How can we attract more women into Engineering?

On 23^rd June 2014 it is National Women in Engineering Day in the UK http://www.wes.org.uk/nwed.

This is an opportunity to raise the profile and celebrate the achievements of women in engineering.

During my time here in the Philippines I have observed that many more women naturally choose a profession in engineering, which led me to wonder why.  Recently I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to a very interesting engineer, Dr. Anna Bella SIRIBAN-MANALANG, Director, Center for Lean Systems and Management, Associate Professor in Industrial Engineering, De La Salle University, Philippines. 

GS:  What was your reason for choosing to follow a career in engineering? 

ABS-R:  My father was a businessman, who was engaged in engine rebuilding.  I was trained early in his shop so I knew technical stuff even when young.  I also had an aptitude for mathematics.   So instead of choosing medicine or law, I leaned towards engineering. My father supported my decision.  I went into Industrial Engineering because it had the most women at that time.  I enjoyed the discipline in the Philippines.  Being a developing country, we needed all kinds of improvements across all sectors.  Seeing things from a Systems Perspective, I knew there are just so many things to learn and do in education, social discipline, economic growth, industrial infrastructure and others. 

GS: What challenges and rewards have you encountered along the way? 

ABS-R:  There is a great need for industrial engineers in all sectors in the country.  We are a highly creative people with strong inclinations in the arts, but we have very poor infrastructures in education, sciences, and industries.   Being a PhD graduate I was able to fill a need in my society, my name often comes up first whenever a consultant or trainer is required in Lean or Six Sigma. 

GS: What advice would you offer to a woman wanting to follow a career in engineering? 

ABS-R:  You must love and be excellent in mathematics to go to engineering.  You must have great passion towards changing technology and foresee the impact to the local and global community.  

 

In my partner’s engineering consultancy, here in Manila, the key points that Anna Bella make are supported.  I asked a few of the women engineers there what factors played a part in them choosing the profession, they all agreed it was having a strong role model, usually someone in the family and a love of mathematics.

 

Gill
Manila

June 9^th 2014