Engineering is a male-dominated industry, and it is not surprising that women face numerous obstacles to achieving success in this field. The glass ceiling is a significant issue for women in engineering, and breaking through the barriers of sexism is crucial.
What is sexism?
It is any prejudice or discrimination based on gender. Women in engineering are often subjected to a range of sexist behaviours such as being undervalued, underpaid, and excluded from career opportunities.
Women make up just 16% of the total STEM workforce in Australia, and only 12% of engineers are women.
According to the Women in STEM Decadal Plan, women make up just 16% of the total STEM workforce in Australia, and only 12% of engineers are women. Women in engineering earn less than men, with the gender pay gap sitting at 14.1%.
In 2018, a survey conducted by Engineers Australia revealed that 40% of women in engineering experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. This statistic is alarming and highlights the significant issue of sexism within the industry.
A well known example of sexism in the engineering industry is the case of Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a Sudanese-Australian engineer and author who was a victim of online harassment after appearing on the ABC's Q&A program in 2017. The incident sparked a national debate on the issue of sexism and racism in Australia.
Despite the challenges that women in engineering face, there have been significant advances in the industry. Engineers Australia has developed the Women in Engineering National Committee to support women in the industry and increase their representation.
Women in engineering earn less than men, with the gender pay gap sitting at 14.1%.
Women in engineering can also take action to break through the glass ceiling. It is essential to develop strong networks, seek out mentors, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry's culture. Women can increase their visibility by taking on leadership roles, speaking at conferences, and publishing research.
The glass ceiling is a significant issue for women in engineering, and breaking through the barriers of sexism is crucial. While there is still much work to be done, women can take action to overcome the challenges they face and achieve success in the industry.
Helpful links
- Women in Engineering National Committee - Engineers Australia
- The Women's College - University of Sydney
- Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
- Negotiating at Work: Turn Small Wins into Big Gains by Deborah M. Kolb and Jessica L. Porter
- Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: Investigate the origins and causes of gender-based bias and the actions taken to combat it in this free online course.
- Women in STEM Australia - The University of Queensland
- Women in Engineering - RMIT University
Image source: ThisisEngineering RAEng. This is Engineering image library has been developed to encourage website owners and image users to deploy a more diverse range of images when showcasing engineers and the industries in which they work.