Women of the world united to celebrate the 99th International Women’s Day on 8 March 2010.
Thousands of events were held around the world to connect, inspire and celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women.
In recent years International Women’s Day has attracted increasing support from global firms like Arup, who proactively partner with local industry groups and organisations to champion women in the workplace. For Arup, the event provides a unique opportunity to promote engineering as an inclusive profession which values, supports and celebrates the contributions of women.
To coincide with International Women’s Day, Arup’s ConnectWomen Network is planning a series of events branded ‘Networking with the Next Generation’. Activities are planned with local schools in the UK and Australia, with a focus on encouraging young women aged 16 to 18 to pursue careers in the built environment. “We hope these events will provide opportunities for those participating to network with and be inspired by other women working in the industry”, says David Singleton, Global Diversity Champion at Arup.
Arup takes its role as an ambassador for women working in the built environment seriously. In order to produce work of high quality and maintain the firm’s reputation for innovation and creativity, Arup understands it must fully embrace the skills, talents and knowledge that only a diverse workforce can deliver.
“Through its ConnectWomen Network, Arup endeavours to support and encourage women in engineering, investing in personal and professional development and providing a platform for connecting, networking, sharing ideas and influencing the industry” says Alan Belfield, UK-ME Region Diversity Champion. “ConnectWomen’s vision is to be a professional, inclusive network that improves the opportunities for women working at Arup, enabling women to make a valued contribution to the firm, their clients and the industry as a whole.”
Another display of support for Arup’s female workforce is shown by the firm’s pledge to the UK Charter for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology. The charter represents a visible commitment from senior leadership to increase the participation and progression of women in engineering.
More information on Arup’s International Women’s Day events is provided for each location below. Please direct any questions regarding diversity at Arup or the ConnectWomen network to connect@arup.com.
Arup International Women's Day Events
Perth (Australia): Arup Perth is hosting a morning tea for female students and teachers from Presbyterian Ladies College and Shenton College. Arup’s Dr Sarah Elkhatib, Cara Moreland, Emma Heyes, Diana Cameron and Catherine Pearce will present on working in the engineering industry and coordinate a hands-on engineering activity. The Arup Perth staff will also accompany morning tea guests to the Worldly Women International Women's Day event at the Perth Hyatt Hotel. Contact: Linda Wheatley.
Brisbane (Australia): A celebratory morning tea is planned for female staff working in Arup's Brisbane office. The event provides a networking opportunity for those attending, as well as the chance to hear informal presentations from female staff who will share their experiences on managing a healthy life/work balance whilst working in the engineering and construction industry.
Sydney (Australia): Shortly after International Women’s Day, Arup Sydney is planning a careers workshop for school girls (aged 16-18), considering a career in engineering. Dates and venues will be confirmed shortly. For more information or to register your interest, contact Katherine Gubbins.
Melbourne (Australia): Staff from Arup Melbourne will be attending the Women in Engineering International Women’s Day Breakfast on Tuesday 9 March, in support an Australian women's charity. The event provides attendees with an entertaining and informative insight on the roles and contribution professional women have to Australian society.
Leeds (UK): Arup is partnering with local community organisation Leeds Ahead to host a lunchtime event. Guests will enjoy a presentation from CEO of Marketing Leeds, Deborah Green, on her personal experiences and the challenges she has faced as a woman moving up the ranks in marketing. Senior Arup engineer, Katy Roelich will also share tales on working as a woman in the construction industry. Contact: Karen Walters.
London (UK): Arup is working with UK educational outreach organisation, EDT, to invite sixth form girls from schools across London to an evening event of talks and networking with Arup staff. Over 80 staff and 40 students will hear from Arup Director Kate Hall about her career at Arup, including leading Olympic Park Infrastructure Design Team for London 2012. Kate’s presentation will be followed by guest speaker Naaz Coker winner of a lifetime achievement award at last year's Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards for Asian people in Britain. Naaz will talk about her successful portfolio career with charities and the NHS. Contact: Sarah Bowden.
Cardiff (UK): Arup has invited pupils and teachers from local Cardiff schools to join a number of Arup engineers and scientists in the Wales Millennium Centre. A fun afternoon full of activities is planned, exploring engineering, the built environment and science in construction (environmental, water, sustainability etc). The event will include short presentations from female Arup engineers, project managers and scientists, providing a snapshot of their career highlights and successes. Pupils will also have the opportunity to work in small groups alongside Arup staff on a hand-on concept design. Contact: Toria Thomas.
Belfast (UK): Arup is hosting a lunchtime event for guests from schools across Belfast city. They keynote speaker for the event is Lord Mayor Naomi Long, who was a Civil Engineer long before entering politics. Arup Belfast office leader, Kerry Greeves, will chair the event and discuss her dual roles as a manager and structural engineer. The event will include a presentation on kick-start an engineering career as well as presentations from professional women of all ages and engineering specialisms. Contact: Kerry Greeves.