The engineering industry has typically struggled to achieve gender parity – with women making up just 15.7% of the UK workforce in 2024.
One of the best ways to forge gender equality is to understand what works and do more of it, faster. In line with the theme of Accelerate Action for this year’s International Women’s Day (8 March), we spoke to our female colleagues at Woodcock & Wilson to hear their experiences of being women in the engineering industry, and their advice for future generations.
Nicola Donnelly, Head of Finance, Micha Kaaba, Purchasing Manager, Charly Matthews, Receptionist, Madalina Dascalescu, Quality and Health & Safety Manager, Toni Tang, IT Manager, Izabela Kozubek, Accounts Assistant, Sabina Hussain, Accounts Office Manager and Qamrun Aslan, Office Administrator, all shared their experiences with us.
What is your experience of being a woman working in the engineering industry?
Madalina: “I’ve had the opportunity to face both unique challenges and rewarding experiences. As a Quality and Health and Safety Manager, I’ve worked hard to create a safe, inclusive environment while navigating a traditionally male-dominated field and learning my way through the role. It’s inspiring to see more women joining the industry, and I’m proud to contribute to that progress.”
Micha: “If anything, I have been more supported by my male colleagues than in any other line of work I have been in. I have had zero negative experiences in this industry because of my gender.”
Nicola: “I work within the accounts department, which is currently all female, and there are women working in other roles like purchasing and customer services.”
Toni: “I don’t feel any different to any other employee, male or female.”
Have you faced any challenges in your role due to being a woman, if so, what?
All eight women agreed that they hadn’t faced any challenges in their role that were specifically due to being a woman. However, Nicola noted: “I am the only women in the board meetings but often this is the case in companies as the board room is male dominated. Here, it doesn’t matter if you are male or female, you are treated equally.”
Madalina added: “I haven’t faced any challenges due to being a woman in my role. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and inclusive, which has made a positive impact on my experience in the industry.”
Since you began working here, how have you seen the company change?
Madalina: “The company has definitely shifted towards greater collaboration and continuous improvement. Teams work together to solve problems, learn from challenges, and provide ongoing support to anyone who needs it.”
Why do you think there aren’t many women in the engineering industry?
Micha: “I think it’s the perception that it’s a male dominated industry. I believe more women need to forget about the perception and chase what they want to do. Perception becomes reality if you allow it.”
Madalina: “I think the engineering industry has traditionally been seen as more suited to certain skill sets, but in reality, it requires a lot of common sense, problem-solving, and creativity, qualities that both men and women could possess equally.”
Nicola: “At school, this is not really mentioned to women as a career. However, this is probably not the case now with younger staff promoting different career paths to all genders.”
Qamrun: “I think stereotypes play a huge part, and there is a real lack of female representation within the industry.”
What measures do you think would make a difference, for getting more women in engineering-related roles?
Five of our team agreed that schools should focus more on providing insight and relevant information about the engineering industry, to show young women that the industry is open for them and encourage them to consider a career in the sector earlier on. Micha added: “It’s too late once they have chosen their degree path in college.”
This could be encouraged through work experience opportunities in the industry, which Woodcock & Wilson proudly offer. Sabina added, with Madalina emphasising the importance of highlighting “successful female role models in the field to help break down barriers and challenge stereotypes.”
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter the engineering industry?
Micha: “DO IT!”
Charly: “Go for it, you can do anything you want to.”
Izabela: “Study hard, find a good source of knowledge about new technology and make yourself stand out from the crowd!”
Madalina: “I think it’s essential to foster a workplace culture that values work-life balance and provides flexibility, making it easier for women to succeed in the field. Creating a supportive environment with opportunities that inspire confidence.”
Nicola: “I don’t think any role in life is not achievable – as women we have a lot of good traits and often look at things differently to men, so in my past experience a mix of both genders can work well as we can learn/develop from each other.”
Sabina: “My advice would be to go ahead with it and be brave. I know the engineering industry is a male dominated environment and can be intimidating, but do not let this stop you.”
Qamrun: “Definitely go ahead with entering the engineering industry as it offers a good challenge and opportunity to make a positive impact.”
Thinking about a career in engineering?
At Woodcock & Wilson, we strive to provide equal opportunities for our employees, regardless of gender. To find out about a career with us, visit our website at https://www.fanmanufacturers.com/woodcock-and-wilson-careers/.
