Robogals: Equity in Engineering

Imagine a world where everything—from the cars we drive to the buildings we live and work in—is designed by only half the population. Imagine sitting in a boardroom where ideas bounce back and forth, but all the voices sound similar, shaped by shared experiences and perspectives. Now, imagine looking around that room and realizing that everyone at the table is a man.

This is not an imagined scenario but a reality in many parts of the world. Engineering, a field critical to shaping our future, continues to struggle with gender equity. Women remain underrepresented, holding just 16.5% of engineering jobs in the United States, 12.4% in the United Kingdom, and similar low percentages in other Commonwealth countries. In Australia, women make up just 14% of the engineering workforce, and the gender gap starts early: girls are less likely than boys to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects in school.

The lack of diversity in engineering isn’t just a numbers problem; it’s an innovation problem. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, challenge assumptions, and ultimately create better, more inclusive solutions. But how do we inspire the next generation of women to see themselves as engineers? How do we show them that they belong in a field that has historically excluded them?

Robogals is one organisation addressing these questions head-on. Founded in 2008, Robogals is a global volunteer-run organisation with a mission to inspire, engage, and empower young women to pursue engineering and technology careers. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship programs, and community engagement, Robogals introduces girls to the exciting possibilities of engineering. By teaching coding, robotics, and problem-solving in an interactive and supportive environment, we show girls that they have the skills and creativity to thrive in STEM.

During my time as a Robogals volunteer from 2011 to 2016—the last four years as Global CEO—I witnessed the transformative power of these programs. I saw girls’ eyes light up as they built their first robot, and I heard from parents and teachers about how these experiences sparked newfound confidence and curiosity. In 2015, my leadership in Robogals was recognised with a Highly Commended Honourable Mention in the Queen’s Young Leaders Award; subsequently resulting in my invitation to join the Royal Commonwealth Society.  These moments reinforced my belief in the importance of grassroots efforts to create change.

The impact of Robogals is tangible. Since its inception, the organisation has reached over 130,000 girls across 32 countries. Volunteers—university students and young professionals—dedicate their time to breaking down stereotypes and showing girls that engineering is not just for boys. This is not just about increasing numbers; it’s about changing perceptions and creating a culture where everyone feels they belong.

In November 2024, I rejoined the Robogals Board of Directors to continue contributing to this vital mission. While we have made progress, there is still much work to be done. Achieving gender equity in engineering is not just about inspiring girls; it’s about systemic change. It requires challenging biases in hiring practices, creating inclusive workplaces, and ensuring equal opportunities for advancement. Most importantly, it demands collective action.

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are essential for progress. When we include women in engineering, we don’t just change the face of the profession—we change the world. Equity in engineering ensures that the solutions we create serve everyone, not just a select few. It’s a responsibility that falls on all of us: educators, employers, policymakers, and individuals.

This Australia Day, let’s celebrate the achievements of women in engineering and recommit ourselves to building a future where gender is no longer a barrier. By championing diversity and inclusion, we pave the way for innovation, equity, and a brighter tomorrow for all.

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About the Author

Nicole is a passionate, driven and determined engineer and leader. She is a Senior Engineer at Creo Structures, based in Melbourne, Australia and works on designing buildings for the community. She is the Founding Chair of the Engineers Australia Young Engineers Shadow Board and a Non-Executive Director for Robogals Global

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.