Women have traditionally been underrepresented in the field of engineering. Recently, a number of organizations and programs have been initiated in an attempt to understand why there is a gender disparity in this field. These organizations often actively encourage a greater representation of women in engineering and greater recognition of historical and modern-day women engineers. Although the ter
ms engineer and engineering date from the Middle Ages, they acquired their current meaning and usage only recently in the nineteenth century. Briefly, an engineer is one who uses the principles of engineering - namely acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge - in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes. Some of the major branches of the engineering profession include civil engineering, military engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, and biomedical engineeringBefore engineering was recognized as a formal profession, women with engineering skills often sought recognition as inventors. One of the earliest women inventors was Hypatia of Alexandria (350? 370?-415), who is credited with the invention of the hydrometer. Tabitha Babbit (1784-1853?) was an American toolmaker who invented the first circular saw. Sarah Guppy (1770–1852) was an Englishwoman who patented a design for bridge foundations. Mary Dixon Kies (1752–1837) was the first American woman to receive a patent for her method of weaving straw in 1809. IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists and inspiring girls around the world to follow their academic interests to a career in engineering. Among benefits, membership in IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) includes access to the IEEE WIE electronic membership directory, a monthly electronic newsletter, and the award-winning Women in Engineering Magazine. IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) provides members with the opportunity to network at a local level through WIE affinity groups. Currently, there are over 355 IEEE WIE Affinity Groups worldwide that organize and host diverse activities including guest speakers, workshops, and/or seminars. All members are encouraged to join and participate in their local group activities to promote growth within WIE. There are two types of IEEE WIE Affinity Groups: IEEE Section Affinity Groups and Student Branch Affinity Groups. Review the list below to see if there is a group in your area. If there is not a IEEE WIE Affinity Group nearby, consider forming one.
