Mentorship fuels momentum in engineering’s gender gap

Despite modest progress in female representation—up from 10% in 2010 to 16.9% today—the engineering sector remains far from gender parity. But a new survey by the Women’s Engineering Society and EngineeringUK reveals a promising force: nearly half of female engineers are actively mentoring others.

This isn’t just altruism. It’s a strategic response to a pipeline problem. Mentoring and support networks are emerging as critical levers for retention, progression, and future recruitment. The survey highlights what female engineers want: more career visibility, earlier school engagement, stronger teaching resources, and active stereotype disruption.

Mentorship isn’t just a feel-good initiative—it’s a business imperative to secure future talent and broaden the industry’s reach.

Read the full article to see what actions your organisation can take next.