Empowering women in engineering: 6 visible actions for change

When women thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering, the promotion and visibility of their success can be transformative for future generations of women.

Engineering has long been the epitome of innovation and progress, yet for decades, it has remained one of the most male-dominated fields in STEM. Our formal journey toward inclusion started after 2016. Before that, the statistics painted a stark picture: only about 20% of engineering graduates were women, and even fewer—just 13%—were represented in the engineering workforce. The numbers were even more disheartening when it came to leadership roles, where women held a disproportionately small share of executive and decision-making positions.

These figures were not just numbers—they were a call to action. They became a catalyst for our conscious and deliberate journey at Hatch to empower women in engineering and STEM. We recognized that to truly solve the world’s most complex challenges, we need to harness the full spectrum of human potential. That meant creating an environment where women not only entered the field but thrived, led, and shaped the future.

The underrepresentation of women in engineering was not due to a lack of talent or ambition. In fact, studies have shown that women engineering students often performed as well or better than their male counterparts. However, many left the profession due to systemic barriers—ranging from lack of mentorship and support to exclusionary workplace cultures. Women frequently reported being relegated to administrative tasks during internships or being overlooked in team settings, which led to disillusionment and significant attrition.

This disconnect between potential and opportunity underscores the need for systemic change. It hasn’t been enough to encourage women to pursue engineering degrees; the industry must evolve to support their growth, leadership, and long-term success.

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

We believe that diversity and inclusion are not just values, they are strategic imperatives. Our commitment stems from a simple yet powerful belief: a diverse and fully inclusive work environment fosters a plurality of thought and perspectives that solves challenging problems and creates value for our clients, our communities, and the world at large.

Our vision for diversity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our core values. We see ourselves as entrepreneurs with a technical soul—a mindset that drives us to think boldly, act with ownership, and pursue goals others might shy away from. This entrepreneurial spirit, combined with our technical expertise, empowers us to tackle the world’s toughest challenges. But we know that to truly innovate, we must draw from a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.

That’s why we’ve made it our mission to unlock the full potential of our workforce. With over 10,000 employees across the globe, we celebrate the unique strengths of every individual—regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, disability, or way of thinking. Our diversity is our strength, and our inclusion is our engine for progress.

Turning our commitment into action

Our journey toward empowering women in engineering is not just aspirational—it’s actionable. We’ve implemented a range of global and regional initiatives designed to support, mentor, and elevate women at every stage of their careers.

We’re working towards a future where each of our regions runs localized programs that reflect the unique cultural and professional landscapes of their communities. These programs focus on:

1. Addressing unconscious biases
2. Conscious and purposeful recruitment
3. Talent recognition
4. Leadership development
5. Creation of women’s groups and networking opportunities
6. Advocacy, ensuring that women have the tools and support they need to succeed.

We also invest in early talent development, partnering with universities and STEM organizations to inspire the next generation of women engineers. By creating pathways from education to employment, we aim to close the gap between graduation and leadership.

Progress and the road ahead

While the industry has made strides over the years, challenges remain. Women are still underrepresented in senior technical and leadership roles, and retention continues to be a concern. However, momentum is building. We are, along with many organizations, helping to shift the narrative—from one of exclusion to one of empowerment.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made, and we know that true inclusion is a continuous journey. It requires vigilance, humility, and a willingness to listen and adapt. It means holding ourselves accountable and measuring our impact—not just in numbers, but in lived experiences.

A legacy of positive change

We don’t only want to be part of the change—we want to lead it. Our diversity and inclusion initiatives are designed to leave a positive legacy in the communities we serve and call home. We believe that when women are empowered to lead in engineering, everyone benefits. Innovation flourishes. Teams perform better. Solutions become more holistic and sustainable.

As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to building a workplace where every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Because when we empower women in engineering, we won’t just change the industry—we will change the world.

Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion and explore our Sustainability progress.