International Women’s Day 2025
International Women's Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. At ASH Door Furniture, we take this opportunity to honour the remarkable contributions of women in the engineering field, acknowledging both the strides made towards inclusivity and the journey that lies ahead.
The Evolving Landscape of Women in Engineering
Historically, engineering has been perceived as a male-dominated profession. However, recent years have witnessed a positive shift towards greater gender diversity. In 2021, women constituted 16.5% of the engineering workforce in the UK, marking a 6% increase from 2010. This upward trend signifies ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive environment within the sector.
Educational initiatives have played a pivotal role in this progress. Between 2010 and 2021, the number of women accepted onto full-time undergraduate STEM courses rose by almost 50%. This surge reflects a growing interest among women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, thereby enriching the engineering talent pool with diverse perspectives.
Celebrating Trailblazers and Initiatives
Several organisations have been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within engineering. For instance, Rolls-Royce has implemented initiatives like "Being Like Me," which encourages employees to share personal stories, fostering a culture of openness and understanding. The company has achieved gender parity on its board and increased the number of women in executive roles, demonstrating a commitment to systemic change.
Educational institutions are also contributing to this positive shift. The Open University, for example, reports that 58% of its design students are female, and it has been recognised with an Athena Swan Silver Award for its efforts towards gender equality. Such achievements highlight the impact of supportive educational environments in nurturing female talent in engineering and design.
ASH Door Furniture's Commitment
At ASH Door Furniture, we recognise the invaluable contributions of women in engineering and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and leads to better problem-solving and adaptability. Our initiatives aim to support and empower women within our organisation, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive and lead.
Looking Ahead
While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve full gender parity in engineering. Continued efforts to promote STEM education among young women, coupled with supportive workplace policies, are essential to sustain and accelerate this positive trend. By celebrating the achievements of women in engineering and committing to ongoing inclusivity, we can build a future where talent and innovation flourish, irrespective of gender.
On this International Women's Day, ASH Door Furniture salutes all the women who have contributed to engineering and those who continue to inspire future generations.