Breaking barriers! Civil engineering (CE) is a male-dominated field, and women continue to face barriers and stereotypes as they try to carve out their careers in this fascinating field. 

Research has shown a huge gender gap, with women only making up around 13% of the workforce. However, despite the struggles faced by women in this field, there are also many opportunities for them to excel and break barriers. 

This blog will discuss some challenges and opportunities women face in civil engineering. Continue reading!

Table Of Contents

1. The Gender Gap In Civil Engineering

2. Women In Leadership Roles

3. Challenges Faced By Women Civil Engineers

4. Steps To Increase Women’s Representation In CE

5. Famous Female Structural Engineers

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

The Gender Gap In Civil Engineering

The gender gap in civil engineering has been a long-standing issue for several years. Women are significantly underrepresented in the field. This lack of representation is due to the lack of representation of female role models and mentors in the industry. 

Women are leaving the field at a higher rate than their male counterparts, with 40% of women with engineering degrees never entering or leaving the field. This is primarily due to implicit bias, gendered tasking, and expectations that make it difficult for women to succeed in the field. 

To address this issue, engineering programs must actively work towards reducing implicit bias through education and support programs. Minimising these biases will give women more opportunities to succeed and thrive in civil engineering.

Women In Leadership Roles

Despite progress in recent years, women remain under-represented in engineering professions as a leader. Retention of female engineers remains low, with only 47.1% of qualified female engineers employed in their field compared to 62.6% of qualified male engineers. 

Another study found that female engineers faced a 10% salary gap compared to their male counterparts, despite scoring higher in most leadership skills. Stereotypes and other factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in engineering. 

However, efforts are being made to overcome these challenges and create more opportunities for women in the industry, including programs to encourage girls to pursue Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and initiatives to support women in leadership roles in engineering firms.

Challenges Faced By Women Civil Engineers

Women civil engineers face several challenges in their profession, including.

1. Gender Bias And Discrimination

Women civil engineers may face bias and discrimination in the workplace, ranging from subtle forms of prejudice to more overt forms of harassment. This can lead to lower salaries, fewer opportunities for advancement, and a lack of respect from colleagues.

2. Lack Of Representation

Women are still underrepresented in the engineering industry, making it difficult for female engineers to find role models and mentors.

3. Work-Life Balance

Balancing a demanding career in civil engineering with family responsibilities can be challenging for women, mainly if they are the primary caregivers for children or elderly relatives.

4. Limited Networking Opportunities

Many networking events and professional organisations in the civil engineering industry are male-dominated, making it difficult for women to build relationships with colleagues and advance their careers.

5. Safety Concerns

Women working in the field may face safety concerns, particularly if they are working in remote or high-risk areas.

6. Lack Of Access To Resources

Women may have limited access to resources such as funding, equipment, and training, which can hinder their ability to succeed in their careers.

Steps To Increase Women’s Representation In CE

In order to increase women’s representation in civil engineering and create a more diverse and inclusive profession. Here are six steps that can be taken to increase women’s representation in civil engineering.

1. Encourage Girls To Pursue STEM Subjects

Encourage girls from an early age to take an interest in STEM subjects. Encourage them to participate in STEM activities and provide them with role models with successful engineering careers.

2. Promote Civil Engineering As A Career Choice

Encourage women to consider civil engineering as a career choice by promoting the benefits of the profession. This can be done through outreach programs, career fairs, and networking events.

3. Offer Mentoring And Support

Provide mentoring and support for women who are interested in civil engineering. This can include offering internship programs, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities.

4. Create An Inclusive Workplace Culture

Create an inclusive workplace culture that encourages women to participate and contribute. This can include creating a supportive work environment, offering flexible work arrangements and timings, and promoting work-life balance.

5. Address Gender Bias

Address gender bias in the workplace by implementing policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. This can include unconscious bias training, pay equity, and diversity and inclusion committees.

6. Partner With Educational Institutions

Partner with educational institutions to provide opportunities for women to learn about civil engineering and gain hands-on experience in the field. This can include offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship programs.

Famous Female Structural Engineers

Throughout history, many women have made significant contributions to civil engineering. They have developed engineering as a profession, and before the 11th century, women had contributed to technological advancements worldwide.

The University of California, Berkeley, was the first institution to award an engineering bachelor’s degree to a woman, paving the way for more opportunities for women in civil engineering. Despite the challenges, the increasing number of women in the field presents opportunities for more diversity and innovation in the industry.

Many famous female structural engineers throughout history have made significant contributions to the field of engineering. Here are some notable names from around the world:

1. Emily Warren Roebling

Emily Warren Roebling was the first female field engineer. She was an American civil engineer who is best known for her contribution to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States.

2. Elmina Wilson

Elmina Wilson was the first female structural engineer in the United Kingdom and was responsible for designing several important bridges, including the Hammersmith Bridge in London.

3. Sharada Devi Gollamudi

Sharada Devi Gollamudi is an Indian structural engineer who has designed many vital structures in India, including the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.

4. Zaha Hadid

She was an Iraqi-British architect and engineer known for her innovative and futuristic designs. She was the first woman who was awarded Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004.

5. Shreya Gadepalli

Shreya Gadepalli is an Indian civil engineer who has worked on many transportation projects in India, including the Chennai Metro Rail project.

6. Isher Judge Ahluwalia

She is an Indian economist and infrastructure expert who has significantly contributed to developing India’s infrastructure. She is also the first woman to receive the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards.

7. Roma Agrawal

She is a British structural engineer who was crucial in constructing The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe.

8. Tessy Thomas

Tessy Thomas is an Indian scientist and engineer known as the “Missile Woman of India.” She played a crucial role in developing India’s ballistic missile defence program.

The Final Say

Although women have made great strides in many fields and niches of the workforce, they still face some roadblocks in civil engineering. From tackling misogynistic attitudes and behaviours to fewer opportunities for job advancement, female civil engineers are challenged more than their male counterparts. 

However, with the support of industry leaders, associations, and other professionals, women in civil engineering can overcome these obstacles and create a better, brighter future for themselves and their communities. 

We must uplift and support our female engineers, provide them with leadership opportunities, and celebrate the ones who have contributed to the field. 

About BGI

Bansal Group of Institutes offers a wide range of engineering, management and nursing courses. It has the best and top-placement colleges in its various campuses across Bhopal, Indore and Mandideep. With credible faculty and well-equipped laboratories, BGI ensures a top-grade learning experience. 

Visit our websites

Bhopal– https://bgibhopal.com/

Indore– https://sdbc.ac.in/

Mandideep– https://bce.ac.in/

Click on the link to get yourself registered– https://bgibhopal.com/registration-form/

FAQs

1. What are some of the unique challenges women face pursuing a career in civil engineering?

Women pursuing a career in civil engineering may face unique challenges, such as gender bias and discrimination in the workplace, a lack of female role models and mentors, and difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities. Some may also struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like they don’t belong in a male-dominated field. 

2. Are any specific skills or traits advantageous for women in civil engineering?

In civil engineering, specific skills or traits that can benefit women include good communication skills, attention to detail, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and passion for making a difference in society. 

3. What steps can be taken to increase the representation of women in the field of civil engineering?

Steps that can be taken to increase women’s representation in civil engineering include encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects from a young age, providing mentorship programs, creating an inclusive and welcoming work environment, offering scholarships and more.