- International Women in Engineering Day on June 23 highlights the key role of STEM disciplines in making a net-zero future a reality.
- We participate in skill-building programs ranging from robotics education to FIA Girls on Track leveraging technology, sustainability, and innovation.
- Our engineering colleagues contribute to the success of ABB by leading teams, developing disruptive technologies, and collaborating with customers worldwide.
A fun fact: girls who grew up watching the nineties hit crime drama, the X-files, starring Gillian Anderson, were 50% more likely as adults to have STEM- related careers1. ‘The Scully Effect’ is a fictional example, validating the importance of representation. Women remain under-represented in STEM professions; a fact partially attributable to the notion of “you can’t be what you can’t see.” Representation matters, and we acknowledge that the lack of female role models in STEM fields can hinder girls and women from envisioning themselves in these roles. ABB remains committed to supporting the next generation of women professionals by showcasing real-life models and fostering programs that build lifelong competence and skills.
FIA Girls on Track
Launched in 2021, our partnership with the FIA Girls On Track program – which stages educational activations at selected ABB Formula E races each season – is a platform designed to encourage girls and young women into STEM careers. The workshops feature hands-on learning opportunities with ABB engineers and other inspirational women working within the ABB Formula E ecosystem.
ABB Review Special Report - Women in STEM
To mark the day and shine a spotlight on some of our engineers, we have published a special edition of our technical journal: ABB Review. With topics ranging from the virtues of virtualization to smart energy management processes, this curated collection of previously published articles showcases their research and innovations in a wide range of technology areas. In the last 20 years the percentage of women STEM authors being published in ABB Review has increased by 160 percent. We hope this ABB Review special report will demonstrate their achievements and inspire current and future women in STEM- read the special report here.
"Customers are diverse, and to fully support them we must understand their world. Increasing diversity in STEM education and careers is a crucial component of understanding needs and fosters innovation."
- Amina Hamidi, Managing Director, Instrumentation Business Line, ABB Measurement & Analytics
Partnerships and education - supporting the next generation of female engineers
The importance of education cannot be overstated. By cultivating strong university ties globally, we have been very successful scouting for new technologies and recruiting top talents to fill our skill gaps. Some initiatives include:
- Germany - Our partnership with Femtec which develops young female talent for STEM professions by offering scholarships. Since 2010 we have been part of the network which covers various fields, including electrical engineering, information technology, mechanical engineering, and more.
- Australia - ABB has been building on its partnership with Horizon Educational. Established in 2013, Horizon Educational distributes STEM kits that are designed and produced in-house to classrooms in over 150 countries progressively laying the groundwork for a diverse new generation to make a difference.
- Spain - We recently joined forces with the University of Deusto to promote female talent in technical professions.
- U.S.A. - We sponsor Virginia Tech University’s Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES).
Girls’ Day: inspiring the next generation of innovators
Every year, in locations worldwide, we open our doors to girls from primary to high school, inviting them to explore various departments and business areas. During the day, these young minds not only learn about our processes but also get hands-on experience with exciting technologies like our robots. It’s a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators and show them the exciting possibilities in STEM fields.
Girls Day 2024 in Ede, Netherlands 
Girls Day 2024 at ABB in Ede was a resounding success with 27 students from year 7-8. 
Girls Day in Hamburg involved our robotics colleagues and hands on experience with our robots. 
B&R colleagues take part in teaching the next generation. 
ABB’s Corporate Technology Center holds its annual ‘Female Engineers Urgently Wanted’ program.
Promoting young engineers is an investment for the future and crucial for societal progress. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds fuels creativity and drives innovation. We are committed to fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. As an innovative company, it is our responsibility to support and inspire the next generation of talent.
