In our fast-changing world, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education has established itself as a foundation for our future. STEAM skills account for 75% of the fastest-growing global occupations, underscoring the pivotal role these subjects play in driving innovation and progress. To realise this potential – and to create spaces, cities, transport networks, buildings, and precincts that are inclusive and safe for all – we must ensure that those using our spaces are also equally represented in the co-design of them.
Consider that Engineers Australia’s recent Women in Engineering report stated that women make up 48% of Australia’s workforce but account for only 13% of the nation’s working engineers. The latest ABS Census also tells us that 50.7% of Australians are female. Half of the people using the nation’s infrastructure are women, but only 13% of Australia’s working engineers advocate for design solutions that work for women.
When it comes to female participation in engineering, research indicates that the biggest hurdle isn't in the workplace; it's much earlier, during those crucial formative years in primary and high school, where the sparks of interest are kindled or extinguished. These foundational years, which shape the perceptions and aspirations of budding engineers, hold the key to the industry’s future.
Having grown up with strong male role models – a father who was a draftsman from the pencil and paper era and a grandfather who worked on the railways – Rachael McVea, Project Manager, Highways & Civil Engineering, member of Arcadis’ Women in STEAM Committee and ‘Future Leader of the Year’ award winner, had an interest in the built environment from a young age. After initially pursuing a degree in infrastructure, she later found that her passion lay more with constructing and managing the processes behind the final product.
McVea knew that in pursuing a degree in STEAM, her university peers would mostly be male. “It didn’t deter me from pursuing the career I wanted, and that reinforced I was tracking along the right path,” McVea says. “I was never made to feel like a career in this field wasn’t for a woman by those who supported me. Despite some moments in my career being told by men that maybe my place wasn't there, I always remind myself that the people who matter support me and my journey. The people who fear change will only be left behind.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by McVea’s fellow Women in STEAM Committee member, Arcadis Engineer – Transport Technology and Mobility and ITS Young Professional of the Year, Amirtha Raj. “After growing up with an awareness that STEAM is male-dominated and that not all women have had the support and opportunities I have been given, I’m keen to create those opportunities and support networks for other women and girls to be inspired to follow their interests," Raj says.
Raj, who grew up enjoying science and maths subjects throughout school, believes STEM subjects are critical to helping young people understand the world around them. “My parents, both engineers, regularly showed me how engineers and scientists use that knowledge daily to solve problems and make the world a better place,” Raj says.
“On the other hand, they also reminded me early on that STEAM is male-dominated and can be challenging for women, as they both grew up with this perception. Despite this, they supported me as I continued to enjoy my engineering courses at university, working with others collaboratively to solve problems, so I embarked on my career in engineering,” Raj adds.
These foundational years of education hold the key to the future of engineering, shaping the perceptions and aspirations of budding engineers. Despite McVea and Raj’s experiences being exposed to the world of STEAM from a young age, the reality is that many women simply aren’t choosing to pursue STEAM subjects, with only 16% of women accounting for engineering graduates today.
Arcadis is committed to rewriting this narrative, recognising the urgency of addressing this gender disparity within engineering, starting from its roots. Our vision is straightforward: we aspire to see more young women actively engaging with STEAM subjects during their primary and high school years and subsequently stepping into engineering.
Empowering change from the grassroots is critical to make change. Arcadis' Women in STEAM Committee, is determined to address the gender imbalance within STEAM fields. They are their own case studies – women who embraced their skills in STEAM subjects and are well on their way to be the future leaders of a sector that directly impacts how everyone uses and experiences the world around them.
The Committee organises and hosts 'Women in STEAM' experience days in Australia's major cities, actively inspiring young women to explore the potential within these industries while promoting inclusivity and diversity. These events allow students to interact with experienced Arcadians through enlightening panel discussions and hands-on activities, gaining valuable insights into various engineering and STEAM careers. This immersive approach seeks to demystify engineering, serving as a catalyst to motivate young women to consider pursuing careers in these fields during their formative years in primary and high school.
The events also offer students formal work experiences, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application, instilling knowledge and motivation in students to pursue careers in engineering and STEAM fields. Members of the Committee stand as mentors and role models, inspiring and guiding the next generation of female engineers and showing that the path to success in STEAM is a real and attainable journey.
Each event and interaction, every conversation and story told, can help shape the perception of young women to consider a future perhaps thought of as off limits. Visible female role models have, for instance, made a tangible impact on the careers of McVea and Raj.
“From formal career mentors at university to informal conversations I have with friends and colleagues, I have been fortunate to have several female role models to look up to throughout my career,” Raj says. “In my professional journey thus far at Arcadis, I am constantly inspired by my wonderful female colleagues to step out of my comfort zone, navigate workplace dynamics smoothly, take on new challenges at and outside of work, and take a step back when needed.”
McVea agrees. “I have absolutely had female role models without whom I am not sure I would be in this position today,” she says. “When I was a project manager on-site, I was the only female besides my boss. Without her, I don't think I would have made it through. It is a daunting experience being the odd one out,’ but seeing her push through, show her worth, inspired me to do the same.”
For every woman who then goes on to study STEAM and pursue a career in engineering, the more diverse our workforce is, the better and more inclusive the design outcome is.
The gender gap in engineering and STEAM fields demands proactive solutions, not wishful thinking. It needs dedicated efforts, commitment, and a measurable impact to inspire the next generation. We are thankful and inspired for Arcadis' Women in STEAM Committee and their work to challenge misconceptions, spark young women's interest in STEAM early and lay the foundation for a more diverse, inclusive and innovative future in our industry.
