English
The Women's Engineering Society (WES) has been shaping gender diversity in engineering for over a century. Founded in 1919, it has faced significant challenges and played a key role in advancing opportunities for women in STEM. From fighting early workplace discrimination to pioneering global advocacy campaigns, WES has remained committed to supporting women in engineering.
Founding members of the Women’s Engineering Society, including the wives of eminent engineers such as Lady Parsons, wife of Sir Charles Parsons.
In this second installment of our Women's History Month spotlights, we explore the history and modern impact of the WES. Despite both new and age-old barriers, the WES continues to push for systemic change and greater representation of women in engineering and technology.
1919–1930s: Fighting the Workplace Equality Battle
The WES was established on June 23, 1919, by seven women, including Lady Katharine Parsons and Rachel Parsons, to fight the Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act 1919. This act forced women out of engineering roles after World War I. Many of WES' founders were also suffrage activists who saw workplace equality as the next battle.
WES launched The Woman Engineer journal in 1919 to share technical knowledge and advocate for inclusion. In 1924, it formed the Electrical Association for Women to promote domestic electrification and training. Margaret Partridge set up England’s first female-run electrical consultancy, focusing on providing opportunities for women.
Despite these efforts, WES faced resistance from learned societies that barred women from membership. The Royal Society did not admit female fellows until 1945. Universities and apprenticeships also remained largely closed to women. Public perception was another hurdle, with engineering seen as unsuitable for women. Some WES members faced ridicule, and early women-led businesses were often dismissed.
1930s–1945: Contributing to the War Effort
During WWII, WES members made significant engineering contributions. Amy Johnson, president of the WES from 1935 to 1937, became a pioneering pilot and aeronautical engineer. Beatrice Shilling developed a modification for Spitfire engines, improving aircraft performance in combat. Dorothée Pullinger managed 7,000 women in munitions factories and later designed cars tailored for women.
British pilot and aviation pioneer Amy Johnson, pictured c. 1938.
As the war effort ramped up, the WES worked to ensure women engineers were recognized for their technical skills rather than being relegated to auxiliary roles. Women played a crucial role in manufacturing, aeronautics, and electrical engineering, taking on jobs traditionally held by men. The WES lobbied for fair pay and equal training opportunities during the war. Despite these contributions, post-war policies again pushed women out of engineering jobs, leading the WES to continue its advocacy against workplace discrimination.
1950s–2000s: The Post-War Era
During the post-war era, women engineers struggled for recognition and career progression. The WES continued to provide mentorship and networking opportunities, supporting women entering and staying in engineering roles. 1969 marked the WES' 50th anniversary, and the society celebrated with the Women in Engineering Year campaign, raising awareness of gender disparities in technical fields.
In 1984, the WES co-founded Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) to encourage young women to consider STEM careers. WISE played a major role in increasing outreach efforts, working with schools, universities, and employers to promote engineering as a viable career path for women.
The 2002 launch of MentorSET provided cross-sector mentoring to support women’s career development. By pairing early-career engineers with experienced professionals, the WES helped women navigate workplace challenges, career changes, and leadership development. These programs helped address systemic barriers, including workplace discrimination and limited advancement opportunities.
Despite progress, female engineers remained a small minority. In 2019, only 11% of U.K. engineers were women. The WES continued advocating for apprenticeships, returner fellowships, and more inclusive STEM policies.
2000s–Present: International Women in Engineering Day
In 2014, the WES launched International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) to highlight women’s contributions. By 2021, it reached over one million people annually. In 2017, the WES partnered with UNESCO to expand the event globally.
Today, the WES focuses on career support, corporate inclusivity, and influencing gender diversity policies. As of 2022, women made up 16.5% of U.K. engineers, up from 10% in 2010. The WES also runs initiatives like Wikithons, which have added over 800 articles about women engineers to Wikipedia.
While numbers have improved since the founding of the WES, engineering remains male-dominated. The society continues to address barriers through advocacy, training, and partnerships. Its centenary trail (2019) and digital archives document the contributions of women in engineering, ensuring their impact is recognized.
