Women in STEM: Reflections from the UNIPOD Event on Women in Engineering & Innovation

Their words didn’t just resonate in the room, but they continue to echo in the hearts of the young female engineers who attended. We wanted to take a moment to reflect on the power and depth of what they shared. 

On Why Engineering Matters

Engineering, at its core, is about creating solutions for real-world problems. But it’s also deeply personal. “As a woman in Engineering,” Anna said, “I bring a female touch to the space that pursues curiosity and creativity to solve real-time challenges and make the world a better place.”

Sherry shared that engineering isn’t just about technical prowess—though, as she noted, “knowing your technical thing helps you compete favourably in the male-dominated field.” Sherry emphasized to fellow engineering students that it’s also about imagination, inclusion, and humanity: “It is a field that fundamentally shapes our world… it’s about more than just technical skills; it’s about creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to translate ideas into tangible solutions that improve lives and build a better future.”

Navigating a Male-Dominated Field

Both speakers opened up about the reality of being women in a space where they are often underrepresented: 

Anna emphasized that “the challenges that women face in the workplace are intersectoral.” She highlighted the importance of building a support network: “Being able to do your best while staying focused and working hard, while having mentors and male allies, while also developing your soft skills and investing in a village of support around you, will go a long way in addressing some of these challenges.”

Sherry, too, emphasized the emotional and psychological landscape of navigating engineering as a woman. “The uncertainty that comes with being referred to as ‘engineer’ and questioning whether I truly measured up” was a challenge she had to learn to overcome. Her message to female engineers just starting out? “It’s okay! You’ve got this.”

Despite these challenges, the women shared that they are motivated to keep going in the field of engineering. 

“For me, what keeps me going is the fact that I may not know it all, but I am continuously learning and will get there.” These words from Aber Anna Flora are a powerful reminder that the engineering journey is not about instant mastery, but about sustained growth, curiosity, and resilience. 

Sherry echoed a similar sentiment, recalling her early days in a male-dominated field: “My greatest hurdle was overcoming the internal pressure to constantly compare myself to my male counterparts.” The breakthrough came when she embraced her unique strengths—not as weaknesses to overcome, but as powerful assets. It’s that realization, and the chance to share her story with the next generation, that keeps her pushing forward: “Knowing that my journey can inspire and empower the next generation is a powerful motivator.”

This first session, which had engagement with female engineering students both in Uganda, and those who joined virtually from Canada and other Universities, left female engineers with powerful messages that resonated with them and their experiences. We’re grateful for panelists like Anna and Sherry for not just speaking, but showing what it looks like to lead with authenticity, passion, and purpose. Their stories will continue to light the way for many young women stepping into their own power in engineering—and beyond.

Keep updated with our socials to hear about when the next session will be and to continue to hear inspiring EWB stories like these!