Women represent just 21% of professional engineers in the EU, with significant disparities across member states. In the UK, women comprise only 18% of engineering project managers and a mere 3% of electrical engineers. This gender imbalance creates substantial business challenges as Europe faces growing skills shortages and missed opportunities for innovation.

European engineering employers are implementing targeted recruitment strategies to address the gap. Schneider Electric partners with au pair agencies in Germany to identify potential female talent, while Jacobs encourages women to lead major projects across time zones. These companies recognize that diverse teams produce better outcomes, particularly in designing infrastructure that serves all population segments.

Retention remains a critical challenge, with many women steered toward support roles instead of leadership positions. Companies like Nexans focus on purpose-driven career paths that connect engineering to decarbonization goals. Flexible work arrangements prove essential, with Dame Dawn Childs noting that most engineering functions don't require site-based work.