Engineering education teaches you how to think and how to solve a problem generally in life. Technically, engineering is about making life easier and better. When you look around, you can see the products of engineering everywhere.
Personally, I decided to be an engineer when I was quite young. I was always trying to build something and playing with construction toys. Additionally, I loved Maths and Physics and I wanted to learn more of it and apply this knowledge in my workplace in my future. Then, I realised that Civil Engineering was ideal for me because it was an area of my interests.
On the other hand, my father has a construction company in Turkey, and I was lucky to have someone who could answer my questions about the field, and he encouraged me to be an engineer since the beginning. I think it is quite important to have someone around that can explain you not only advantages but also disadvantages of the profession that you are deciding to go into and have an education on it.
There is a significant improvement on the numbers of women in male-dominated fields; however, the numbers of women in STEM -especially in engineering- are not promising. Of course, there might be numerous reasons behind. Unfortunately, in most of communities, there is a common myth that “There are differences between male and female brains and boys are better in Engineering.” Although, scientifically the difference between the brains and its effect on female suitability in STEM is insignificant, this general belief in different cultures can be discouraging for girls to have an education in Engineering.
Moreover, the biological differences between genders alone do not provide enough explanation for the lack of women in engineering and there are so many famous and successful women engineers. This proves that they are equally as capable as men. On the other hand, studies show that girls are interested in STEM when they are in high school. But unfortunately, cultural or sociological mindsets can have a negative impact on girls deciding to go for more ‘feminine’ careers rather than engineering. Also, it is seen that girls in countries that are better in gender equality, tend to go into STEM careers more than the ones in other countries where gender discrimination is greater.
The other reason might be the lack of the support and suitable environment for female students in colleges and universities. I think education sector needs to be more supportive for girls. Furthermore, it is important for girls to have role models that inspire them to be an engineer, they can keep motivation and aim to achieve their goals.
I am glad to be a role model as a woman engineer for my female engineering students. I try to make my all students feel included in the field independently from their gender or cultural backgrounds and show them there is no reason not to be a successful woman engineer.
Dr A. Cagla Balaban
Civil Engineer
Lecturer in Built Environment
