The founder of World Engineering Day spoke to create in the wake of INWED24 about what has changed since she started out and what remains to be done to ensure gender equality in the engineering workplace.
Her achievements are many: former National President of Engineers Australia; former President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO); founder of World Engineering Day; and accomplished engineer and administrator. She’s even had a tunnel boring machine named after her.
Dr Marlene Kanga AO CPEng was often the only woman in the room, but that hasn’t stopped her from obliterating her personal glass ceiling.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, and can you share some highlights of your journey so far?
“I was good at mathematics and science, and I wanted a career where I could do something practical. No one in my family informed me that girls don’t do engineering. My father was an engineer and I often went along with him to see large infrastructure projects. I saw firsthand the impact that he was making on people’s lives.
“Engineering is a career where one can make a difference.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you overcome them?
“At university and in my early career, the biggest obstacle was being the only female in the group. This meant that I had to be resilient and I learned to do most things on my own.
“Even now, only 16 per cent of engineering graduates are women, and only half go into the workforce. And after 10 years, another half leave. In the 50-plus age group, less than one per cent of engineers are women; it’s a huge waste.”
Can you describe your experiences with the workplace culture in engineering, particularly in an Australian context? Have you ever encountered gender bias, and how did you handle it?
“I started my career in engineering in Australia when there were very few female engineers. Many companies had never hired a female engineer. I was eventually hired by a multinational company – and even then, I was the second female engineer they had ever hired.
“There were few workplace policies that supported parental leave, flexible working and all the benefits that we enjoy today.”
How important do you think mentorship and networking are in the engineering field, especially for women? Have you had any mentors who significantly impacted your career?
“I’ve had a few mentors in my career, and they are always important in pointing out how an organisation works and the important skills that one needs to develop.
“Women also need to form their own networks to support each other and to have a collective voice to make changes where these are warranted in their workplace. It’s great also to see more women engineers take up leadership positions in engineering and to become mentors and role models.
“I should also note that the percentage of female engineers is much higher in many countries around the world – including in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, where the proportions are between 30 to 50 percent. There is nothing inherent to engineering that should make it male-dominated. The culture of engineering education institutions and work environments is very different in these countries.”
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in engineering but might be hesitant due to potential challenges?
“Engineering is a wonderful fulfilling career that offers endless opportunities. I have never ceased to enjoy my work and this has been the impetus that has enabled me to be successful.
“Young people love the idea of purpose in engineering, and women in particular. If you ask a woman why they became an engineer, she will usually say to make a difference.
“If you want to change the world, you can actually do it with engineering. You have all the tools and all the skills.”
Get involved with the Engineers Australia National Committee for Women in Engineering (NCWIE) group.
