What Is IEEE Women in Engineering?

IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) is a global organizational program of IEEE dedicated to connecting, supporting, and inspiring women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, with a particular focus on facilitating their recruitment and retention in the engineering profession. It operates through a network of more than 450 affinity groups in IEEE sections worldwide, giving it a presence across more than 100 countries. With over 15,000 members, WIE is one of the largest international networks working on gender equity within the technical professions and is formally administered as a committee of the IEEE Member and Geographic Activities Board.

The program's origins trace to 1994, when the IEEE Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Society formed an ad hoc committee focused on women in that field. The committee's work led to a motion before the IEEE Technical Activities Board to create a broader organization, which was approved in June 1995. The IEEE Board of Directors elevated the group to an ad hoc committee reporting directly to the Board, and in November 1997 IEEE formally launched Women in Engineering as a program with dedicated funding and a mandate to develop a sustained presence across the organization's global structure. A dues-paying membership component was added in 1999.

Programs and Outreach

WIE administers a portfolio of programs targeted at different career stages, from pre-university students through established professionals. The IEEE STAR (Student-Teacher and Research Engineer/Scientist) Programme connects female engineering students and faculty with pre-college girls through mentorship and technical demonstrations, aiming to establish interest in engineering before students make secondary-school course selection decisions. WIE also offers grants and scholarships at undergraduate and graduate levels, supporting women pursuing engineering and computer science degrees. The WIE Manga Story Contest, launched more recently, targets younger audiences by using accessible storytelling formats to present engineering as a viable and appealing career path.

Affinity Groups and Local Engagement

WIE affinity groups operate within IEEE's geographic section structure, providing local programming that reflects the needs and contexts of their regional membership. Groups organize technical talks, networking events, career workshops, and student branch coordination, adapting WIE's broader mission to local institutional and cultural settings. The IEEE WIE History page documents the growth of this network from its early concentrated presence in North America through its expansion across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Affinity group formation requires a minimum number of IEEE members and operates under MGA governance guidelines, which ensures a consistent organizational framework while allowing flexibility in programming.

Professional Development and Recognition

At the professional level, WIE provides conference grants enabling women engineers to attend and present at IEEE technical conferences, increasing visibility and building networks across institutional boundaries. WIE-associated events at major IEEE conferences, including dedicated panels and networking sessions, create structured opportunities for connection within the broader meeting context. The IEEE Engineering and Technology History Wiki documents WIE's institutional history and the engineering careers of many of its members, placing the program within the longer history of women's contributions to electrical and electronic engineering.

Applications

IEEE Women in Engineering supports professional and educational engagement in a wide range of contexts, including:

• Pre-college outreach to increase interest in engineering among girls
• Scholarship and grant programs for undergraduate and graduate students
• Mentoring networks connecting students with practicing engineers
• Conference participation support and visibility programs
• Leadership development within IEEE's volunteer governance structure