“International Women in Engineering Day”

June 23rd marks International Women in Engineering Day.

The proclamation of this day aims to raise awareness internationally about the importance of this profession, which is increasingly practiced by women, constituting a remarkable professional opportunity for future generations and contributing to the economic development of societies globally.

International Women in Engineering Day was created by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the United Kingdom (in 2014), to mark the celebration of its 95th anniversary.

UNESCO warns that only 35% of students enrolled in STEM-related degrees in higher education are women. A worrying disparity, since “STEM-related careers constitute the jobs of the future, the driving force of innovation, social well-being, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.” For this reason, for almost a decade, June 23rd has been commemorated as International Women in Engineering Day: a date to celebrate the professionals in the sector and invite girls and young women to join them.

Spain is the country in Europe with the highest number of female scientists and engineers: 49.3%, according to data from the European statistical office, Eurostat. However, according to the report “Women in IT Employment: 10 professions with a future”, only one in five engineering students is a woman.