In 2023, the global engineering workforce showed a gender divide with 86.3% being men and only 13.7%.

This is a surprising and unsettling statistic I came across that sent me down the rabbit hole to investigate the reason why. Why do we have a gender disparity in a field as vital as engineering? How can we accept a world where women are still so underrepresented in engineering? This disparity exists despite all the progress we’ve made towards equality?

Today, we are investigating the 13.7% puzzle: why do fewer women choose engineering?

One of the key pieces of the 13.7% puzzle is the lack of female representation in the engineering field.This eradicates the essential sense of visibility and mentorship.

In the eyes of young girls and women, whether you are reading the news, doing work experience placements or networking, you can see fewer Queengineers in visible roles or leadership positions. Consequently, young girls lack the role models to visualise themselves in that sort of position and learnt about engineers.

Also, if young women show some interest in engineering later on in their path, it is challenging. With mentorship being limited, women lack the networking and tools to continue and progress.

This results in a self-perpetuating cycle: less female representation in engineering ,causing less women in engineering, causing less female representation and so on…

Another puzzle piece I had not thought much about is gendered toys and activities for young children. From childhood, unconscious gender barriers are created,dividing interests and hobbies between boys and girls. For example, boys are encouraged to play with building, technological, STEM related toys such as Hot Wheels. From collectable cars to train sets, model rockets to LEGOS, young boys are open to the field of engineering from such a young age. In contrast, young girls are expected to enjoy dolls, dress-up, tea, and cooking games.

The Institute of Technology found toys with a STEM focus were three times more likely to be targeted at boys than girls.

Personally, this reality irritated me. Something as minor as gender marketing in the toy industry could grow into a major divide in terms of life-changing career pathways. This could theoretically be a main puzzle piece of the 13.7% puzzle.

The workplace environment is another major reason why fewer women choose engineering. With 32% of women in engineering roles being ‘onlies’ (the only woman in the room), imposter syndrome (the doubtful emotion that you are not as competent or capable as others) is common.

Consequently, several women dropped out of engineering as the workplace environment can be unwelcoming and exclusive. As discovered by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), 70% of women left engineering over the course of a decade.

There are fewer women in engineering because of historical exclusion. Throughout history, in engineering, as well as other fields, women have not received the recognition for their effort that they deserve. I’m sure many of you have heard about Ada Lovelace “the first programmer”. Her ground-breaking achievements are well-known today and celebrated with the annual Ada Lovelace Day. But, during her lifetime, her work was overshadowed by Charles Babbage with the ‘difference engine’ and ‘analytical engine’ all being credited to him.

The last reason I wanted to focus on is a lack of awareness about what engineering is and what engineers do. Findings from the Women in Engineering Report reveal that of 1,400 people, more than 90% of women are at least partially committed to a field of study.

Statistics aside, there are several women who had the potential to be Queengineers but did not get the early intervention or encouragement to put them on that journey. During early schooling in childhood, engineers are not promoted as much as doctors and lawyers,for example.

While it’s important to understand the challenges that contribute to fewer women choosing engineering, this blog post has highlighted many of the negatives. So,let’s shift our focus to the positive,proactive actions we can take for more Queengineers.

More engineering knowledge and awareness is absolutely essential for young girls and women. This is Queengineers aim: to teach more girls and inspire them on their engineering journeys. If you are interested in engineering or show passion for STEM, please stay with us and read each week’s blog post. Please feel free to direct any other aspiring Queengineers to our website as well.

I truly encourage you to put yourself out there and learn about engineering. Going to museums and events, science fairs, STEM competitions, and work experience placements are all helpful ways of doing that. Join your school’s engineering society/club and if there is none already, start one!

Take this 13.7% puzzle in your hands now and play your part with getting more women into engineering.

Even if its a small contribution like giving a young girl Hot Wheels or Lego for a birthday gift instead of a Barbie, every step is a step towards the engineering 50-50 balance between the genders.

The final and most important action you can do is always believe in yourself. I know this is easier said than done but there will be times where you may feel that imposter syndrome, or are an ‘only’, or are ready to give up, but find your inner strength and keep pushing. Break down the barriers. You can be a pioneering Queengineer. Be the best Queengineer you can be.

Remember, a woman can do everything a man can do, and have babies.