International Women in Engineering Day 2025: Together We Engineer

Whilst the number of women in engineering roles in the UK almost doubled between 2009 and 2019 to 50,000, 2021 figures indicate women still only account for 16.5% of engineers. Every year, International Women in Engineering Day (IWED) provides an opportunity to highlight the incredible work of women engineers across the world. It provides a platform to underrepresented voices in the industry, inspiring women and girls to pursue engineering and STEM careers.

This year’s theme ‘Together we engineer’, spotlights the importance of collective action in advancing gender equality and inclusion within the engineering sector. At SYSTRA, collaboration is a value myself and my colleagues are passionate about, whether through the teamwork displayed on projects or in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) initiatives.

SYSTRA is leading the way in championing ED&I in the engineering and transport sectors. We’re working hard to proactively build a diverse and inclusive space that respects, values and optimises the contribution of everyone. 

Living our values

Backed by leadership advocacy from the top down, our commitment to ED&I is intrinsically linked with our core values – Excellence, Bold Leadership and Connected Teams. The pursuit of gender equality is not only supported by these values; these values are enhanced by achieving our equality goals.

In a diverse and equal working environment, what we deliver better reflects our communities, which enhances our capabilities, innovation and performance – our Excellence. 

The business strives to demonstrate a diverse colleague demographic across all levels. It’s crucial those in the early stages of their careers can see women in positions of influence and leadership – a key aspect of Bold Leadership. From a personal perspective, I’ve found having a woman as a line manager incredibly valuable. It has been fundamental to my career progression. Through this I have been able to visualise myself in a more senior position, and it has provided me with an understanding of how, as a woman, I can achieve my career aspirations. 

Whilst we must acknowledge the social and ethical imperatives of gender equality, having a diverse workplace environment is also key, in a practical manner, to ensuring we have Connected Teams. Teams with balanced gender representation benefit from a much broader range of opinions, ideas and problem-solving approaches. A team that can recognise the power in this diversity, likely collaborates and communicates more effectively. 

How is SYSTRA improving gender equality in engineering?

To support and encourage gender equality, the company has invested in wide-reaching initiatives to improve gender balance and awareness.

The Group’s global internal professional network ‘women@systra’ provides women with some really interesting opportunities, supporting, connecting and empowering colleagues across all levels. The network offers leadership workshops, networking groups, mentoring and discussions on issues affecting women, such as the menopause and impostor syndrome.

The business is also partnered with industry organisations focused on gender equality, such as Women in Transport.

In 2024, SYSTRA signed the Inclusive PPE Campaign Pledge and Protection for Everyone Charter, which ensures everyone has access to well-fitting PPE to work comfortably, including maternity and women-specific fits.

To help build a more diverse workforce for the future, SYSTRA encourages colleagues to undertake STEM activities and outreach that raises awareness of the wide range of career opportunities within our business and across the whole industry. The business is always onboard to support colleagues with STEM volunteering during work hours, and actively highlights the importance of encouraging girls and young women into STEM careers.

Before someone joins the business, they may already be aware that gender equality and inclusion is a priority at SYSTRA. Our gender-neutral job descriptions and diverse interview panels have been designed to attract and hire more women and underrepresented groups. Our graduate recruitment process has also been designed to improve the consistency of our selection methods. Training for interviewers that focuses on fair and effective interview techniques, has been an integral part of this. 

One of the most effective ways SYSTRA is improving gender equality within the engineering industry is through its ED&I colleague engagement group, launched in 2021. The group, which helps shape and drive the ‘Everyone Onboard’ ED&I objectives, ensures all colleagues have a voice and the opportunity to share their experiences. It also provides a platform for colleagues to feedback on all aspects of ED&I at the company.  

Pushing forward

As a woman I feel empowered in my position at SYSTRA – my voice is heard, and my work and opinions are valued. 

As Gender ED&I Lead for the Everyone Onboard group at SYSTRA, I’m incredibly proud of the work SYSTRA have done so far to improve gender equality, diversity and inclusion. I love that I’m able to thoroughly engage with pushing forward SYSTRA’s gender equality mission alongside my day job. I know there’s plenty more to come.

SYSTRA’s equality agenda is genuine – it has real substance. The initiatives and concrete measures we’ve worked on demonstrate the business isn’t just here to ‘gender wash’. They truly care about providing a safe environment for all colleagues to feel valued, whilst acknowledging the practical benefits of inclusivity and diversity.

But we must acknowledge the inclusive environment found at SYSTRA isn’t always the case industry-wide. There remains many barriers for women entering the industry in the first place. It’s vital we enable and inspire young girls to pursue STEM interests and careers. 

Clearly, more needs to be done to tackle gender disparity across the board. Collective participation throughout the industry is vital if we are to succeed. 

SYSTRA will continue to champion gender equality in engineering. 

Who’s with us?

This International Women in Engineering Day, we sat down with a number of our colleagues to discuss what it’s like working as a woman in engineering, and ask what advice they might offer to others. Read Abi, Steph and Charlotte’s interviews. 

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