Being a woman and embarking on a journey that is often considered as difficult can be an uphill battle in the long run. Engineering is one such field where this remains as the reality for women because historically engineering has been a male-dominated field, riddled with many stereotypes such as – it would be too challenging or technical for women. However, these stereotypes have been dissolving lately as women have proved that they can excel in this domain just as much as anyone else can. They achieved this by putting in relentless efforts showing the world that they can break the barriers too.
In this blog, we will be looking at how women are breaking barriers and achieving excellence in the field of engineering.
Breaking Down Barriers
Lack of representation is one of the most significant challenges that women encounter in the engineering field. Sometimes, it becomes challenging to envision success when you seldom get to see individuals who resemble you in a particular field but now, the tables have turned and women have also altered this narrative.
Women like Ada Lovelace, who is regarded as the first computer programmer in the 1800s and Hedy Lamarr, who developed frequency-hopping technology laying the foundation for modern WiFi and Bluetooth have proved that engineering is not exclusive to men. Their stories exemplify their resilience, innovation and courage to defy societal norms and also show how they have made remarkable contributions.
Education and Mentorship
STEM programs have the ability to make a substantial impact in a girl’s life and you have to encourage more women to enter and remain in engineering by educating them with world class education. By studying in top colleges in Coimbatore, you will be able to gain technical education and skills that will help you to climb the corporate ladders. Taking the right initiative will ignite interest in a woman’s mind and they will believe that engineering is not just an option but can become the field where they can truly excel. Mentorship also plays a crucial role since a woman who is trying to get into the field may look up to someone who can give her the best guidance, share experiences and help her to overcome obstacles.
Challenges Still Persist
Despite the progress, challenges remain as there is often a significant gender pay gap. Women in engineering may also face implicit biases and sometimes overt discrimination. Achieving work-life balance can also be particularly challenging for women who chose to pursue engineering as a career.
However, in recent times conversations surrounding these issues are gaining momentum and companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion. They recognize these aspects as essential components of innovation and success as diverse teams bring varied perspectives leading to more creative solutions and better outcomes.
Stories of Success
Reshma Saujani who founded Girls Who Code continues to make significant strides and under her leadership, the company has grown exponentially reaching millions of girls worldwide, significantly increasing the number of women in tech.
Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors remains a trailblazer in the list as she has been instrumental in driving in driving GM’s ambitious electric vehicles
(EV) initiatives, with the company on track to produce 1 million EVs by the end of 2025. Her leadership is revolutionizing the automotive industry and she is setting a benchmark for sustainability.
Fei Fei Li is a renowned AI scientist who has been co-directing Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute and her contributions are shaping the future of AI. She focuses on ethical AI ensuring that artificial intelligence aligns with human and societal values.
Ritu Karidhal, often referred to as the “Rocket Woman of India” played a key role in the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan). She served as the Deputy Operations Director and was instrumental in the success of this landmark mission. Her work exemplifies excellence in space engineering and inspires many young women to pursue careers in STEM.
By studying in one of the famous colleges in Coimbatore, you can also excel in the field of engineering.
Looking Ahead
The future of engineering appears to be optimistic and promising and as a woman you need to enter the field and rise to leadership positions, paving the way for the next generation. You can change the narrative from breaking barriers to thriving and leading.
It is not just about women, it is all about transforming the culture of engineering as a whole. It is about creating environments where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated. You have to understand that engineering is about solving problems and making the world a better place – something everyone, regardless of gender, can contribute to.
Coimbatore’s famous engineering colleges, like the Karpagam College of Engineering, opens doors for many women who are aspiring to become the next future engineers of the society.