By Sumaya Bhowani, Global Head of Communications for the Smart Buildings Division and Head of Communications, Marketing, and Sales for Smart Buildings and Smart Power Divisions
Inclusion isn’t just about hiring more women – it’s about creating workplaces where everyone can thrive. The best ideas, the biggest innovations, and the boldest solutions happen when diverse perspectives come together. But too many talented women leave engineering long before they reach their full potential.
If we want a future where everyone contributes, we need to rethink how we support, retain, and advance women in our industry.
I've been fortunate enough to speak with many young women starting out in their engineering careers. Often, they are excited, full of ideas, and ready to take on the world. But they also have real concerns - will they have the same opportunities as their male colleagues? How can they find mentors who will truly advocate for them and help them rise through the ranks? Will they stay in the industry long enough to make an impact?
These aren’t isolated worries – they are echoed across the industry. And the numbers back them up.
- The World Economic Forum warns that, at the current rate, gender parity won’t be reached until 21581– more than 130 years from now!
- In the UK alone, women’s representation in engineering dropped from 16.5% to 15.7%2 last year.
- By the age of 35, 57% of female engineers have left the profession, compared to just 17% of men3.
This isn’t about a lack of talent; it’s about workplaces that weren’t built to support them.
Turning Conversation into Action
Creating a fair and inclusive industry means tackling these barriers head-on. That means:
- Providing flexible work policies that allow career growth without forcing impossible choices.
- Fostering a sense of belonging, where every voice is heard.
- Encouraging a culture of allyship, where lifting others is a shared responsibility, not just a diversity metric.
It also means looking at the way our buildings are designed and ensuring we have created inclusive spaces which are accessible for everyone. Smart buildings can remove barriers and create workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Why #AccelerateAction Matters
This International Women’s Day, ABB is embracing #AccelerateAction – because real change doesn’t happen by talking. It happens when we act.
We’re proud to play our part through Female Mentorship Programs, Employee Resource Groups, and partnerships with organizations like The Society of Women Engineers and UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. But this isn’t just about ABB.
It’s about shifting mindsets, breaking down barriers, and building a future where talent – not gender – determines success.
For me, this mission is personal. As a mother of two boys, I want them to grow up in a world where equality isn’t an aspiration, it’s a given. I want them to see women leading, innovating, and thriving, so they never question a woman’s place in any industry. The best legacy I can leave them isn’t just my career, it’s the belief that fairness, inclusion, and opportunity should be the foundation of every workplace.
The future of engineering is diverse, equitable, and accessible, but only if we take the right actions now.
So, let’s move beyond conversation and commit to real change. Because when we create workplaces where women thrive, we build an industry that benefits everyone.
About Sumaya Bhowani
Sumaya Bhowani is a dynamic leader in the technology space, driving global communications and strategic engagement. She currently holds the titles of Global Head of Communications for the Smart Buildings Division and Head of Communications, Marketing, and Sales for Smart Buildings and Smart Power Divisions. Passionate about empowering women in technology, she champions innovation, strategic storytelling, and inclusive leadership on a global scale. As a dedicated professional and mother of two wonderful boys who inspire and challenge her every day, she is committed to shaping a more connected, diverse, and inspiring future for the next generation.
[1] https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/global-gender-gap-2024-what-to-know/
[2] https://www.engineeringuk.com/latest-news/press-releases/spike-in-women-aged-35-to-44-leaving-engineering/
[3] https://raeng.org.uk/media/nsgnbjah/raeng_gender-pay-gap_web.pdf
