INWED is the biggest celebration of women engineers in the world. As the only platform of its kind, it plays a vital role in encouraging more young women and girls to take up exciting engineering careers.
To mark to occasion, we have spoken to some of the women engineers we have working here at RPL, to ask their thoughts on their chosen profession, the challenges they face and the advice they would give to others.
Rhona Davies – Engineer, Toner & Ink Engineering
A: My father was an Electrical Engineer and from a very early age he involved me in his projects and encouraged me to follow Science and Engineering interests. I was wiring 13 amp plugs to his exacting standards and soldering components on to circuit boards by the age of 7.
Q: How did/do you beat the stigma of engineering being a male-dominated industry?
A: It was hard in the 90s, I was once told by a Production Manager, “I don’t know why we bother spending the time and money on women engineers, you will just leave to go and have sprogs anyway.”
You were regularly ignored or talked over in meetings, so you just had to keep trying. You develop a very thick skin and try to not let it get to you, or at least don’t let them see when it does. It has definitely got much better with time, you’re no longer seen as a feminist ‘out to bang the drum’, but there are still moments in society where it hasn’t totally gone away. You just want to be treated as an equal, judged on your ability, not your sex.
Q: What do you enjoy about engineering?
A: Working with technology to create things from scratch or blending people with equipment into a ‘machine like’ process which makes something tangible. Logical thought patterns, solving problems and manipulating data to tell a story. Constantly learning new things and developing new skills.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of women in engineering?
A: I wish more girls would have the opportunity to see that Engineering is an option for them from an early age. And maybe if younger females coming into Engineering had experienced female Engineers to work with, there may be more take-up, as it can sometimes be intimidating as a teenage girl to be put with a middle-aged man as their mentor.
Q: What advice would you give to young women interested in engineering and/or STEM?
A: Keep a clear focus on what you want to do and don’t let anyone put you off. Just with gentle pressure, not arrogance, encourage fellow male colleagues to see what you can do. It may take some time, so be patient. Ridicule is a sign of their weakness and feelings of being threatened, so you have to let them know you’re not a threat, but you don’t want to be walked all over either. It’s all a fine balance and I don’t always get it right. Finally, I was once told every failure is a learning opportunity, so don’t be afraid of failing. I’ve done a lot of learning!
Ling He - Chemical Engineer, Inkjet Technical Centre
A: I developed an interest in chemistry when I was in secondary school. Then I did BSc in chemistry, MSc in materials, and chemical engineering in PhD. Therefore I naturally followed a path of engineering career.
Q: How did/do you beat the stigma of engineering being a male-dominated industry?
A: Sometimes it could be hard being ignored or underestimated in a male-dominated industry, but I try to make an impact through action. In my job, I help the customers solve their technical issues, support colleagues, and therefore win their respect. Female engineers can see things from a different angle, and this brings diversity to the team, which is what I’m happy to do.
Q: What do you enjoy about engineering?
A: I like research and challenge. I become excited when I face new challenge and find fulfilment when I solved the problems.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of women in engineering?
A: Women have their own advantages in engineering, such as being more sensitive to subtle gradation of colour, which is very useful in printing industry. I hope women in engineering, with their special set of skills, are appreciated, valued and encouraged.
Q: What advice would you give to young women interested in engineering and/or STEM?
A: Do what you want to do, follow your heart. Engineering is a different but very interesting world.
Gift Elesho - Area Specialist Maintenance Engineer, Manufacturing & Facilities Engineering
Q: Have did you get into engineering and/or STEM?
A: Growing up I developed a passion for mathematics and sciences most especially because of the mentorship from my dad who was a mechanical engineer. He made the principles easy to understand and built my self-confidence which made me excel, while everything else fell into place naturally.
Q: How did/do you beat the stigma of engineering being a male-dominated industry?
A: My dad believed in gender equality and never made engineering seemed like a profession meant only for males and I adopted that mindset as well. Although the stigma was evident at university, I was not deterred by any of the associated bias, rather I propelled myself to success and graduated as the best student in the class with over 100 males.
