International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is celebrated globally every year on 23 June, and in 2026 it falls on Tuesday, 23 June, under the theme Engineering Intelligence. This international observance is led by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), a UK-based charity founded in 1919, with UNESCO patronage. INWED serves as a powerful platform to recognize the achievements of women engineers, challenge gender imbalance in the profession, and inspire more girls and women to pursue careers in engineering.
Despite engineering being one of the most impactful fields shaping modern society, women remain significantly underrepresented. In the UK, women make up only around 16.5% of the engineering workforce, with similar or lower participation rates globally. This gap highlights the continued need for visibility, opportunity, and encouragement for women entering STEM fields.
#EngineeringIntelligence: The 2026 Theme
The 2026 theme, #EngineeringIntelligence, emphasizes the creativity, analytical thinking, and problem-solving ability that women bring to engineering. It reflects the evolving nature of the profession, where intelligence is not only technical but also collaborative, adaptive, and innovative. From civil and structural engineering to aerospace, biomedical, software, and environmental engineering, women engineers are driving solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges. INWED 2026 highlights these diverse pathways while challenging outdated stereotypes that engineering is a male-dominated profession.
Global Celebration and Impact
INWED is celebrated across the world through a wide range of activities, including workshops, networking sessions, panel discussions, educational outreach programs, and digital campaigns using hashtags such as #INWED2026 and #EngineeringIntelligence.
Professional bodies and institutions also play a key role in expanding its reach. For example, engineering networks like IEEE Women in Engineering and global industry initiatives support mentorship programs, leadership development, and knowledge-sharing events that empower women in engineering at every career stage.
These global celebrations reinforce a shared message: engineering thrives when it is inclusive.
Shaping Future Engineers Through Education
A critical part of INWED’s mission is inspiring the next generation of women engineers by improving access to quality education and career pathways in STEM and the built environment. In this context, London Metropolitan University, in partnership with NEXT Education Group, offers specialized postgraduate pathways in the School of Built Environment (SBEN) designed to develop future industry leaders. These programmes are particularly relevant for aspiring engineers and construction professionals seeking globally recognized qualifications.
Key programmes include:
These courses are professionally aligned and internationally respected, with accreditation and recognition from leading industry bodies such as:
- The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- Chartered Association of Building Engineers
- RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
- Association for Project Management
Through this academic partnership, students gain both theoretical expertise and practical industry alignment, preparing them for leadership roles in construction, infrastructure, and project management sectors worldwide.
Inspiring the Next Generation
INWED 2026 is more than a celebration, it is a call to action. It encourages institutions, industry leaders, and educators to actively support gender diversity in engineering through mentorship, scholarships, and accessible education pathways. By showcasing role models, strengthening academic-industry collaboration, and promoting programmes like those offered through London Metropolitan University and NEXT Education Group, the engineering sector can move closer to true inclusivity.
As the world advances toward smarter cities, sustainable infrastructure, and digital transformation, engineering intelligence will define the future, and women will be at the centre of it.
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