More than 10,000 Women have Joined Engineering in the Past Decade

The engineering profession is becoming more gender-balanced, with over 10,000 women entering the field over the last ten years - a significant shift from a time when women made up just 10% of registered engineers.

Engineering Institution of Zambia Vice-President for Policy, Public Relations and National Development Dr Chilala Bowa shared the figures on the sidelines of the Young Women in Engineering Innovation Challenge in Lusaka, saying the data is drawn from the institution's own database.

The challenge is designed to identify and nurture young engineering talent, and to encourage more women to consider the profession as a career path. Zambia Women in Engineering Section Chairperson Agness Mofya said the event provides a platform for young women to showcase innovative thinking and gain visibility within the sector.

While the growth in numbers is encouraging, advocates say the momentum is building in the right direction, and with platforms like the innovation challenge creating visibility for the next generation, the profession looks set to become more representative with every passing year.