That was a big win for me!
Q: What do you enjoy about engineering?
A: I mostly enjoy providing practical solutions to problems and bringing theoretical principles to life. Executing projects and collaborating with teams has also proved to be satisfying. I am also glad to have an opportunity to break stereotypes, defying social expectation, and challenging traditional gender roles.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of women in engineering?
A: My hope is that the engineering field embraces diversity with a greater representation of women. Continued advocacy and awareness of gender equality in the field would also be imperative in bridging the existing gap. Above all, women should be given equal opportunities in the workplace and their contributions should be duly recognised.
Q: What advice would you give to young women interested in engineering and/or STEM?
A: They should not be afraid to pursue a career in the field. They can be sure of success once they are determined to put in the work required to acquire the skills and knowledge. They can also leverage on building networks or relationships with women-based organisations in the field.
Natasha Witcombe - Engineering Procurement Specialist, Supply Chain Management
Q: Have did you get into engineering and/or STEM?
A: Sort of by accident! Back in 1989/1990 I felt that career advice in my school was not very good if you were slightly different to the norm. At school, I was good at Physics, Maths, Technical Drawing and Craft, Design & Technology. The careers advisor said I should work in a bank; this would not have suited me at all. I went to college and did A levels, didn’t really do very well apart from technical drawing. I was then offered a place at Staffordshire University on a Manufacturing Engineering with Business Degree, and I have never looked back.
Q: How did/do you beat the stigma of engineering being a male-dominated industry?
A: By having a larger-than-life personality and confidence in myself. I have been very lucky in my early career to have worked with some great Engineers who have taken the time to mentor me, and I have certainly learnt a lot and also a lot of Best Practice. I have also learned how not to do things! It's also interesting that women do think different to men and hence can have a different perspective. This is ideal when part of an Engineering Project Team.
Q: What do you enjoy about engineering?
A: Every day is different and brings different challenges! I worked in the Parts Engineering Department for 22 years and then decided to do CIPS. I am now MCIPS and work as an Engineering Procurement Specialist. So I now experience even more variety in my work than previously.
Q: What are your hopes for the future of women in engineering?
A: I feel that Engineering is still largely male dominated, but it is getting better. If a female feels their strengths are of a technical bias, then they should certainly pursue a career in Engineering, but always aim high.
Q: What advice would you give to young women interested in engineering and/or STEM?
A: Difficult one. Maybe just follow your dreams, aim high and believe in your contribution. You will never be bored in Engineering!
Eve Redden - Technical Engineering Apprentice
Q: How did I get into engineering?
A: I really enjoyed Design and Technology in school and I also took engineering design at GCSE. These subjects are what really got me interested in engineering.
Q: How did/do I beat the stigma of a male dominated industry?
A: Today, I feel like there is a lot less stigma around women in an engineering environment as a whole, although the main thing I do is keep on going and keep on trying.
Q: What do I enjoy about engineering?
A: I really enjoy being able to come up with designs both for something completely new, or something that can help solve a problem.
Q: What are my hopes for the future of women in engineering?
A: I really hope more women are encouraged to look for careers that focus or are based around engineering
Q: What advice would I give young women who are interested in engineering/STEM?
A: My advice would be to stick at it! If you enjoy engineering or any STEM activities, definitely keep doing what you enjoy and look for opportunities where you can put your skills to good use.
Q: What inspired me to pursue a career in engineering?
A: I have always enjoyed designing and making things, so it just made sense to seek a career when I could do just that. The Ricoh UK Products Ltd apprenticeship scheme has allowed me to unleash creativity - coming up with designs for new products and services, things that can help solve real-world problems.
Sharon Winning - Continuous Improvement Engineer, Transformation & Engagement
Wendy Newton - Senior Engineer, Inkjet Technical Centre
Chloe Millington - Junior Engineer, Manufacturing & Facilities Engineering
Claire James - General Manager, Human Resources
