should be your curiosity.” – Ellen Ochoa
-
“STEM needs women more than women need STEM.” – Dr. Hayaatun Sillem
-
“Don’t be the girl who fell. Be the girl who got back up.” – Unknown
-
“You can’t be what you can’t see — be visible, be vocal.” – Stephanie Hill
-
“If we want better innovation, we need better representation.” – Dr. Shini Somara
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is International Women in Engineering Day celebrated?
A1: It is celebrated annually on June 23.
Q2. Who started International Women in Engineering Day?
A2: It was initiated by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the UK in 2014.
Q3. What is the aim of this day?
A3: To honor women engineers and inspire more girls to enter the engineering field.
Q4. Why do we need a separate day for women engineers?
A4: To raise awareness about the gender gap and promote gender equity in engineering.
Q5. Is this day celebrated worldwide?
A5: Yes, it is celebrated across various countries with growing global participation.
Q6. How can I participate?
A6: Join events, share stories, use campaign hashtags, and support women in your networks.
Q7. What is the theme of International Women in Engineering Day 2025?
A7: “Engineering for a Resilient Tomorrow.”
Q8. Are there any awards or recognitions given on this day?
A8: Yes, many organizations and institutions honor outstanding women engineers.
Q9. How can schools contribute to INWED?
A9: By hosting STEM fairs, inviting women engineers for talks, and encouraging science clubs.
Q10. What role do men play in supporting this day?
A10: Men can be strong allies by advocating for gender equity and mentoring women engineers.
Conclusion:
International Women in Engineering Day is more than just an annual observance — it’s a clarion call for equity, opportunity, and recognition. As we march towards a resilient and technologically advanced future, the world needs the creativity, compassion, and competence of women engineers now more than ever.
Let June 23 not only be a celebration — let it be a commitment.
🔔 Stay Updated !!!
👉 Follow us on:
📰 Trending News | 📢 Important Alerts | 💼 Latest Jobs
🔵 LinkedIn | 🔵 Threads | 🔵 Facebook |🔵 Instagram | 🔵 Tumblr
📱 Follow us daily & never miss an update!
Discover more from Today's Significance
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.