What do windscreen wipers, the dishwasher and a laser that has restored eyesight for millions of people have in common? All these groundbreaking inventions were designed by women engineers. From Mary Anderson's creation of the windscreen wiper in 1903 to Josephine Cochrane's invention of the dishwasher in 1886, and Dr. Patricia Bath's development of laser cataract treatment in 1986, women have been at the forefront of engineering innovations that have transformed our daily lives.​

Unfortunately, despite these remarkable achievements, there’s still a lot of work to be done on combating the stereotypes and barriers that are preventing the next generation of female innovators and game-changers from making their mark in our industry. In this article we look at key facts about women in engineering, tackle head-on some of the persistent stereotypes dogging representation in engineering, and look at ways to make our future more inclusive.

The Current Landscape

In 2023 the engineering and technology sectors employed approximately 6.3 million people, accounting for 19.2% of the UK's workforce. However, the representation of women in these fields has seen a concerning decline. The proportion of women in engineering and technology roles dropped from 16.5% in 2022 to 15.7% in 2023 - a loss of 38,000 women. This decline was particularly notable among women aged 35 to 64 - 66,000 left the profession during this period. This tells us that we aren’t just struggling to inspire female engineers to join our industry - we’re not able to keep them here for the long term either. So how do we change this?

Taking on Persistent Stereotypes

To change the landscape, we need to look hard at some of the uncomfortable stereotypes that linger in the engineering profession. These myths and misconceptions not only deter aspiring female engineers, but also perpetuate a culture that undervalues their contributions:

“Men are better at science, engineering and maths.”

This myth has been debunked time and again. Studies show that women perform equally well in STEM subjects when given the same opportunities and encouragement. The underrepresentation of women in engineering is not due to a lack of ability but often comes from ingrained societal biases and a lack of visible role models.

“You have to be big and strong to cut it as an engineer.”

You don’t need to be big and burly to solve problems. Engineering is more about problem-solving and creativity than physical strength. Many engineering roles involve design, analysis and innovation, for instance.

“Women won't be able to reach the top roles.”

While it's true that women are underrepresented in senior engineering positions, work is ongoing to change this. For instance, Rolls-Royce made significant strides by achieving gender parity on its board and appointing its first female chair, Anita Frew. Additionally, the Royal Academy of Engineering has a policy that 10–20% of newly elected fellows should be women. Many other companies are now following suit, with mentorship, leadership training and formal commitments to gender parity in the boardroom.

“Engineering and raising a family aren't compatible.”

Balancing a career and family life is a challenge in any profession, but many engineering firms are looking to adopt flexible working arrangements to support parents. At Lanes, we offer a broad range of initiatives to accommodate the family lives of our staff.  

How Do We Break Down These Barriers?

The future of our industry depends on inspiring the next generation of women to see engineering as not just a viable career path, but one where they can achieve personal and professional fulfilment. It's up to all of us - leaders, professionals and educators - to tackle the challenges that keep women from thriving in this field.

STEM outreach

Engaging young minds early is so important. Initiatives like the STEM Ambassador programme that connects professionals with schools to inspire students, particularly girls, to consider engineering careers. By showcasing real-world applications and providing hands-on experiences, these programmes demystify engineering and make it more accessible to future female engineering students.

Visible role models and representation

Seeing is believing. When young women see successful female engineers, it breaks down stereotypes and shows them what's possible. The Women's Engineering Society's "She's an Engineer" campaign shares real stories of women in engineering, highlighting their diverse paths and achievements. Additionally, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) helps boost visibility with a strong social media presence.

Collaboration

Tackling these challenges requires collective effort. Organisations like WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) collaborate with industries, educational institutions and governments to develop strategies that promote women in STEM.

College and university initiatives

Many institutions have established programmes to support and inspire female engineering students. For example, the University of Portsmouth's Women in STEM (WiSTEM) group offers outreach activities for local schools and colleges, aiming to motivate young women to consider engineering careers.

Although challenges persist, the dial is starting to move in a more positive direction. UCAS data from 2023 indicates that 19% of applicants for engineering and technology degrees were female - a slight increase from previous years.

Lanes Group's Commitment

At Lanes, we don’t just talk about inclusion - we make it happen. We offer flexible working options that fit around personal commitments, so our team can balance work and life effectively. Our comprehensive training programmes are designed to help women thrive, regardless of their starting experience. We prioritise long-term career development, provide great benefits and encourage a culture where mental health, wellbeing and team support are paramount.​

With experienced women in senior positions across our teams, we're showcasing what's possible and inspiring the next generation of female engineers to join us. By creating opportunities, breaking barriers and leading by example, we're shaping a more inclusive future for the drainage and engineering industry - and we're just getting started. ​Visit our jobs page to find your next role.

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