Engineering, a historically male-dominated field, has witnessed a significant transformation in recent decades. The presence of women in engineering brings a broader range of experiences and points of view, which can lead to more creative and efficient solutions to complex problems.
Despite advances, women in engineering still face significant challenges such as salary gaps and lack of representation in leadership roles. According to data from ANUIES (National Association of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education) until 2021, of all students enrolled in engineering in Mexico, only 37% were women, which represents progress compared to the 27% of women enrolled in engineering in 2012, but there is still work to be done.
Hence, the importance of the meeting organized by Egis in Mexico and authorities of the Railway and Transportation Engineering careers of UPIICSA of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) in the framework of the Women in Engineering Day, where Egis engineers: Judy Monterroso, Elisa De la Mora, Keyla Maza and Cindy Aradillas, shared their experiences in several working tables with more than 100 students from different engineering careers.
Francisco Javier Bojórquez Hernández, professor of railway and transportation engineering and the main promoter of the female role at UPIICSA-IPN, welcomed the event, highlighting the importance and necessity of the female role in this field, while congratulating the students present for their interest in participating in the working groups with Egis engineers in Mexico.
Judy Monterroso, Transportation Engineer, shared with the participants the importance of getting involved in engineering work and participating in different areas and roles before making a decision to specialize.
Elisa De la Mora, Civil Engineer specializing in airports, stressed the need to visualize engineering projects as a whole and to use technology without fear because it does not eliminate human work, it complements it.
Keyla Maza, Civil Engineer specializing in railway projects, emphasized that the focus should not only be on the project but also on the environmental and social impact it will have in order to evaluate its long-term success and make the right decisions.
Cindy Aradillas, Chemical Engineer with a focus on RAMS, commented with the students on the importance of developing communication skills and having an open mind to recognize from whom you can continue to learn in order to grow as an engineer.
At the end of the workshops, several students thanked the engineers for inspiring them and giving them advice on the working life they will soon be joining.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the engineers by Dr. Javier Hernandez, Academic Director. Javier Hernández -Academic Director-, Master José Miguel Cortés Navarro -Chief of Industrial Administration-, Licenciada Lucía Ivette Aróstico Báez -Chief of the School Management Department-, Maestra Rocío García Pedraza -Administrative Deputy Director-, all of them authorities of UPIICSA-IPN.
Women engineers are building literal and figurative bridges, designing systems that connect us, and creating technologies that improve our lives. Their role is not only important, it is indispensable. Recognizing and supporting the role of women in engineering is crucial for a sustainable, equitable and advanced development of our society.