International Women in Engineering Day is a time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in engineering while highlighting the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the field. At Protest Engineering, we are passionate about creating an environment that embraces gender balance and empowers women in engineering. Our CEO, Jamie Alonso, previously a Consult Australia Male Champion of Change, is committed to fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives flourish, enabling us to deliver exceptional results for our clients. On this International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), we hear perspectives from some of our people, reflect on the importance of diversity, the day’s theme of “Make Safety Seen,” and our commitment to being an employer of choice for everyone.
Striving for a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
We understand that a diverse workforce brings together a variety of experiences, ideas, and ways of working, leading to enhanced innovation and problem-solving capabilities for our clients. We recognise that there is still work to be done in achieving a balanced gender representation across all our roles, but we are dedicated to progressing on this journey. By actively supporting and promoting women in engineering, we aim to attract and retain exceptional talent, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
“Make Safety Seen”
The theme of this year’s International Women in Engineering Day, “Make Safety Seen,” resonates deeply with us as we prioritise the well-being of our employees and clients. Our Undergraduate Environmental Scientist, Brigitte Charles embodies safety every day.
“Safety in a team environment enables the privilege of having each other look out for one another. Although danger is relatively low in the office, when performing tasks I keep in mind, ‘is this the right process, and if so, can it be improved?’, that way we operate like a well-oiled machine.”
Our commitment to safety goes beyond the implementation of standard protocols; it is ingrained in our culture and embraced by every member of our team. All our people actively incorporate safety considerations into their everyday actions.
Empowering Women in Engineering
At Protest Engineering, we believe that the inclusion of women in engineering is essential for the advancement of the industry as a whole. We are dedicated to empowering our female engineers and providing them with opportunities to contribute, lead, and succeed. Through mentorship programs, professional development initiatives, and a supportive work environment, we foster an atmosphere where women can thrive and make their mark.
When asked what she’d tell her younger self, Brigitte offered a perfect insight that also serves as advice for those looking to begin a career in science and engineering.
“With courage and persistence, you can be and go anywhere in life. Opportunities arise but you must be ready to act and know what you want. Think big!”
Becoming an Employer of Choice
We recognise that building an inclusive and diverse workplace is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuous improvement. Our goal is to be an employer of choice for women seeking roles in engineering around Australia. By offering equal opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and an inclusive culture, we aim to attract and retain talented women who can contribute their unique skills and perspectives to our projects.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Protest Engineering is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of women engineers. By actively engaging with local communities, participating in outreach programs, and supporting educational initiatives, we aim to encourage young girls to explore and pursue careers in engineering.
Jamie McCarthy, aspiring mining engineer said she would tell her younger self, “Never give up on what you want!”. We want to show young women and aspiring engineers that their passion and potential can thrive in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and that their voices and contributions are valued and needed.
“Stop having so much self-doubt… you are capable of more than you realise, and sometimes in your career you are going to have to fight hard to try and prove yourself to get to the place you want”, Jamie reflects.
As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, Protest Engineering reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and safety. We are dedicated to creating a workplace that values and empowers women, enabling them to thrive and excel in engineering roles. By embracing the theme of “Make Safety Seen” and prioritising the wellbeing of our teams and clients, we ensure that every project we undertake is grounded in a culture of safety and care. Together, we will champion diversity, inspire future generations, and continue to work towards a more inclusive and equitable engineering industry.
