In the last 25 years, the number of girls studying physics has not improved from its low level of 20%; The UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe, and only 9% of the engineering workforce are women. Alongside this, the Royal Academy of Engineering has stated that the UK needs an extra one million engineers and technicians within the next five years. It is not hard to see the correlation here. By reducing the stereotypes and misunderstanding surrounding engineering, more women will be encouraged into the sector, and the workforce shortfall will reduce.

It is more important than ever that businesses, schools, and government take a proactive approach to tackle the issue to prevent another decade of imbalance. Over the past seven years as an elected parliamentarian Chi Onwurah has dedicated countless hours championing the importance of females in the engineering workforce.

As an engineer herself, with over two decades’ experience in the sector, Chi knows what it is like to be in a male dominated industry. We spoke to her about her achievements so far as a parliamentarian, her advice to young people and her experience as an engineer.

As an engineer in Westminster, you have dedicated much time to encouraging engineering and STEM subjects for young people across the UK and your constituency. What progress have you made?

Over the past 40 years, the number of women in the industry has remained relatively stagnant. I wanted to use my role as a parliamentarian to the highlight this issue, doing anything I could to encourage, and inform more women about what a fantastic, rewarding and well-paid career engineering can be. In many cases, women do not fully understand what a career in engineering entails, particularly those who do not have family members in the sector, and inevitably this means they are less likely to pursue engineering as a career option. 

In my first term as a Member of Parliament, I worked to raise the profile of inspirational women throughout history who achieved remarkable things across STEM subjects and industries. Ada Lovelace was a very talented mathematician who is often described as the world's first computer programmer, despite her tremendous achievements many parliamentarians and young women had never heard of her. I made it my mission to raise the profile of Ada Lovelace and encourage more people to celebrate her success and the success of other women in STEM subjects on international Ada Lovelace day, held in October every year.

It is of particular importance to educate girls from an early age about the opportunities available within engineering. There are some great initiatives now, such as Primary Engineer, which links engineers to schools so that students can reach their potential and learn to be a ‘classroom engineer.' And, there are campaigns such as #9PercentIsNotEnough which highlights the shortage of women in the industry.

What would you say to young girls interested in STEM subjects but unsure if engineering was right for them?

Engineering is for anyone! As an engineer, you wake up every day with something new and exciting to achieve. You save more lives than doctors whilst being in a growing, well paid and diverse industry.

Do you ever miss engineering?

I do miss it, but my responsibilities and campaign efforts as a Member of Parliament and my position as Shadow Minister for Industrial Strategy, Science and Innovation has meant I have been able to engage with the sector in a positive way.

Advocating the important of engineering for society, and the UK economy is vital to its growth. Whether it is debating the power of artificial intelligence, providing the public with accessible and safe utilities or developing an innovation policy for the future, there is a lot I can do as a parliamentarian. I am very proud of the Labour Party Manifesto policy commitment to create an Innovation Nation that will make science and technology a top priority within the education system.

That said, I still believe I will return to engineering in the future. Women of all ages should be encouraged to enter into engineering, and it is imperative that that includes women returning to the sector after time away from the industry.

Were people ever shocked when you told them your profession?

All of the time! As a black, female engineer I overturned many industry stereotypes. There were plenty of times I was referred to as “Mr” on communications or assumed to be a PA or administrative staff, thinking back to some of those times I can’t help but laugh. Now, I actively try to speak out if this happens, correcting people immediately and by doing so playing a small part in changing the industries stereotypes.

What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

Take care and consideration thinking about what you want to do, rather than what other people want for you. Don’t let others define you or dictate what you want from your future.

To find out more about Chi Onwurah’s record as a Member of Parliament visit her website at http://chionwurahmp.com/