Ada Lovelace Day, celebrated on 8 October 2024, is a time to honour the remarkable achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Named after Ada Lovelace, the visionary daughter of poet Lord Byron, the day celebrates her groundbreaking contributions to computing. Often credited as the world’s first computer programmer, Lovelace’s work laid the foundation for the digital age.

Beyond recognising Lovelace, this day serves as a reminder of the many pioneering female engineers whose contributions have often gone unnoticed. From Edith Clarke, a brilliant electrical engineer and inventor, to Maria Telkes, a pioneer in solar energy and energy storage, women have been breaking barriers in engineering for generations.

In our own sector, countless outstanding female engineers are following in their footsteps. Many have been recognised among the Top 50 Women in Engineering, showcasing not only their individual brilliance but also the growing influence and importance of women in our industry.

However, there’s still work to be done. According to International Women in Engineering Day 2023, only 16.5% of engineers in the UK are women. While this is an improvement from the 12% reported in 2018, the numbers remind us that celebrating days like Ada Lovelace Day is still necessary. Yes, it would be wonderful if we no longer had to shout from the rooftops that girls can be engineers too. But until we achieve a bit more parity, these celebrations serve as powerful reminders of the importance of representation.

The numbers are moving in the right direction, and the legacy of female engineers past and present continues to inspire future generations. One day, perhaps we won’t need to call attention to the fact that women can be engineers—because it will be obvious to everyone. Until then, we’ll continue to celebrate, support, and champion the incredible women who are changing the world through engineering.