Leadership

June 23 is International Women in Engineering Day (INWED).
Some of you might think, “Oh no, not another Women’s Day!”
Being a woman, I am always ready to celebrate women – any day, any way. As a kid, I might’ve rolled my eyes if this showed up in a GK quiz.
Consider this a light-hearted start to a serious conversation about women and the celebration of their achievements.
A few years ago, I attended a women’s leadership program. Like many peers, I initially questioned the need for a women-specific initiative.
“If we believe in equality,” we asked, “why special treatment?”
What I’ve come to understand through my experience and countless stories of women I’ve worked with, read about, or heard is that such programs aren’t about favoring women. They’re about leveling the playing field.
Let’s begin with education. From regressive mindsets to financial limits, it’s often a long, uphill journey for girls to access opportunities especially in STEM.
Now fast forward to the workplace. Early in her career, a woman may be asked:
“What are your plans for marriage?”
The reasoning? “We want stability before assigning responsibilities.”
A logic not far from families once reluctant to fund a girl’s education fearing she’d “eventually leave.”
If she’s married, the next question follows: “Any plans to start a family?”
This is asked casually or directly, during interviews, before promotions, or before key projects.
And no, I’m not exaggerating.
What about women navigating divorce, separation, or health issues? These are human experiences but they’re rarely raised when men are considered for leadership roles.
Let’s not forget:
If a woman is getting married, somewhere a man is too.
If she’s starting a family, there’s a partner involved.
If she faces a crisis, so might a man.
Yet, women are often expected to hit ‘pause.’ Not because they lack ability, but because they’re expected or choose to prioritize family. And when they return, it’s assumed they’ve lost their edge.
This is why women-oriented fast-track programs and support systems aren’t perks, they’re essential. They help women overcome systemic barriers and enable workplaces to be truly inclusive.
To be clear: this post isn’t to downplay the challenges men face.
It’s to highlight the unconscious bias in how we view roles and responsibilities based on gender.
Are we ready to ask women about their career goals without linking them to marital or parental status?
Or better, are we ready to ask men the same life-stage questions we routinely ask women?
Because equality doesn’t mean treating everyone the same – it means giving everyone the support they need to thrive.
On this International Women in Engineering Day, let’s not only celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, but also acknowledge the barriers they still face and commit to removing them.
Because the future of engineering and every field is stronger when it’s inclusive.