As we celebrate the 12th annual International Women in Engineering Day, it’s a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of women in the field. A story of resilience, innovation, and progress. Despite making up only 16.5% of engineers today, women have been shaping the profession for nearly two centuries.
Early Footsteps: 19th Century Beginnings
Long before engineering became a recognised profession for women, they were already contributing, albeit quietly. The 1841 census recorded over 100 women involved in engineering related roles, often through family connections. These early pioneers laid the groundwork for future generations, even if their contributions went largely unrecognised at the time.
Breaking Ground: The Early 20th Century
In 1912, Nina Cameron Graham made history by becoming the first British woman to earn a degree in civil engineering from the University of Liverpool. Her achievement was a beacon of possibility at a time when engineering was overwhelmingly male dominated.
World War I marked a turning point. As men went to war, women stepped into roles in factories and workshops, gaining hands on experience in engineering and manufacturing. However, this progress was short-lived. The Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act of 1919 forced many women to relinquish their positions to returning soldiers.
That same year, the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act opened the doors for women to enter professional fields, including engineering. It was also the year the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) was founded—the first organisation of its kind globally. WES aimed to protect the gains women had made during the war and to champion their continued involvement in engineering.
Momentum and Setbacks: The Interwar Years and WWII
The 1920s and 1930s saw a surge in activity, with more women entering the field and making their mark. During World War II, women once again proved their capabilities, taking on roles traditionally reserved for men. They worked in aircraft production, shipbuilding, and other critical wartime industries, demonstrating skill and determination.
Women continued to break barriers and make history. Amy Johnson became the first woman to receive the Air Ministry’s ground engineer’s licence in 1929, and just a year later, she completed a record-breaking solo flight from England to Australia. Meanwhile, Beatrice Shilling left a lasting legacy during WWII by inventing a vital modification for Spitfire and Merlin engines that prevented flooding during sharp manoeuvres—an innovation that helped keep aircraft airborne and pilots safe.
Yet, history repeated itself. After the war, many women were pushed out of their roles. Still, progress continued. In 1947, Mary Thompson Irvine became the first woman to be elected a chartered member of the Institution of Structural Engineers. In the 1950s, Mary Coombs broke new ground as the first woman to work on a commercial computer.
The Long Climb: Post-War to Present
Despite these milestones, the number of women pursuing engineering degrees and trade qualifications remained low for decades. It wasn’t until 1984 that the Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) campaign was launched. At the time, women made up just 7% of engineering graduates in the UK.
Since then, initiatives like International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), and other global campaigns have worked tirelessly to inspire and support aspiring female engineers. While the numbers are still not where they should be, each year brings new stories of success, innovation, and leadership.
Looking Ahead
The journey of women in engineering is far from over. It’s a story still being written, by students, professionals, mentors, and advocates. As we celebrate 12 years with #TogetherWeEngineer, we honour the past, recognise the present, and look forward to a future where engineering is truly inclusive.
Sandra Tomlinson, one of our colleagues who’s worked in manufacturing for over 40 years shared her reflections on Women in engineering:
When I started my first job within the sector back in 1981, the landscape for women in engineering and manufacturing looked very different. Women were mostly found in administrative roles, typing up quotes, invoices, and job cards, sending telexes, and occasionally making tea when the tea lady was off. There were a couple of women on the shop floor, but they were usually placed in specific areas like tapping or rumbling, roles that were seen as more ‘suitable’ for women.
It was clear from the beginning that this was a male-dominated environment. Women, in my experience, were often met with scepticism about their competence and rarely given the support or encouragement to progress. There were no female mentors, and very few peers to look up to. I personally experienced harassment and dismissive attitudes from men who believed women belonged in the kitchen, not in the workplace – let alone in engineering.
One moment that has always stayed with me was being told that I hadn’t progressed earlier in my career because it was assumed I would eventually leave to start a family. That never happened for me, but the assumption alone was enough to hold me back. It felt like I was being penalised simply for being a woman of childbearing age.
Despite these challenges, I was determined to succeed. I started in the typing pool, then moved into Material Control, followed by an administrative role in the Quality Department. In my 30s, I became Purchasing Manager, and later, due to internal changes, I was appointed Deputy Quality Manager. Eventually, I became Quality Manager. The first woman at that company, to my knowledge, to hold a managerial title.
Even then, I wasn’t immune to the occasional comment or sideways glance. Some individuals still questioned whether a woman belonged in a quality role. But I let my work speak for itself. I rarely responded to the negativity. I knew that some people were simply resistant to change in what they still perceived as a ‘man’s domain.’
Looking back now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, not just for myself, but for the women who came after me. It’s incredibly encouraging to see more women in leadership roles today, and to witness the gender gap slowly but surely narrowing. It’s important for younger women entering the industry to see that they belong here, that they can lead, innovate, and thrive.
Anyone working in engineering is already familiar with the growing skills gap. Addressing this challenge means encouraging more young people – of all genders – to explore careers in engineering. But when we actively inspire more women to enter the field, we’re not taking opportunities away from men; we’re expanding the talent pool and strengthening the entire workforce. Studies consistently show that diverse teams are more innovative, make better decisions, and achieve higher levels of engagement. If we want engineering to thrive, we need to build a pipeline that welcomes everyone.
If your a woman in engineering and are considering a career at West Special Fasteners please get in touch Contact West Special Fasteners
To find out more about #TogetherWeEngineer please visit About – International Women in Engineering Day
To Learn more about WES please visit – Women’s Engineering Society