Engineering Census
Engineering Census
The Women’s Engineering Society marked its centenary year in 2019 with a significant initiative to better understand the status and experiences of women in engineering. Supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), WES commissioned a nationwide census through open tender to gather detailed insights into the make-up of women working within the profession. This important project aimed to establish a baseline against which future progress could be measured, shaping the development of programs and support for women engineers.
The survey provided a comprehensive review of women in engineering across the UK, comparing their experiences with male counterparts to explore key areas such as:
- Educational pathways into engineering
- Motivations and enjoyment of engineering roles
- Transitions into engineering from other fields
- Career aspirations and support needed to achieve goals
- Barriers encountered
- Representation of women in leadership positions
A steering group of WES Council and RAEng members shaped the survey questions, informed by a brief literature review on large engineering populations. Despite initial delays in publication due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, WES and RAEng are proud to share these findings as a tribute to the engineers who contributed.
The resulting report offers valuable insights, including a literature review and high-level analysis of the data collected. This resource is now available to researchers and can serve as a foundation for further academic exploration, such as Master’s or Doctoral research projects. By providing this data, WES continues to champion equality and progress for women in engineering.
