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Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Climate for Women in Engineering and STEM
Research continues to show that organizations with strong, inclusive cultures not only attract more women but also retain them at higher rates. This inclusivity leads to innovation, better problem-solving, and improved performance across industries.
As we look at the latest research, summarized in “Women in Engineering and STEM: A Review of the 2024 Literature” (starting on p. 8), one message stands out: Fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment is essential to increasing the number of women in engineering.
Studies continue to prove that when women feel a sense of belonging, they are more likely to persist and thrive in STEM careers. This means we must remain intentional about creating classrooms, workplaces, and professional networks in which engineers of all genders feel valued, supported, and empowered.
At the Society of Women Engineers, we know that diversity alone is not enough; inclusion is what drives real change. Women in engineering still face barriers, from unconscious bias to lack of mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. Research continues to show that organizations with strong, inclusive cultures not only attract more women but also retain them at higher rates. This inclusivity leads to innovation, better problem-solving, and improved performance across industries. Organizations with inclusive talent practices in hiring, promotion, development, leadership, and team management generate up to 30% higher revenue per employee and greater profitability than their competitors.1
That’s why, despite recent efforts in the United States to disband activities and programs that support greater inclusion for women, SWE continues to advocate for policies and initiatives that foster equity. We encourage employers and academic institutions to resist efforts to dismantle the important work that diversity efforts have achieved and instead, implement data-driven strategies to assess and improve their environments.
By prioritizing inclusion, we are strengthening the entire engineering profession. This is critical at a time when the supply of qualified workers is not keeping pace with demand. In 2022, only 6% of bachelor’s degrees awarded were in engineering,2 and one in three engineering positions remained unfilled as recently as 2023.3 In fact, 60% of U.S. employers reported difficulty finding qualified candidates for STEM roles.3
In addition to advocating for policy changes, SWE is dedicated to providing tangible resources for women in engineering at all career stages. From scholarship opportunities for students to executive leadership programs for seasoned professionals, we offer tools designed to support women in achieving their full potential. Our annual conference continues to be a pivotal event for knowledge-sharing, networking, and career development.
Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration present new opportunities for women to lead and innovate. By equipping women with the necessary skills and resources to excel in these areas, we can ensure their representation in the industries that will shape our future.
Together, we can transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. By working collectively — across industries, academia, and professional organizations — we can create a more inclusive and equitable future that embraces all engineers.
1 “Rewriting the Rules for the Digital Age,” 2017 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trend.
2 “Undergraduate Degree Fields,” National Center for Education Statistics, updated May 2024.
3 “The US Needs More Engineers. What’s the Solution?” Boston Consulting Group, Dec. 15, 2023.
