International Women in Engineering Day 2025: Celebrating resilience and collaboration

To mark International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on 23 June, the Engineering Council and EngineeringUK are honouring the remarkable contributions of women engineers who are shaping the profession around the world.

Organised by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), this commemorative day raises the profile of women engineers and aims to promote gender equality in the profession. This year’s theme #TogetherWeEngineer reflects on the strength of collaboration and inclusivity in driving innovation and sustainability in engineering.

To celebrate, we are showcasing the impact of professionally registered women engineers and technicians who are encouraging more young women to explore engineering as a rewarding and meaningful career. Whether they are early-career engineers, technicians, or experienced leaders, the talents of women across all engineering disciplines have never been more vital in driving progress toward a more inclusive profession—one that is prepared to solve the challenges of tomorrow.

• Santina Bunting EngTech MICE embodies resilience and ambition as a civil engineering technician who forged her path through an apprenticeship, unlocking high-profile opportunities such as speaking at the House of Lords and shaping Government education initiatives. . As an Early Career Representative and dedicated apprentice ambassador, Santina mentors young people and advocates for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), inspiring others to pursue rewarding, non-traditional paths in engineering. She also contributes to impactful projects both in the UK and internationally including infrastructure projects in India, Africa and Saudia Arabia.
• Mamta Singhal MBE BEng (Hons) MSc MBA CEng MIET FWES, has shown outstanding leadership and vision, achieving not only Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, but also Visiting Professorship and WES Fellowship within a year. Winner of the 2007 WES Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award, she brings over 15 years of engineering and manufacturing experience and is a passionate advocate for women and underrepresented groups. As a professional from a minority ethnic background, her election to the Global IET Council during its 150th anniversary marks not only a personal achievement, but a significant step toward greater inclusion in engineering.
• Dr Larissa Suzuki, BSc MPhil PhD CEng FRSA MIET AFHEA, has built a distinguished 15-year career. Recognised with honours, such as the WES Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2018 and CEng status in 2019, she has become a prominent voice in the field of engineering and technology. A passionate advocate for inclusion in engineering and technology, she has inspired countless women, young people, and underrepresented groups to explore STEM. As a founder, mentor, and global innovation expert, she combines technical excellence with a mission to use AI and emerging technologies to serve society and build a more inclusive future for engineering.
• Dr Ozak Esu PhD BEng (Hons) CEng MIET has built a purpose-driven career, championing sustainable engineering and inclusive leadership. From winning the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year to chairing the IET Communities Committee for Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA), her journey reflects the positive impact of women in engineering. Passionate about applying sustainable engineering to real-world challenges, her work includes global advocacy and hands-on initiatives like helping to build a STEM education centre in Malawi, and making engineering more accessible for young people. Awarded Chartered Engineer of the Year in 2020 by the Engineering Talent Awards, she supports others through mentoring, promoting professional registration, sharing her story to inspire the next generation.

Engineering Council CEO, Paul Bailey said:

“On International Women in Engineering Day, we are proud to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women engineers across all disciplines. At the Engineering Council, we are committed to supporting gender equity and to highlighting the positive role of diversity in advancing innovation. By supporting a profession where talent is recognised and diversity championed, we remain hopeful that every engineer has the opportunity to thrive. This year’s theme of ‘Together We Engineer’ will celebrate the amazing work that women engineers around the world are doing and their role in inspiring more girls to consider exciting and rewarding careers in engineering and technology. Creating this next generation of women engineers is vital to ensure we have a diverse and innovative profession that can tackle the global challenges at hand and help shape a safe, sustainable and inclusive future."

EngineeringUK Chief Executive, Dr Hilary Leevers: “Female representation in the sector is growing, but at a very slow rate that simply will not meet workforce needs. Women now take up 16.9%* of roles, up from around 10% in 2010. It’s moving in the right direction but we need to build commitment and momentum to make a bigger difference faster.

“Inspirational role models are a crucial part of the mix for encouraging more girls and young women to choose a career in engineering and technology. It’s important to celebrate women in UK engineering and technology, including acknowledging the support and encouragement they give to others. But, we must do more. That’s why we’re working with over 40 organisations with the collective mission to drive up the number of young women on pathways into engineering and technology at 18.”

International Women in Engineering Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of equality and diversity in shaping the future of engineering.

By championing inclusive practices and creating opportunities for all, we can inspire the next generation, drive innovation, and ensure that the profession is equipped to meet the complex global challenges ahead.

As the Engineering Council highlights in its new policy, every registered engineer has a responsibility to foster a culture where diverse voices are heard, valued, and empowered to drive innovation.

*Engineering and technology workforce – May 2025 update: https://www.engineeringuk.com/research-and-insights/our-research-and-evaluation-reports/engineering-and-technology-workforce-may-2025-update/