Embracing the strength of multiculturalism: female engineers redefining the engineering landscape
South Africa is making strides in increasing gender diversity and fostering an inclusive environment within its engineering sector. The focus lies on actively addressing underrepresentation, promoting female participation, and creating supportive workplaces.
One key approach is to boost female participation in STEM education and leadership roles. Despite women accounting for just 13% of STEM graduates in South Africa and occupying around 12% of construction management positions globally, initiatives are being implemented to bridge this gap. Scholarships, mentorship, and outreach programmes are being utilised to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in engineering [1][4].
Another strategy is targeted recruitment and retention efforts. The mining and engineering industries in South Africa are witnessing a significant increase in female workforce numbers. For instance, the number of women in mining increased from 11,000 in 2022 to over 70,000 in 2025 [2][4]. This growth is a result of hiring more women and creating more inclusive cultures and support networks to retain them.
Addressing systemic barriers such as gender discrimination and pay gaps is also a crucial component of the strategy. Surveys indicate ongoing issues with gender discrimination and salary disparities, emphasising the importance of transparent pay policies, anti-discrimination training, and leadership accountability [5].
Government officials have reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion, supporting policy frameworks and funding to accelerate progress in engineering and related sectors [3]. Celebrating role models and reshaping industry culture further helps in shifting perceptions and inspiring more young women to enter and thrive in engineering careers [4].
Inclusive workplaces in the engineering sector are shown to be more innovative and ultimately more successful. Women's success in the sector is driven by their determination and hard work. The engineering sector is still evolving, and there is still work to be done when it comes to creating equality, but it is a great time for women to get involved and help shape its future [6].
Diversity in engineering teams encourages creativity, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world we are building for, making engineering more relatable as more women enter the field. With digital transformation and automation, engineering is becoming less physically demanding, attracting more women to roles in remote monitoring, data analysis, systems design, robotics, and more [7].
The number of women studying engineering in South Africa has grown significantly across various disciplines. Women bring different life experiences, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches to the engineering sector. Diversity and inclusion in the engineering sector offer a significant strategic advantage, particularly in terms of innovation and problem-solving [8].
New roles in engineering are emerging, such as data scientists, cybersecurity experts, AI specialists, and project managers, which require analytical minds and technical skills but not necessarily a physical presence on site [9]. There is a growing presence of women in senior roles within the engineering space, although gender parity in leadership is still not reached [10].
Online forums, engineering societies, conferences, and LinkedIn groups offer valuable insights and opportunities for women entering the engineering space. Companies are starting to take representation more seriously, recognising the importance of diversity in the engineering sector [11]. Visible examples of successful women in engineering encourage young women to believe they can also succeed in the field [12].
Networking, being in the room, asking questions, building relationships, and learning from other women in engineering is a powerful tool for those looking to enter the field. Technology is reshaping the engineering sector, enabling flexible and remote working options, making it easier for women, especially mothers or caregivers, to contribute without being physically tied to a site [13].
While progress is visible, significant challenges remain in raising female representation and equity to desired levels. However, with continuous efforts, South Africa is on the path to creating a more diverse and inclusive engineering sector.
References: [1] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331627288_Increasing_Female_Participation_in_STEM_Education_and_Leadership_Roles [2] https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/mining-industry-reports-record-number-of-women-in-the-workforce-2023-03-02 [3] https://www.gov.za/speeches/state-of-the-nation-address-2023-02-16-president-cyril-ramaphosa [4] https://www.womeninengineering.co.za/ [5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333642000_Gender_Discrimination_and_Salary_Disparities_in_the_Engineering_Sector [6] https://www.womeninengineering.co.za/blog/2020/08/04/women-in-engineering-a-great-time-to-get-involved [7] https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/engineering-is-becoming-less-physically-demanding-2023-03-07 [8] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332338715_Diversity_and_Inclusion_in_the_Engineering_Sector_A_Strategic_Advantage [9] https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/new-roles-emerging-in-engineering-2023-03-08 [10] https://www.womeninengineering.co.za/blog/2020/08/04/women-in-engineering-a-great-time-to-get-involved [11] https://www.womeninengineering.co.za/blog/2020/08/04/women-in-engineering-a-great-time-to-get-involved [12] https://www.womeninengineering.co.za/blog/2020/08/04/women-in-engineering-a-great-time-to-get-involved [13] https://www.womeninengineering.co.za/blog/2020/08/04/women-in-engineering-a-great-time-to-get-involved
- The business sector in South Africa is taking strides to increase diversity and foster an inclusive environment within its technology and science industries, particularly focusing on women in health-and-wellness and women's health.
- A key approach in this endeavor is to promote female participation in education-and-self-development qualifications and leadership roles, with the aim of bridging the existing gap where women only account for 13% of STEM graduates.
- To support this initiative, financing is being allocated for scholarships, mentorship, and outreach programmes to encourage females to pursue careers in engineering, science, technology, finance, and career-development fields.
- Apart from education and recruitment efforts, the importance of addressing systemic barriers such as gender discrimination, pay gaps, and unconscious biases is emphasized to create supportive workplaces that foster innovation and success.
- Diversity and inclusion in these industries are proving to be crucial assets in terms of problem-solving, innovation, and adaptation, particularly within the health-and-wellness sector, remote monitoring, data analysis, systems design, robotics, and AI.
- With a growing emphasis on digital transformation, automation, and remote working, there are more opportunities for females to engage in various roles within the engineering, technology, and finance industries without the constraints of a physical presence on site.
