Qualified Yet Not Employed: Where are the Women Engineers of the World?

By: Rachita Sharma, Managing Editor | Thursday, 31 July 2025

This world is built by engineers. But it’s surprising to see the low number of women employed as engineers.

The natural first step for any profession is education and the number of women pursuing STEM have been on a rise. Over the years, various parts of the world have seen a constant rise in the number of women pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering. Although men continue to outnumber women pursuing engineering degrees, yet the rise of women in engineering has been appositive phenomenon,

However, this rising number of women engineers by qualification does not always translate to their foray into the engineering workforce. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women formed approximately 16 percent of engineers and architects in 2023.

Women engineers also lag in terms of career growth and leadership roles. Many women engineers fall out of the workforce in middle management and do not progress to leadership roles.

Therefore, it is important for women to have inspiring role models that they can look up to. Role models show aspirants that what they dream and desire to do, is possible. In an effort to boost the number of women taking up engineering roles, Women Entrepreneurs Review shines the spotlight on talented women engineers from across India and the UAE.

One such name is Sumalini Jyothi, Co-Founder & CEO, Ashwaa Engineering. Sumalini is a shining example of an engineer with an entrepreneurial disposition. An aeronautics engineer, Sumalini is the Founder and CEO of Ashwaaa Engineering, a mechanical design-oriented company. She built the company alongside her husband with futuristic aspirations, intending to integrate automation and robotics into innovative manufacturing methods for achieving higher efficiencies.

Sumalini is joined by Josie Booth, who navigates a multifaceted client ecosystem and large-scale themed developments in the MENA leisure construction sector. Based in UAE, Josie serves as Director at Sim Leisure, where she oversees the Dubai and KSA offices. She plays a central role in high-profile projects across the Middle East. Several leadership roles within the Sim Leisure Group bring her a well-rounded view of both creative design and project delivery. Josie is known for her ability to drive business performance and deliver exceptional client value, positioning her as a key figure in themed entertainment construction.

Read in-depth conversations featuring these women leaders and know all about their successful career journeys in the global engineering space.