Diversity drives innovation: Why women matter in engineering today

International Women in Engineering Day is providing a moment for industry voices to reflect on progress, highlight persistent barriers, and showcase the transformative impact of diversity in the field. Despite advancements, women and other underrepresented groups remain a minority in engineering and technology professions, prompting renewed calls for change from industry leaders and practitioners.

Devin Haynes, Product Owner at SIOS Technology, underscores the invaluable contribution women bring to the technical landscape. "Women bring a unique perspective to tech. When women are part of tech teams, innovation improves. We challenge assumptions, encourage broader thinking and reduce groupthink," Haynes states. She notes that women often approach technology with a focus on usability, empathy, and real-world application — qualities crucial for developing systems that cater to the needs of today's society. "Women bring this diversity of thought to any room and the solutions that are developed are better all around because of it."

Representation remains a key focus for Haynes, who has witnessed how visible role models in technology inspire the next generation. "I often see that girls are hesitant to move into the tech field -- that's why representation matters. When girls and young women see me and others thriving in tech roles, it inspires them to do the same. It challenges the stereotype and opens their minds to a greater possibility. This is critical in a field where women, particularly women of colour, remain underrepresented." Haynes argues that bringing more women into technology is not merely an equity issue but a strategic advantage for companies, leading to stronger teams and smarter, more inclusive products. "It leads to stronger teams, smarter products, and an industry that reflects the diversity of the world it serves."

Sam McWilliam, Managing Director for Transport at WSP Australia, highlights that International Women in Engineering Day serves as "an opportunity to reflect on the structural change still needed to make engineering a truly inclusive profession." McWilliam observes the persistent underrepresentation of women, particularly in leadership, as a significant challenge that goes beyond fairness. "That imbalance is not just an equity issue—it's a barrier to progress." She emphasises that for infrastructure projects that reshape communities, having teams that mirror society's diversity produces more meaningful and effective outcomes. "When our teams reflect the full diversity of society—not just in gender, but in culture, background, and lived experience—we unlock a different kind of conversation; one that's richer, more meaningful, and ultimately more aligned with the people we're designing for."

McWilliam recommends targeted solutions for change, including flexible work arrangements, inclusive language, visible career pathways, and robust mentorship. "To deliver the resilient, sustainable infrastructure Australia needs, we must create an industry that draws from the full breadth of talent and perspectives. That means actively addressing the barriers holding women back." She calls for leadership that fosters genuine inclusion and makes everyone feel they belong.

Sowmiya Selvakumaraswamy, Emerging Technologies Specialist at NCS Australia, brings personal insight into how diversity—gender and neurodiversity alike—catalyse innovation in emerging technologies. Reflecting on her journey as a woman, immigrant, and someone who is autistic and has ADHD, Selvakumaraswamy shares, "These very differences are not just valid—they're vital." She emphasises that diverse environments drive systems-oriented and empathetic solutions. "Women bring a unique lens to engineering and innovation—one that is often more empathetic, collaborative, and systems-oriented. We ask different questions. We notice different gaps. And we often design with inclusion in mind from the outset, not as an afterthought."

Selvakumaraswamy illustrates the power of inclusive design through her work on NCS's AI Enablement programme, which had to be meaningful across cultures, job functions, and varying levels of AI fluency. She also spotlights the value of neurodiversity. "Emerging tech is a playground for the neurodiverse mind. The rapid pace of change, the need to juggle multiple technologies, the constant problem-solving—it's a space where ADHD and autism aren't liabilities, they're assets." Personalising the experience, she describes the liberating potential of AR navigation tools designed for neurodivergent users, emphasising that such tailored innovations flourish when teams embrace diversity.

Community and mentorship underpin much of Selvakumaraswamy's advocacy. Through mentoring initiatives such as BrainSTEM and industry experience programmes, she works to connect young women with pathways into technology, stressing that "your perspective is exactly what this industry needs."

Australian university data shows only 34% of STEM degrees are awarded to women, highlighting the enduring gender gap. Advocates agree that systemic change is required to tackle entrenched barriers, from education to professional practice. The message this International Women in Engineering Day is clear: the future of engineering must be ethical, accessible, and shaped by the broadest spectrum of voices. As Haynes, McWilliam, and Selvakumaraswamy emphasise, increasing the participation of women—along with individuals of all backgrounds—will strengthen innovation and better reflect the diverse societies technology is meant to serve.