International Women in Engineering Day
International Women in Engineering Day is on June 23 each year. Founded by the Women’s Engineering Society, this global event honors women engineers. It helps young girls enter tech fields. Groups hold talks, workshops, and school events to build fair chance for all in STEM roles.
Key facts
- Date
- June 23, fixed — an annual observance
- Established
- June 23, 2014 (as National Women in Engineering Day)
- International Expansion
- 2017 (became INWED following UNESCO patronage in 2016)
- Founder
- Women’s Engineering Society (WES)
- Status
- International Awareness Campaign under UNESCO Patronage
- Scope
- Global (Worldwide)
- Where
- Global
- Type
- Professional & Educational Awareness Day
- Date change rule
- Fixed annually on June 23
What is International Women in Engineering Day?
International Women in Engineering Day is a global event on June 23. It shows the work of women engineers in all lands. The day brings light to STEM jobs for young women. It also aims to make tech fields fair for all.
Schools, businesses, and engineering groups join on this day. They host events to inspire young women. Students learn about civil, code, gear, and power roles. These activities show how tech helps our daily life.
When is International Women in Engineering Day Celebrated?
International Women in Engineering Day takes place each year on June 23.
International Women in Engineering Day Dates
This year International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Jun 23 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | Jun 23 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | Jun 23 | Friday |
| 2029 | Jun 23 | Saturday |
| 2030 | Jun 23 | Sunday |
| 2031 | Jun 23 | Monday |
This event is an awareness day rather than a public holiday. Schools and offices stay open on June 23. However, many teams host special breakfasts, talks, and fun group events to celebrate.
History and Origins of WES and INWED
The event began with the Women’s Engineering Society in the UK. WES was set up in 1919 after World War I. On June 23, 2014, WES launched National Women in Engineering Day for its 95th year.
The campaign grew fast in many lands. UNESCO gave the day official backing in 2016. In 2017, it became International Women in Engineering Day to welcome all global teams.
Milestones in Women's Engineering History
- 1919Women's Engineering Society is set up in the UK after World War I.
- 2014WES launches National Women in Engineering Day on June 23.
- 2016The campaign gets official backing from UNESCO.
- 2017The event expands globally as International Women in Engineering Day.
- 2026INWED marks 13 years of supporting women in tech roles.
Trailblazing Women in Engineering History
Women have made key work in tech for a long time. Ada Lovelace wrote the first computer code in the nineteenth century. Emily Warren Roebling helped build the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Margaret Hamilton led NASA software design for Apollo moon flights. Hedy Lamarr helped invent wireless radio tech. Celebrating these leaders on June 23 inspires young minds today.
Why Female Representation Matters in STEM
Diverse teams build better tools for all people. When women join tech teams, they bring fresh ideas. This helps make safer cars, medical tools, and software apps.
Bringing in more women helps solve worker shortages. Tech fields need smart minds to build clean energy and strong roads. Welcoming all talent makes the whole field top class.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
Early hands-on STEM play helps young girls build skills. Robot clubs, coding games, and math fairs make tech fun and clear. Girls see how tech skills help solve real world problems.
Schools and youth clubs hold special events on June 23. Students build small bridges, test solar cells, and write simple code. These fun tasks spark long term joy in tech work.
Workplace Equity and Mentorship Strategies
Good job rules help keep top women in tech careers. Firms use fair hiring, equal pay, and flexible hours. Guide programs also give young engineers strong help and advice.
Mentors link young engineers with senior women leaders. These pairs meet to talk about career growth, leadership skills, and team goals. Strong links help more women lead top tech teams.
Building an Inclusive Future for Engineering
The future of STEM rests on open, fair work teams. International Women in Engineering Day reminds leaders to drop barriers. Equal access to projects helps every engineer grow.
Women engineers lead the way in green energy, AI, and health tech. Celebrating June 23 shows world support for fair chances. A diverse team creates a bright future for tech.
How to mark the day
Easy ways to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day in your school or work.
Host a panel talk
Invite local women engineers to speak to students or team members about their work.
Run a STEM project
Lead fun hands-on projects like building model bridges or testing simple battery kits.
Share stories online
Post photos and highlight achievements of women engineers using the hashtag #INWED.
Start a mentor link
Pair student engineers with working women in tech fields for good career advice.
Review workplace rules
Check hiring rules, equal pay, and promotion paths to support female staff.
Support STEM groups
Donate time or funds to non-profits that give STEM grants to young women.
Common questions
Is International Women in Engineering Day a public holiday?
No, it is an international awareness day. Schools, shops, and offices stay open as usual.
When was International Women in Engineering Day founded?
It was started on June 23, 2014, by the Women’s Engineering Society in the UK.
Who leads International Women in Engineering Day?
The Women’s Engineering Society leads the campaign with support from UNESCO and global teams.
Why is International Women in Engineering Day important?
It honors women engineers, shows STEM gender gaps, and encourages girls to join tech fields.
How can companies join INWED celebrations?
Firms can share staff profiles, host student tours, run workshops, and start mentor programs.
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