Introduction to Women in Civil and Structural Engineering
Civil and structural engineering are some of the most important fields in the construction industry, which contribute significantly to the economic growth of a country. Historically, these fields have been male dominated, however, in recent years, there has been a push to encourage more women to pursue careers in civil and structural engineering. In this article, we will explore the role of women in civil and structural engineering, the factors that may be discouraging women, the initiatives taken to encourage more women, and a few reasons for women to pursue a career in civil and structural engineering.
Role of Women in Civil and Structural Engineering
Women have played an essential role in civil and structural engineering. They have contributed significantly to the development of the field, and their expertise and skills have been crucial in the construction of some of the most iconic structures. Some of the notable women who have made significant contributions to civil and structural engineering include:
Dr. Nora Stanton Blatch Barney: She was first woman in the US to earn a degree in civil engineering, having studied at Cornell University in 1905. She also became the first woman to be admitted to the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Emily Warren Roebling: She played a critical role in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in the late 19th century. Her husband, who was the chief engineer, fell ill during the construction, and she became largely responsible for the management of the project.
Roma Agrawal: She is a structural engineer who played a key role in the construction of The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe.
Rachel Skinner CBE: At the time of writing she is an executive director at WSP, is a former president of ICE, and was named as one of the Daily Telegraph Top 50 Influential Women in Engineering in 2016.
These women and many others have shown that women can excel in civil and structural engineering, and their contribution is invaluable to the field.
Factors Discouraging Women in Civil and Structural Engineering
In any industry, there may be certain factors that can discourage people from pursuing a career. The civil and structural engineering industry is no exception, and there are various challenges that could make it difficult for women to envision themselves succeeding in these fields. However, over time, the industry has become more inclusive with initiatives in place to encourage women to pursue careers in civil and structural engineering. Below discusses a few of the factors that may be discouraging women from entering these fields, but also discusses how these factors are changing to make it more encouraging for women to enter these fields.
Mostly male engineers: In many civil and structural engineering companies it is likely to be mostly male engineers. However, as more women begin careers in this industry, many companies are achieving a more balanced representation of male and female engineers.
Not many female role models: The civil and structural engineering industry has historically been dominated by male engineers, resulting in a lack of female role models in these fields. This can make it difficult for women to imagine themselves in engineering positions. However, as mentioned previously, there are now several female role models in the industry, and as more women enter civil and structural engineering, the number of female role models is likely to increase.
Work-life balance: The demanding nature of civil and structural engineering jobs can make it challenging for women to balance their work and personal life, particularly if they wish to start a family and care for their children. Many companies are starting flexible working arrangements to allow a better work-life balance.
Initiatives to Encourage Women to Join Civil and Structural Engineering
In recent years, the civil and structural engineering industry has made more effort to encourage women to join. There has been acknowledgment of some of the challenges and discouraging factors and therefore new initiatives that have been introduced to encourage more women to join the field of civil and structural engineering. Some of these initiatives include:
Women in Engineering Societies: There are several societies and networks that support women in civil and structural engineering, such as the Women's Engineering Society and the Institution of Civil Engineers' Women in Engineering Group. These societies provide a platform for women to network, share experiences, and access mentoring and training opportunities.
Outreach Programs: Another way to encourage more women to pursue careers in civil and structural engineering is through outreach programs aimed at women. These programs aim to increase awareness of the opportunities in these fields and provide information and resources to help women overcome the challenges they may face. For example, the Engineering Development Trust runs a program called "The Engineering Education Scheme," which gives people the opportunity to work on real-life engineering projects and learn about the industry.
Mentoring and Sponsorship Programs: Mentoring and sponsorship programs can be highly effective in supporting women in civil and structural engineering. These programs provide women with access to experienced professionals who can offer guidance, support, and career advice. The Royal Academy of Engineering runs a mentoring program for women in engineering, which matches mentees with experienced engineers to help them achieve their career goals.
Flexible Working Arrangements: Many companies in the UK are starting to offer more flexible working arrangements, such as flexible hours, job sharing, and working from home, to help balance work and personal life. These arrangements can be particularly beneficial for women who have children or other caring responsibilities.
Equal Opportunities Policies: Companies can also promote gender equality in civil and structural engineering by implementing equal opportunities policies. These policies should address issues such as pay equality, recruitment and promotion practices, and flexible working arrangements. The Institution of Structural Engineers, for example, has launched a campaign to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Reasons for Women to Pursue a Civil or Structural Engineering Career
Pursuing a career in civil and structural engineering is not only personally rewarding, but it also has the potential to make a significant impact on society.
Skills: Women can have a unique perspective and skill set that can contribute to the field of civil and structural engineering. They bring diversity to the workplace and can have the ability to approach problems from a different angle.
Demand: the demand for civil and structural engineers is expected to increase in the coming years, creating opportunities for women to enter the field and advance their careers.
Options: In civil and structural engineering, there is a wide range of specializations to choose from, including environmental engineering, transportation engineering, and construction engineering. The wide range of options allows people to find an area of interest and passion that aligns with their personal and professional goals.
Becoming a role model: Women who pursue careers in civil and structural engineering can serve as role models for future generations and can inspire other women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Conclusion
Women have played a crucial role in civil and structural engineering. They face numerous challenges when it comes to pursuing careers in these fields, however, there are initiatives in place to encourage more women to join civil and structural engineering, such as women in engineering societies, outreach programs, mentoring and sponsorship programs, flexible working arrangements, and equal opportunities policies. By addressing these challenges and promoting gender equality in the industry, we can ensure that women continue to play a significant role in the development of civil and structural engineering.
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