European Innovation projects unite for International Women in Engineering Day 2026
As part of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on the 23rd June 2026, several European-funded projects working across sectors including transport and mobility, smart energy systems, power electronics, renewables, batteries, industry and manufacturing, and the built environment are joining forces for a social media campaign to celebrate the contribution of European women engineers and researchers.
Through a coordinated online campaign led by ICONS Innovation Strategies, participating projects will share short personal video messages and quotes from women engineers and researchers involved in their initiatives. Contributors will answer a common question: “How would you encourage other women to take up a career in engineering?” The campaign will be promoted on 23 June 2026 using the hashtags #EUWomenEngineers and #INWED2026. The aim is to foster dialogue around representation, innovation, and equal opportunities across engineering and technology sectors.
By showcasing authentic stories and professional journeys, the initiative celebrates women already working in engineering and encourages younger generations to see themselves as future innovators who can shape a more sustainable and resilient Europe.
The participating projects believe that diversity is a key driver of creativity and technological progress, and that empowering women in engineering is essential to achieving Europe’s climate, industrial and societal ambitions.
Nadja Klipfel (Hitachi Energy)
Nadja Klipfel (Hitachi Energy) from FLAGCHIP project says: “My advice to women: follow your passion. Mine led me to power electronics, where I am part of a team developing next‑generation semiconductors to electrify the grid. I speak up and challenge boundaries—because diverse thinking drives real change.”
Maha Hamrouni (INSA Lyon)
Maha Hamrouni (INSA Lyon)
Maha Hamrouni (INSA Lyon) from FLAGCHIP project stated: “I chose engineering because I wanted a career that would constantly challenge me to grow — and power electronics does exactly that. Every challenge reminds me that women belong in these spaces too, shaping the future of energy and innovation”.
Despite growing awareness around diversity in STEM, women remain underrepresented in engineering professions worldwide. According to the latest Eurostat data, the proportion of female scientists and engineers varies widely among EU countries, with the highest shares registered in Latvia (50.9%), Denmark (48.8%), Estonia (47.9%), Spain (47.6%), Bulgaria (47.3%) and Ireland (47.3%). The lowest representation of female scientists and engineers was in Finland (30.7%), followed by Hungary (31.7%), Luxembourg (32.4%), Slovakia (33.6%) and Germany (34.6%). These figures highlight the continued importance of creating visible role models, inclusive workplaces and stronger pathways for young women entering technical careers.
Cover photo ©ThisisEngineering
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