5 ways to make sure women don’t get left behind in engineering careers

Behind every ship that docks, every container that's unloaded, and every sustainable initiative at Portsmouth International Port, stands a team of visionary engineers.

And leading them is Anisa Koci, Chartered Engineer and principal port project manager.

But despite carving a successful career for herself, Anisa still feels like she must prove her worth when she’s often the only woman in the room.

"I've always been among very few women. I was one of only a few girls in my classes at university, and this still applies to my job today,” Anisa says.

"Engineering is still very male-dominated. Sometimes, I feel like I have to prove myself and be more assertive when managing a team of men," she explains.

Many women in engineering share this experience, working harder to gain the same respect as their male colleagues.

This year, the theme for International Women's Day calls for rights, equality and empowerment for all women and girls. We asked Anisa to share her insights on how this can be achieved in engineering.

1. Provide role models and mentors

Anisa credits much of her success to her aunt, who was a leading figure in her field.

"My biggest mentor has been my auntie, a doctor in title and naval engineer. I saw the difference she was making through her work and at university as a lecturer. I wanted to follow her steps."

Having visible role models is key to encouraging more women to join engineering.

Anisa believes that events promoting STEM careers and ambassadors who engage with young students are helping drive change.

2. Create inclusive workplaces

For engineering firms seeking to improve gender balance, Anisa suggests they start by understanding the needs of the female engineers in their departments.

Then they can create policies that support these needs, such as using inclusive recruitment practices and offering flexible work arrangements.

Mentoring and training can also help create a supportive work culture.

3. Seek women's voices

Women in engineering who face challenges in the workplace often have the clearest ideas on how to address these issues.

To tackle bias, Anisa believes that companies must actively seek feedback from employees (through questionnaires or similar activities).

4. Design with women in mind

Female perspectives are equally vital in project design. They should shape project designs, especially when it comes to safety.

"We should include security features like surveillance cameras, emergency alarms, and regular patrols in public spaces," she says.

More importantly, women and girls should be involved in decision-making to ensure their needs are met.

5. Use passion as a driving force

For young women considering a career in engineering, Anisa’s advice is simple: "Be persistent in your passion and what you want to do.

“Take what you have a passion for and use it to drive your career and interests."

Building pathways to equality

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, stories like Anisa’s highlight how progress comes from individual determination and collective action.

There’s still a long way to go in achieving gender balance in engineering. But every woman who builds a bridge, designs sustainable port facilities, or mentors the next generation is paving the way for others.

The persistence these pioneers show daily doesn't just change their own career trajectories – it gradually transforms the entire profession. This means engineering isn’t just about building structures, but about building equality.