IET Young Woman Engineer Award 2017

Although women represent more than half of the Sri Lankan population, their representation in the field of engineering is considerably less. In order to combat this problem and to encourage more women to be part of the industry, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Young Professionals (YP) have introduced the The Young Woman Engineer Award (YWEA). At the launching ceremony of the event, many respected individuals in the field of Engineering and Technology spoke about the gender imbalance and why it was important to combat it.  

Introduction

Even though women representation in engineering & technology field is considerably less in Sri Lanka, women represent more than half of the Sri Lankan population.  Women dominate the biomedical and arts faculties at the universities but in the engineering& technology faculties they are poorly represented. Similar situation can be seen in the industry.

To promote the engineering and technology among young women engineers and to increase the participation of women in the field of engineering IET YP Sri Lanka decided to launch Young Woman Engineer of the Year – 2017 for the first time in Sri Lanka. This is in line with the IET Young woman engineer – UK launched in 1978, the awards were part of an initiative to address the female shortage of engineers in the industry, and inspire the next generation of female engineers by recognizing and celebrating their talents.

This event is open for all the young women engineers in the industry and academic field in Sri Lanka. All the applicants will be evaluated by a judge panel consisting well known qualified personnel and the title ‘Young Woman Engineer of the Year’ will be awarded on the awards ceremony proposed to be held on September 2017.

Expected outcomes

Promote engineering

Promoting Engineering to youth is not as straightforward as one might think. Main objective of holding this event is to discuss Engineering using the values that it offers to people, to the community, and to the world. By putting Engineering in contest and giving recognition  to the people who have done a great influence to the field of engineering, our youth will be able to gain a better understanding of how they can make a contribution in this world through rewarding careers in Engineering.

Promote woman into engineering

Creating a young woman role model for the field of engineering is really important for the present community. This will encourage other young women to stand themselves and take any challenge and convince that femininity won’t make any barrier to achieve whatever anymore.  The winner of the competition will be the ambassador for future programs focusing on promoting women in engineering.

Fund raising for CSR project to promote engineering.

YWE event will be a media to raise funds for future CSR projects done by the IET YP Sri Lanka. Awareness programs on engineering and technology field for school students at remote areas will be organized in collaboration with this event which will enhance the women participation in engineering field. Furthermore contests related to engineering & technology field will be organized to increase the student’s creativity and competencies.