International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an annual event celebrated on June 23rd to recognize the achievements and contributions of women in the field of engineering. The event aims to encourage women to pursue careers in engineering and inspire young girls to consider careers in STEM fields. INWED provides an opportunity to showcase the impact of women in engineering and highlight the importance of diversity in the field.
History of International Women in Engineering Day:
INWED was first established in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the United Kingdom to celebrate their 95th anniversary. The day quickly gained international recognition and has since been celebrated globally to highlight the importance of women in engineering. Each year, INWED has a different theme to focus on specific areas of engineering and highlight the contributions of women in those areas.
INWED 2022 Theme:
The theme for INWED 2022 is “Engineering Heroes”. The theme aims to recognize the role of women engineers in creating solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges, including climate change, energy, health, and transportation. The theme also celebrates the inspirational women engineers who have made significant contributions to the field and encourages young girls to see themselves as engineering heroes.
Why Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day Matters:
- Promotes Diversity and Inclusion:
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day promotes diversity and inclusion in the field of engineering. It encourages women to pursue careers in engineering and helps break down gender stereotypes. By promoting diversity and inclusion, the engineering industry can benefit from a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and ideas.
- Inspires Young Girls:
INWED inspires young girls to consider careers in STEM fields. By showcasing the achievements and contributions of women in engineering, it helps to challenge gender stereotypes and encourages girls to pursue their interests in science and math.
- Recognizes the Achievements of Women in Engineering:
INWED provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women in engineering. It celebrates the contributions of women engineers who have made significant advancements in their fields and serves as an inspiration to other women who aspire to do the same.
- Encourages Women to Pursue Leadership Roles:
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day encourages women to pursue leadership roles in the engineering industry. It highlights the need for more women in leadership positions and helps to break down barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.
How to Celebrate International Women in Engineering Day:
There are many ways to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day. Here are some ideas:
- Host an Event:
Host an event to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day. The event could include guest speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities for women in engineering.
- Promote Diversity and Inclusion:
Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace by creating a supportive environment for women in engineering. This could include mentorship programs, training opportunities, and flexible work arrangements.
- Volunteer in Your Community:
Volunteer in your community to support young girls who are interested in pursuing careers in engineering. This could include mentoring, tutoring, or participating in STEM-related activities.
- Share Your Story:
Share your story as a woman in engineering. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire other women to pursue careers in STEM fields and help break down gender stereotypes.
Conclusion:
International Women in Engineering Day is an important event that recognizes the contributions and achievements of women in engineering. It is a day to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the field and encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. INWED 2022’s theme, “Engineering Heroes”, celebrates the role of women engineers in creating solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.
