Women’s Engineering Society (WES)

With 16.5% of engineers being women, the annual INWED event provides female engineers with an opportunity to shine in an industry where they are underrepresented. This event plays a pivotal role in not just showcasing talent but also in encouraging and inspiring the next generation of female engineers.

Since its inception INWED has grown its reach to give women engineers around the world a platform on which to share their collective voice.

For 2022, INWED is looking at inventors and innovators, profiling the best, brightest and bravest women in engineering who are striving to be part of the solution, helping to build a brighter future for all.

INWED 2022 is looking towards the future, focusing on those who will change the industry for the better. In part, the idea for the ninth version of the event is to increase engagement and awareness so that everyone can start thinking about the impact the industry is having on the planet and how we can encourage individuals and organisations to think about being more sustainable moving forward.

To bring about true innovation there needs to be a workforce that genuinely reflects the diverse nature of engineering and the people it benefits.

One of the purposes of the event is to drive the topic of diversity and inclusion, and to spark discussions at an Executive Level. The question of ‘How can I ensure my workplace is as diverse as possible?’ Is one that INWED continually helps to answer. It’s an event for female engineers as well as those who wish to strive and ensure their organisation is doing everything possible to be fair and open to all.

INWED this year is about celebrating the amazing work that women engineers around the world are doing to support lives and livelihoods every day.

A highlight of INWED 2022 is a webinar that will showcase a number of influential figures within the industry, including Professor Gillian Youngs – visiting professor of design and digital Strategy, University of Greenwich, fellow of the Women’s Engineering Society. Eno Essien, CEO of Rheytrak and Sue Harnett, founder of Rewriting The Code.

Winners of Top 50 Women in Engineering revealed

As part of INWED 2022, The Women’s Engineering Society (WES) is delighted to announce the winners of the Top 50 Women in Engineering awards. Now in its seventh year, the 2022 WE50 winners celebrate women who are older than 18 years old who can demonstrate the creation or improvement of a product or process that makes a difference.

For 2022, the WES, in association with The Guardian and Ball Corporation, a global supplier of sustainable packaging, invited nominations on numerous factors, including their ability to support and combat climate change, work as an advocate for women in STEM, their drive to make a difference within the engineering industry and achieving beyond what would normally be expected.

Even in the current climate, the number and standard of nominations were high, emphasising the exceptional achievements made by women in this field. The WE50 awards were judged by a panel of industry experts.

Head Judge, Dr Bola Olabisi said ‘‘We were amazed by the quality and diversity of nominations this year. Each one demonstrating capabilities of inspiring other women with their life changing contributions. We were delighted with their sheer determination and tenacity as innovators”.

More than ever, female engineers are applying themselves to sustainability and creating a built environment that is kinder to the natural world.

Female engineers are working to combat global CO2 emissions by creating products that monitor, capture and reduce carbon emissions, as well as developing energy solutions to decarbonise entire countries.

At the heart of many of the projects featured in this year’s list are those that help us to be more eco-friendly, whether it be infrastructure, transport systems and all types of equipment that help us to be more sustainable.

As Elizabeth Donnelly CEO of WES says ‘"Once again WES is delighted to celebrate the achievements of women engineers. It's a joy that so many innovative women are making a difference to our everyday lives and working to mitigate the impact that engineering has on the environment".